Aksaray
Introduction
You will find Aksaray situated in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. As the seat of both the Aksaray Province and Aksaray District, this location offers a high-altitude landscape where you can experience the vast terrain of the Anatolian heartland.
Before you go
Before you visit, understand the complex history of this region, which served as a Persian kingdom before falling under Roman rule. You can trace its evolution through the layers of architecture left by the Seljuks and the Ottomans. While the name Aksaray translates to "white palace," no physical remains of that original structure survive today.
As you travel toward Cappadocia, you will pass through this industrial hub located along the historic Silk Road. The area was once a vital trading point for goods moving toward Konya and served as a center for salt trade from the nearby great salt lake.
Getting thereYou can reach the city by bus from several major hubs, including Istanbul, Izmir, and Konya. Buses traveling from Istanbul pass through Gebze and Ankara before reaching the region, while those departing from Izmir travel via Uşak, Afyon, and Konya. If you arrive at the Nevehir station, you can take a local minibus or a larger bus to reach the center of Aksaray.
For those traveling by road, you can head east from Istanbul past Ankara toward Adana before taking the D750 into town. The D300 serves as an east-west highway connecting Kayseri, Cappadocia, Aksaray, and Konya. Please note that there is no railway service available to reach this destination.
Getting around
You can navigate the region by renting a car or by utilizing local transportation if you are not in a hurry. Hitchhiking is an option once you leave the city limits, and you may rely on a combination of buses and your thumb to reach your destinations.
Within the town center, dolmuş routes radiate from the former bus station on Atatürk Blv. You can also take a dolmuş toward local destinations such as Güzelyurt and Ihlara; in these vans, you may reserve your seat by leaving a bag or jacket on it while you wait.
Where to stay
You can choose from a variety of accommodations depending on your preferred location and level of comfort. If you prefer a central stay, look for options near the Grand Mosque where you can find clean and comfortable rooms in the heart of the city. For those seeking a more modern experience with spa facilities at the northern edge of town, several hotels provide convenient access for motorists.
Other options include smart and clean hotels located near major road junctions or slightly outside the main center. You might choose a basic but acceptable stay in the Taşpazar area or select a comfortable hotel that includes breakfast. For those traveling toward Cappadocia, a smart option is available directly on the highway.
Food & drink
You can find a variety of dining options along the riverside on Ebulfeyz Elçibey Cd, which serves as the main eating strip. These establishments include Sofra, Etci, Künefeland, Has Döner, Şehzade, Çiğerci Bahattin, Elçibey, Domino's Pizza, Omur Baba, and Kardeşler. Additional dining choices are located in the park further upriver.
For your refreshments, many local cafes and restaurants serve beer. You can also visit Mert Birahanesi on Kalealtı Cd.
What to see and do
Explore the historic architecture of the city center, where you can visit the Grand Mosque, also known as Karamanoğlu Mehmed Bey Mosque, and admire the nearby early Republican buildings. Nearby, the Zinciriye Medresse features a fine facade and an elaborate Crown Gate, while the Red Mosque is distinguished by its leaning minaret from the Seljuk era. For a deeper look into local history, visit the Aksaray Museum or the child-friendly Science Museum. You can also find tranquility at the Yusuf Hakiki Baba Complex, which houses elegant tombs and a library.
Venturing further afield offers diverse landscapes and historical sites:
- Explore the Sultan Han, a sturdy Seljuk caravanserai with a decorated marble gateway and an open-air courtyard.
- Visit the Prince Mikasa Memorial Garden in Çağırkan to see a hillside Japanese garden set against barren outcrops and Scots pine stands.
- Experience the vast scale of Tuz Gölü, a salt lake that creates a white, flat landscape in the summer and attracts migratory birds in spring and autumn.
- Hike or rock-climb in the nearby Ihlara Valley.
- View the ruins of the 10th-century Byzantine Çanlı Kilise nestled into a mountainside.
- Witness the striking scenery of the twin-peaked dormant volcano, Hasan Dağı.
Three days in Aksaray
Day one, you begin your journey in the heart of Aksaray District. You explore the historic atmosphere of the Taşpazar area and wander along Ebulfeyz Elçibey Cd to experience the local character of this Central Anatolian hub.
Day two, you travel through the surrounding landscape of Aksaray Province. You immerse yourself in the history of the region, reflecting on the influences of the Roman, Seljuks, and Ottomans that shaped these lands along the Silk Road.
Day three, you venture toward the nearby regions of Nevehir and Güzelyurt. You take in the sights of the Anatolian countryside as you conclude your exploration of this part of Turkey.