Mysteries of Aksaray: From Museums to Caravanserais

Eğri Minaret

Eğri Minaret stands out with its resemblance to the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. Located in the city center of Aksaray, on Nevşehir Street, Eğri Minaret is one of the most important historical artifacts from the Seljuk Period. The minaret was named Eğri (Leaning) Minaret by the people because of its lean of 3° 11' degrees. It is also known as Crimson Minaret because of its red bricks. Eğri Minaret, one of the 13th century Seljuk artifacts, is dated to 1221-1236. The Egri Minaret, which has a balcony and 92 steps, is 30.6 meters high. It has always been wondered whether the Eğri Minaret has been built as leaning or it leaned later. According to the researches, the generally accepted opinion is that the Egri Minaret was made leaning by its master.

St. Mercurius Underground City

A popular destination in Cappadocia, the St Mercurius Underground City and Church, consists of four floors with three accessible to visitors. The underground city complex includes various facilities such as three water wells, storage rooms, a toilet, a cellar, and living spaces. Around 250 CE, when Christianity was banned by Roman authorities, the site served as a training ground for early Christians, who were forced to practice their faith in secret.

Aşıklı Mound

Aşıklı Tumulus (Aşıklı Höyüğü) has been established 10,500 years ago as the first village settlement of Central Anatolia. The Aşıklı community, which abandoned the hunter, gatherer and nomadic lifestyle and moved to a settled and productive lifestyle, lived in the same place for at least 30-35 generations from the mid-ninth millennium BCE to the mid-eighth millennium BCE. Aşıklı community has had pioneering developments in the history of architecture, history of medicine, agriculture and animal husbandry etc. during their thousand years of life in the Cappadocia Region.

Paşa Bath

Paşa Bath (Paşa Hamamı) is the only Turkish bath that has survived to the present day as functional in Aksaray city center. It consists of two parts as women's and men's baths. The bath, constructed of smooth cut stone, has six domes, of which two are small and four are large. The building, which is a typical Ottoman building, consists of six square-planned rooms.

Grand Mosque

Ulu Mosque (Ulu Cami), one of the most beautiful examples of Seljuk architecture, was first had built by the Anatolian Seljuk ruler Rükneddin Mesud (1116-1155). The mosque, which was expanded and repaired during the Karamanoğulları period, is also known as the "Karamanoğlu Mehmet Bey Mosque".The pulpit in the Ulu Mosque, where we see the best examples of stonework in every detail, is a masterpiece of Seljuk woodwork. This pulpit, made of ebony wood with kündekari technique, is one of the oldest pulpits belonging to the Anatolian Seljuks.

Zinciriye Madrasa

Immerse yourself in the wonders of Mamluk architecture at the breathtaking Zinciriye Madrasa set against the vast Anatolian plains of Aksaray, Türkiye. This unique piece of history stands elegantly, a testament to the remarkable architectural advancement of the Karamanid period. Built in 1336 as a center of religious studies, Zinciriye Madrasa is not just a historical monument but an experience to walk through the corridors of time. Take a journey that awakens your senses with a refreshingly unique mix of architectural grandeur and historic narratives. Let the elegant stone carvings and distinctive domes of Zinciriye Madrasa speak to you of a time long past, yet beautifully preserved in exquisite detail. As you navigate through its tranquil courtyard, soak in the intricate calligraphy and ornate decoration that adorn the walls, a true reflection of Seljuk and Islamic influence. Your journey to Aksaray, Türkiye, is more than just a trip. It’s an exploration of Türkiye’s cultural legacy, framed within one of its most vibrant, evolving social landscapes. The Zinciriye Madrasa is truly an asset to Türkiye’s tourism, a tale painted in stone. Experience a blend of classic architectural beauty with stunning landscapes as the soul of this fascinating region of Türkiye unfolds around you. Our call is to travelers, history enthusiasts, and culture explorers from across the world: step into the pages of history as the timeless allure of Zinciriye Madrasa awaits your discovery in Aksaray, Türkiye.

Ağzıkarahan Caravanserai

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of history engraved in the stones of the Ağzıkarahan Caravanserai, the mysterious sentinel of the Silk Road in Aksaray, Türkiye. It is one of the Seljukian Caravanserais on Denizli - Doğubayazıt Route. This stately architectural wonder offers you an intriguing stopover on your journey of history and discovery. Rooted in the early 13th century, the Ağzıkarahan Caravanserai whispers tales of countless caravans that sought refuge under its majestic, domed archways. Become entranced by the imposing fortitude of the monolithic walls steeped in lore. The glistening sun overhead intensifies the symbolic crescent-shaped Seljuk star adorning the entrance portal. An aura of serenity envelops you as you traverse the tranquil courtyard, resonating with a fusion of Eastern Roman, Persian, and Islamic architectural styles. Feel the timeless calm as the Ağzıkarahan Caravanserai leisurely divulges the secrets of a bygone era where Silk Road traders swapped their eclectic merchandise and intriguing stories, surely as entrancing as your journey to this quiet enclave in Türkiye's heartland. Experience the thrill of stepping into the shoes of erstwhile merchants, sharing ancient traditions within the Caravanserai's weathered walls. Don't miss the opportunity to unravel the mystery of this historic treasure trove nestled amidst Aksaray's enchanting landscape. The adventure is yours to savor as you explore the fascinating Ağzıkarahan Caravanserai, your gateway to the timeless allure of Türkiye's diverse cultural assets.

Aksaray Museum

The Aksaray Museum was initially located in the Zinciriye Madrasa before moving to a new location in 2006. The museum has a total area of 12,000 square meters, with various halls showcasing ethnographic, archaeological artifacts, and coins. Exhibits include items from different historical periods such as the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Bronze, Iron, Hellenistic, Roman, and Ottoman periods. The museum also features artifacts from specific excavation sites like Aşıklıhöyük, Musular, and Acemhöyük, displaying a wide range of objects including tools, pottery, and figurines. Additionally, the museum houses mummies, as well as exhibits dedicated to local crafts like carpet making and pottery. Various sections have been added to the museum over the years, including a garden area, Islamic tombstones shelter, Archeopark, mosaics warehouse, and a training hall.

Somuncu Baba Tomb and Complex

Somuncu Baba is one of the leading scholars and saints who grew up in Anatolia during the foundation years of the Ottoman Empire. Sheikh Hamid-i Veli, who was born in Kayseri in 1349 and known as Somuncu Baba, achieved superior degrees in mysticism and science. Somuncu Baba, who came to Aksaray (Şehr-i Süleha) on the return of pilgrimage, continued his science and guidance activities here until the end of his life and died in Aksaray in 1412. His grave is in the Ervah cemetery in Aksaray. The Somuncu Baba Cultural Center, built right next to the Somuncu Baba Mausoleum, has been designed as religious venues for faith tourism open to the public, and it reminds its visitors the atmosphere of Somuncu Baba's period with shopping units, a bakery and a wooden portico-roofed mosque with a capacity of 800 people, which reminds the Seljuk and early Ottoman masjids.