What is Aksaray famous for? (68)
1. What should be known about Aksaray?
Aksaray is known as the "City of Saints." Located in the Central Anatolia Region, it is one of the earliest settlements in Turkey. In Hittite tablets, it is referred to as Kurşura, and in the Early Ages, it was known as Garsaura. The city was rebuilt during the reign of the Cappadocian King Archeleos and was named Archelais. With the arrival of the Turks in Anatolia, the name was adapted to Aksaray.
In Aksaray, cereal production is widespread, with wheat and wheat products being prominent. Livestock farming is also developed, making meat and dairy products common.
2. When should you visit Amasya?
Aksaray experiences hot and dry summers, while winters are cold. The city receives the most precipitation during the spring and winter months. Due to significant temperature differences between day and night, the best times to visit are the warm summer and mild autumn months.
3. How to get to Aksaray?
By Road: It is possible to reach Aksaray by road from anywhere in Turkey. The most common mode of transportation is by bus. Aksaray does not have an airport. If you wish to travel by air, you can fly to Kayseri or Nevşehir and then transfer to Aksaray. Shuttle services are available from these airports to Aksaray.
4. How is urban transportation in Aksaray?
In the city, transportation is provided by buses and minibuses. Dolmuş (shared taxis) also operate from early in the morning until late at night.
5. What should you eat and drink in Aksaray?
Sıkma, yufka, kuskus pilavı, dolma mantı, katıklı aş, soğanlama, bamya çorbası, arabaşı, and çiğleme are among the local delicacies of Aksaray.
So where can you eat these and more?
Kardeşler Etli Ekmek: Here, you can find a wide variety of dishes, from soups to lahmacun, from etli ekmek to desserts, and from salads to lamb tandir. The etli ekmek is highly recommended.
Address: Taspazar Mahallesi, Ebulfeyz Elcibey Caddesi, Kafeler Caddesi, Aksaray
Ağaçlı Restoran: Located within the Ağaçlı Hotel in Ihlara, one of Aksaray’s most popular tourist spots. Ağaçlı Restoran offers a selection of dishes from international cuisine, with a strong emphasis on meat dishes and soups.
Address: Ankara – Adana Asfaltı E-90 Karayolu Nevşehir Kavşağı, Aksaray Merkez
6. What are the must-visit places in Aksaray?
Ihlara Valley: Located within the borders of the Güzelyurt district, Ihlara Valley is a place where nature, history, art, and culture come together with its vegetation, churches, and chapels. It is one of the largest canyons in the world. At the base of the steep, deep, and narrow canyon walls, there is a dense strip of greenery consisting of vineyards and gardens. It feels as if nature has hidden itself within the valley.
Ihlara Valley
The Leaning Minaret: Also known as the Red Minaret due to the red color of the bricks, it dates back to the 13th century. The Leaning Minaret was built with its tilt inherent from the beginning; it was not bent later. It stands 30.6 meters tall and has 92 steps.
The Leaning Minaret
Aksaray Museum: The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from various periods, including the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Phrygian, Classical, Roman, Hellenistic, and Byzantine eras. Additionally, it showcases a collection of clothing samples, carpets, rugs, socks, coins, and weapons from the surrounding region of Aksaray.
Aksaray Museum
Nora Ancient City: Located at the foothills of Mount Hasandağı, Nora Ancient City retained its significance during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Most of the church ruins within the city date back to the Byzantine era.
Nora Ancient City
St. Gregory Church Mosque: This site holds significant importance for the Orthodox denomination. Over time, the church's bell tower was converted into a minaret and the building began to be used as a mosque. Adjacent to the structure, there is a subterranean water source known as Ayazma, accessible by a 35-step staircase.
St. Gregory Church Mosque
Hasan Mountain: It stands 3,268 meters above sea level and is a volcanic mountain. With a campsite available, it is an excellent location for mountaineers. You can also engage in winter sports on Hasan Mountain between December and April.
Hasan Mountain
7. What can you do in Aksaray?
Science and Spring Festival (June)
Ihlara Culture and Tourism Festival (July)
Saratli Culture and Art Festival (July)
Taşpınar Municipality Carpet Festival (August)
8. What should you buy from Aksaray?
Rug weaving is very popular in Taşpınar, Aksaray. The most important feature of these rugs is that the knotting threads are entirely made of wool. The first thing you should buy is this special rug.
You can also purchase souvenirs and items from Ihlara Valley.
9. Where to stay in Aksaray?
Hotels located in the city center are a good choice. Additionally, there are accommodation options in the districts of Eskil, Güzelyurt, Sarıyahşi, and Gülağaç.
10. What to be aware of while traveling in Aksaray?
If you plan to join tours in Aksaray, don’t forget to bring warm clothing and non-slip shoes for the winter months.
It is recommended to obtain a Müzekart before your trip. This will give you easy access to all the city's museums, historical sites, and archaeological sites.
For a more detailed exploration, download VanGo!
Aksaray Route: https://vango.page.link/jWah
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