Explore Aksaray through its varied historical landmarks: highlights include an unusually crooked Seljuk minaret, medieval madrasas, and an Ottoman hamam. The Aksaray Museum complements the city’s architectural history with archaeological finds, carpets, and ethnographic objects. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing the city-center monuments from other destinations in the Aksaray region.
Seljuk Architecture and Madrasas
Eğri Minare stands in central Aksaray on Nevşehir Caddesi. This surviving Seljuk monument dates from the 13th century; I. Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev had it built between 1221 and 1236. It is made of red bricks with blue-green tile mosaics, stands 30.6 meters high, and has 92 steps. Researchers generally believe the minaret was built deliberately crooked. Its tilt is therefore not only a distinctive feature but also part of its architectural history.
Ulu Camii also brings together architectural history and craftsmanship. Rükneddin Mesud, son of Kılıçarslan, had the mosque built. One of its distinctive features is an ebony minbar from the Seljuk period, made by Nüştekin'ül Cemali.
Zinciriye Medresesi was built in 1336 by Yahşi Bey of the Karamanoğulları dynasty. Its layout, with four iwans and an open courtyard, gives visitors an insight into the madrasa as a building type. Bedriye Medresesi is in the Taşpazar neighborhood in the city center, opposite Cıncıklı Mosque. Bedr-üd-din Yusuf had it built during the reign of the Seljuk sultan I. Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev. Today, the Aksaray municipal government uses the restored building for its “Kitap ve Kahve” offering. Zinciriye Medresesi hosts municipal social and cultural events. If you would like to combine your visit with a particular offering or event, check the latest information and dates.
The History Street and Industrial History
On History Street, along Vehbibey Caddesi in the Dere neighborhood, buildings from four historical periods stand side by side, 50 meters apart. The street is also home to Debbağlar Bridge, a three-arched structure dating from the 12th-century Seljuk period. It is next to the Azmi-Milli Flour Factory. The factory was established in Aksaray in 1924 at Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s request and is considered Turkey’s first flour factory. Today it is used as an industrial and science museum; its machinery is still operational. Check the latest visitor information before making this a fixed part of your plans.
Archaeology and Collections at the Aksaray Museum
The Aksaray Museum displays finds from different periods, offering a different way to explore history than the buildings in the city center. The Aşıklı Höyük hall displays finds from the excavation site of the region’s first village settlement, founded 10,500 years ago. The Acemhöyük hall includes pithoi, a burnt door fragment, water pipes, stone axes, and pottery.
The museum’s ethnographic objects include household items, clothing for weddings and holidays, jewelry, and traditional handicrafts. The museum also preserves numerous Seljuk and Ottoman carpets, as well as prayer rugs from Ulu Camii; some are on display. The collection also includes four complete Byzantine mummies, an incomplete adult mummy, incomplete child mummies, and two cat mummies. Some exhibits may change. You can therefore tailor your museum visit to your interest in archaeological finds, everyday culture, or special collection pieces.
Other Historic Sites in the City Center
Paşa Hamamı is an Ottoman bath and the only historic hamam in central Aksaray that still serves its original function. Check the latest information about access before visiting. The tomb and prayer room of Somuncu Baba are located in the Evrah Cemetery in the center. A cultural center for religious tourism has been developed next to them. It includes a covered, wooden-roofed mosque with 800 seats, shopping units, and a bakery.
The Wider Aksaray Region
There are also historic destinations beyond the city center in the Aksaray region. The ancient city of Nora lies at the foot of Hasan Dağı. It was inhabited from the Hellenistic period onward and served as a strategic military center; its ruins date from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Along with the ruins, 32 church structures and 20 cisterns have been discovered at the 200-hectare site. There are recreational areas and fish restaurants serving a variety of dishes on the shore of Helvadere Pond. As restaurant offerings may change, it is a good idea to check the latest information before making plans.
Discover more destinations: Gültepe Köyü, Ortaköy, Belisırma, Sultanhanı, Güzelyurt, Ihlara Valley, Harmandalı Municipality.
For the broader travel overview: Aksaray.
