Ancient Sites in Aksaray
On the 200-hectare site of the ancient city of Nora, 32 church buildings and 20 cisterns have been discovered alongside the ruins. Nora lies at the foot of Mount Hasan, in the town of Helvadere, in Aksaray’s Central District. The city was inhabited from the Hellenistic period and was an important strategic military center; the ruins preserve traces of Roman and Byzantine times. Different historical reference points therefore come together here: early settlement, strategic importance, and architectural evidence from later periods. The number of church buildings and cisterns also makes clear that Nora encompasses more than a single structure.
Another ancient site is Acemhöyük in Yeşilova Beldesi, in Aksaray’s Central District. The settlement is one of the largest ancient settlements in Central Anatolia. While Nora is characterized by several historical periods and specific types of finds, Acemhöyük stands out for its size in regional comparison. Travelers with a particular interest in ancient settlements can thus explore two distinct sites: Nora brings together several periods and types of finds, while Acemhöyük represents a significant settlement on a Central Anatolian scale.
Buildings and Traces of the Past
The Zinciriye Madrasa in Aksaray city center was built in 1336 by Yahşi Bey of the Karamanoğulları dynasty, with four iwans and an open courtyard. The term madrasa identifies the building as an educational institution; its patron, date, and layout each offer different clues to its historical context.
The Eğri Minaret marks an earlier date: I. Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev had the Seljuk structure built between 1221 and 1236; it dates to the 13th century. It is 30.6 meters high and has 92 steps. Its historical context is therefore paired with concrete details about the structure. Along Aksaray History Street, buildings from four historical periods stand about 50 meters apart. Unlike the dating of a single monument, this street brings several periods together in close proximity.
The Debbağlar Bridge is a 12th-century structure from the Seljuk period and marks another point in the historical timeline. Paşa Hamamı is the only Turkish bath in Aksaray city center that is still operating. If you plan to visit, check its current operating status in advance.
Industrial History and Helvadere Pond
The Azm-i-Milli Flour Factory was founded in Aksaray in 1924 at the request of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and is considered Turkey’s first flour factory. The former factory is now used as an industrial and science museum; its machinery is still operational. Unlike the medieval buildings, the focus here is on industrial history. Before planning a visit, check the current status of the machinery and visitor arrangements.
There are recreational areas on the banks of Helvadere Pond. The pond also has fish restaurants serving a variety of dishes. If you plan to eat there, check in advance which restaurants are currently open.
Discover more destinations: Güzelyurt, Aksaray, Belisırma, Ihlara Valley, Ortaköy, Sultanhanı, Gültepe Köyü, Harmandalı Belediyesi.
For the broader travel overview: Anatolia.
