General Information about Aksaray
Located in Central Anatolia, Aksaray is a city with a population of about 435,000 (2024 data). Known as the “Gateway to Cappadocia,” Aksaray is a blend of history, culture, and nature. The city is famous for its volcanic landscapes shaped by Mount Hasan and the ancient trade routes of the Silk Road.
Throughout history, Aksaray was home to civilizations including the Hittites, Phrygians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. Its location on the Silk Road made it a center for trade, culture, and architecture, which can still be seen in its caravanserais and mosques.
Today, Aksaray is known for its agricultural production, especially wheat, sugar beet, and potatoes, as well as animal husbandry. The city is also a base for tourism thanks to its proximity to Cappadocia and its own unique landmarks like Ihlara Valley.
Places to Visit in Aksaray
- Ihlara Valley: A 14 km-long canyon carved by the Melendiz River, famous for its rock-hewn churches, frescoes, and natural beauty. It is one of Turkey’s most visited trekking destinations.
- Mount Hasan: An extinct volcano rising 3,268 meters, popular for mountaineering and offering panoramic views of Central Anatolia.
- Sultanhanı Caravanserai: One of the largest Seljuk caravanserais in Turkey, built in the 13th century. It reflects the grandeur of the Silk Road era.
- Eğri Minare (Red Minaret): A leaning Seljuk minaret in Aksaray city center, often compared to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- Aksaray Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii): Built in 1408, this mosque is an architectural landmark of the city.
- Güzelyurt: A historic town with stone houses, underground cities, and cave churches. Known as “Small Cappadocia.”
- Monastery Valley (Manastır Vadisi): Filled with rock-cut dwellings, churches, and monasteries similar to Cappadocia’s Göreme.
- Nora Ancient City (Helvadere): Ruins of a Roman and Byzantine settlement at the foot of Mount Hasan.
- Lake Tuz (Salt Lake): One of the largest hypersaline lakes in the world, partly located within Aksaray province. Known for its flamingos and stunning sunset views.
Aksaray Bus Terminal
Aksaray Intercity Bus Terminal is modern and strategically located along major highways. It connects the city with Central Anatolia, Cappadocia, and the Mediterranean region.
Facilities include:
- Ticket offices for national and regional bus companies
- Comfortable waiting lounges
- Shops and cafés
- Minibus services to districts and villages
Travel times: Istanbul–Aksaray (~10–11 hours), Ankara–Aksaray (~4 hours), Konya–Aksaray (~2 hours), Nevşehir–Aksaray (~1.5 hours).
What to Eat in Aksaray?
Aksaray’s cuisine reflects Central Anatolia’s hearty food culture, with strong Seljuk and Ottoman influences.
- Testi Kebab: Meat and vegetables slow-cooked in a sealed clay pot, broken open before serving.
- Bamya Soup: A special dish often served at weddings and ceremonies.
- Çullama: A local lamb stew cooked with onions and spices.
- Katmer: A flaky pastry with sesame or sugar, enjoyed at breakfast.
- Siron (Yufka Rolls): Rolled flatbread served with yogurt and butter.
- Sac Böreği: A thin layered pastry cooked on an iron griddle.
- Molasses (Pekmez): Aksaray is known for its grape products, especially grape molasses.
How to Get to Aksaray?
- By Bus: Aksaray is on the main highway connecting Ankara, Konya, Nevşehir, and Adana. Daily buses run from Istanbul (~10 hours), Ankara (~4 hours), and Konya (~2 hours).
- By Air: Aksaray does not have its own airport. The nearest airports are Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (75 km) and Kayseri Erkilet Airport (160 km).
- By Train: There is no direct railway line to Aksaray. The nearest train stations are in Kayseri and Konya.
- By Car: Distances: Ankara–Aksaray 225 km (~3–4 hours), Konya–Aksaray 145 km (~2 hours), Nevşehir–Aksaray 75 km (~1.5 hours).
Bus Companies Operating in Aksaray
- Metro Turizm
- Varan Turizm
- Seç Turizm
- Aksaray Birlik Turizm
- Nevşehir Seyahat
- Kırşehir Şanal Turizm
Regional bus firms connect Aksaray with nearby provinces and Cappadocia.
