Aksaray (Province)

Aksaray, located in the Central Anatolia Region, is a province of historical depth and strategic geographic position. With settlement traces extending back to 7000–6000 BCE, Aksaray has been influenced by various civilizations since antiquity and has served as a significant cultural and trade center throughout history. Since the Assyrian period, it has been continuously inhabited and bears the traces of many civilizations including the Assyrians, Hittites, Phrygians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans. Today, Aksaray draws attention through its economic activities, primarily agriculture and livestock, while offering a rich cultural past through its natural and historical heritage. Notably, important archaeological sites such as Aşıklı Höyük, Ihlara Valley and the Saint Marcurius Underground City provide key insights into the region’s history.

Aksaray (Source: Pexels/Mehmet Yasin Kabaklı)

History

Early Periods and the Hittite Era

The history of Aksaray extends back to 7000–6000 BCE. Archaeological evidence of Neolithic Era settlements has been found within the current boundaries of Aksaray. Excavations in Çatalhöyük uncovered a painting depicting volcanic eruptions from Hasandağ, highlighting the region’s historical significance. During the Neolithic period, Aksaray and its surroundings were settled, and artifacts from the Chalcolithic and Early Iron Age have also been discovered. During this time, with the arrival of Assyrian merchants trading from Mesopotamia into Anatolia, Aksaray began to emerge as an important trade center.

Hittites and Subsequent Periods

Between 2000–1700 BCE, Assyrian colonies established trade networks in settlements around Aksaray. During this period, particularly due to the spread of writing and the influence of Assyrian merchants, Aksaray became an important cultural center. The Hittites, who dominated the region between 1750–1200 BCE, incorporated Aksaray into their territory and left behind numerous significant archaeological finds.

Phrygians, Cimmerians and Lydians

In the 8th century BCE, the Phrygians gained control over Aksaray and its surroundings, exerting a major cultural influence. The Phrygian capital was Gordion, and traces of Phrygian culture have also been found in Aksaray. The Cimmerians invaded the region in the 7th century BCE following the decline of the Phrygians. This occupation brought significant changes to Aksaray’s social and economic structure. After the fall of the Cimmerians, the Lydians seized Aksaray and entered into conflict with the Persians in the 6th century BCE.

Persians and the Kingdom of Cappadocia

Aksaray became part of the Persian Empire’s satrapy of Cappadocia. The Persians administered the region through satrapies, and the Kingdom of Cappadocia, established in the 4th century BCE, incorporated Aksaray into its borders. One of the most important structures from this period in Aksaray is the King Road. After Alexander the Great’s victory over the Persians, Aksaray came under Roman rule.

Roman and Byzantine Periods

Following the Roman Empire, Aksaray and its surroundings came under Byzantine control. The Byzantine era marked Aksaray’s introduction to Christianity, the construction of churches in the region, and the reorganization of the Roman Empire as the Byzantine state. During this time, Aksaray became one of the region’s key religious centers, with churches and monasteries established to spread Christianity. Simultaneously, the region suffered various military attacks and engaged in major conflicts with external powers such as the Sassanids and Arabs.

Seljuks and Ottoman Period

Aksaray was conquered by the Seljuk Turks following the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. Seljuks transformed Aksaray into one of Anatolia’s important cities, constructing numerous mosques, madrasa and caravanserai. Sultanhanı, one of the most significant structures of the Seljuk period, is located within Aksaray’s boundaries. The Ottomans captured Aksaray in the 14th century and incorporated the region into their territories. The Ottoman period was a time of extensive construction, commercial growth, and the emergence of Aksaray as a major economic center.

Modern Period and the Republic

After the proclamation of the Republic, Aksaray was initially administered as a district under Konya province, became a province in 1920, and was again attached to Niğde in 1933. In 1989, it regained its status as a province. Today, Aksaray is one of Türkiye’s important cities and is experiencing significant development in industry and cultural terms.

