AKSARAY
Aksaray is a center in Cappadocia, in
the Central Anatolian region. The province
has many things to show in addition to wonderful surroundings. There are
important historical buildings from Seljuk times,
mostly from the 14th century, such as the Ulu Mosque
and the Kizil (Egri) Minaret. The brickwork
of the Kizil Minaret is elaborate. The
Sultanhan caravanserai built by
the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat is well-preserved,
and the Agzikarahan caravanserai
is the second important and famous monument from the Seljuk
period, both built on the Silk Road.
Aksaray possesses the most frequently visited
regions of Cappadocia,
all of display which natural beauties mingled with the mysticism of history.
Viransehir (Nora), which was the military center of Byzantines
and Romans because of its strategic position, carries historical remains
from Roman and Byzantine times. Ihlara
is a 14 kms long fascinating canyon, formed by the Melendiz River. In this
valley can be found Byzantine rock chapels used
by the early Christians, similar to the ones
at Göreme valley, cut into the canyon
walls and decorated with frescoes. From these chapels the Agacalti (Daniel)
Church, the Yilanli (Apocalypse) Church, the Sümbüllü (Hyacinth) Church,
the Purenliseki Church, and St. Georges Church are the most interesting
ones. In the Güzelyurt valley, there are dwellings from the prehistoric
periods and they are in an underground city
form. In addition to these there are chapels and buildings carved into
the rock. The Manastir valley, and the Sivisli Church which is one of the
most interesting churches in the area, are the other attractive places.
One of the most spectacular views in Aksaray is the Hasan mountain,
an ancient volcano, rising from the flatlands of Anatolia
and touching some 3,200m (10,000ft approximately). It is a great spot for mountain
sports fans such as climbers and trekkers.
Accompanying these you will also find guest houses, restaurants and
good hotels in the region. Many
tours for Cappadocia passes by Aksaray.
On March 29, 2006, Total Solar Eclipse
will be seen in Aksaray as well at 14:00pm local time.