Geographical Structure

Aksaray is situated in the central section of the Kızılırmak River within the Central Anatolia Region, in an area where the northern and southern Anatolian mountain ranges diverge. The province, with an elevation of 980 meters, covers a vast area of 7,997 km². It borders Kırşehir and Ankara to the north, Nevşehir to the east, Niğde to the southeast, and Konya to the west. Geographically, Aksaray lies between 37–38 degrees north latitude and 33–35 degrees east longitude, making it a key strategic point within Türkiye’s Central Anatolia Region.

Aksaray (Source: Pexels/Hobi Photography)

Geological Structure and Land Formation

Aksaray’s geological structure reflects the region’s historical volcanic activity. Shaped by Tertiary volcanic movements, the area features a unique structure formed by calcareous tuffs. Among the highest volcanic mountains in the region are Hasandağ (3,268 m), Small Hasandağ (3,040 m) and Ekecik Dağı (2,033 m). Aksaray is characterized by volcanic plateaus surrounded by these mountains, flatlands formed by lava flows, and various folds. The province also lies at the convergence of the Tuz Gölü basin and the Central Kızılırmak Plateau. This region gradually assumed its current form through geological processes over time.

Vegetation and Climate

Aksaray’s plant cover has developed in accordance with its continental climate. In spring, semi-arid grasses such as meadow, carnation, daisy and keven are widespread, but during write months, the hot and dry climate causes these plants to dry out, transforming the region into a steppe landscape. Additionally, oak forests are found on Hasandağ and Ekecik Dağı. Species such as cedar, black pine, acacia and almond are also present. This vegetation contributes to maintaining Aksaray’s natural balance and supports a rich flora.

Water Resources and Lakes

Aksaray’s water sources consist of rivers fed by various fault and valley systems. The Melendiz Mountains give rise to the Uluırmak River, the region’s most important water source. Karasu and Eşmekaya streams are also significant rivers. Although Aksaray is relatively poor in water resources, underground water and artesian wells exist in certain areas.

Tuz Gölü, located within Aksaray’s provincial boundaries, is Türkiye’s second-largest lake and a vital water source. Approximately 400 km² of Tuz Gölü lies within Aksaray, and its lake surroundings are bordered by marshlands. In addition, smaller water reservoirs such as Kayı Gölü, Kartal Gölü and Sarıgöl contribute to Aksaray’s water resources.

Climate Characteristics

Aksaray experiences a cold continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Precipitation is concentrated especially in spring and winter months. The temperature difference between summer and winter is considerable. During summer months, humidity levels drop, while winter temperatures can fall below zero and snowfall is common. In spring, melting snow can lead to flooding and soil slides.

Soil Structure

Aksaray’s soil structure primarily consists of igneous, metamorphic and continental sedimentary rocks. These soils include various types such as brown soils, calcareous brown soils and alluvial soils. Particularly in the Aksaray Plain, alluvial soils cover a wide area and provide fertile land for agriculture. In addition to the region’s vegetation, this fertile soil structure has facilitated the development of agricultural activities.

Economic Structure

Aksaray’s economy is largely shaped by agriculture and livestock farming. Agriculture is one of the main sectors of Aksaray’s economy, with a significant portion of farmland dedicated to dryland crops. As of 2013, the employment rate in the agricultural sector was 42.2%. Dryland farming accounts for 71% of agricultural land, while irrigated farming covers 29%. Aksaray has 420,430 hectares of agricultural land, the majority of which is allocated to wheat, barley, sugar beet and forage crops.

The livestock sector is also significant. According to 2013 data, the province has 220,864 head of large livestock and 408,862 head of small livestock. There are 22,104 plant-based and 20,682 livestock enterprises registered across the province. Milk production, meat production and small livestock farming are key activities. Aksaray is one of Türkiye’s major livestock regions, with the number of large livestock continuously increasing. Additionally, 174,223 large and 506,126 small livestock are registered in the TÜRKVET system.

Alongside agriculture and livestock, food processing and industry play an important role in Aksaray. In 2014, there were 382 food production enterprises and 175 enterprises involved in feed production and sales. Feed factories in the province are among the key industrial establishments supporting continuous agricultural production. These industries have an annual feed production capacity of 106,250 tons.

In addition, agricultural support and incentive programs are implemented in Aksaray to provide economic benefits to local farmers. Farmers benefit from various support programs to increase productivity and access new technologies. These supports include certified seed and sapling usage, diesel and fertilizer subsidies, and irrigation projects. Furthermore, significant emphasis is placed on projects to improve agricultural infrastructure and land consolidation efforts.

Infrastructure

Road Network

Aksaray province occupies a strategic position at the intersection of major roads connecting eastern and western Türkiye and northern and southern regions. Its location along the E-90 highway significantly strengthens its transportation network. Aksaray lies midway between major cities such as Konya, Kayseri, Adana and Ankara. This location directly links Aksaray’s land road network with both internal and external regions. The province’s road network spans a total of 487 km, of which 206 km are divided highways. Additionally, there is a 2,182 km network of village roads. Aksaray lies on major transportation routes, with distances to key cities as follows: Aksaray-Ankara 225 km, Aksaray-Konya 148 km, Aksaray-Adana 265 km, Aksaray-Mersin 258 km, Aksaray-Istanbul 674 km, Aksaray-İzmir 692 km, Aksaray-Niğde 123 km and Aksaray-Nevşehir 75 km.

Railway

Aksaray province lies on the Ulukışla-Yerköy load train line, with a 111 km railway project connecting Aksaray and Ulukışla. This line is expected to enhance railway infrastructure and increase transportation capacity in the province. Additionally, the Kayseri-Antalya fast train project is planned to pass through Aksaray. These projects will accelerate regional connectivity and improve the efficiency of Aksaray’s railway transportation.

Airport and Port

Aksaray’s air access is provided through the nearest major airport, Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport, located 77 km away, which operates as an international airport. The distance to Mersin Port is 258 km. As alternatives, Kayseri Erkilet Airport is 160 km away and Konya Airport is 141 km away. However, Aksaray currently has no airport within its own boundaries.

Demographic Structure

Aksaray’s population development cannot be accurately traced before the first national census in 1927. Prior to this date, population data was uncertain due to frequent administrative changes and shifting boundaries. The first census in 1927 recorded Aksaray’s population at 127,224. However, Aksaray’s status as a district under Niğde province until 1990 hindered accurate population monitoring. Subsequent censuses after 1990 show a continuous population increase: from 326,399 in 1990 to 429,069 in 2021. In this period, 350,783 people live in the provincial center and 78,286 reside in villages.

Gender distribution in Aksaray is balanced. Although female population exceeded male population in the 1927 census, this was due to male population declines during war years and military or work requirements. According to the 2021 census, Aksaray’s population consists of 214,841 males and 214,228 females, indicating nearly equal gender distribution.

Historical Structures

• Aşıklı Höyük: Aşıklı Höyük, dating back to 8500 BCE, is one of the earliest examples of human transition to settled life. Findings of domesticated sheep and goats here illustrate this transition, while a skull discovered at the site is believed to be evidence of the world’s first brain surgery. As a settlement continuously used for over a millennium, Aşıklı Höyük presents examples of evolving village structures over time.
• Saint Marcurius Underground City: Built in the 3rd century CE during the Roman Empire’s persecution of Christians, Saint Marcurius Underground City served as a refuge for Christians. The seven-level city is notable for its cathedral-sized church. Today, three levels are open to visitors, attracting interest through rock-carved burial structures and historical mysteries.

Saint Marcurius Underground City (Source: Culture Portal)

• Ihlara Valley Archaeological Site: Ihlara Valley, one of the world’s largest canyons, was a major center in the early history of Christianity. Among the 105 rock-carved churches, 14 are open to visitors, drawing attention through historical artifacts and a mystical atmosphere. The site is also historically significant as the birthplace of prominent early Christian figures such as Saint Basil and Gregory of Nazianzus.

Ihlara Valley (Source: Culture Portal)

• Monastery Valley Archaeological Site: Located within Aksaray’s boundaries, Monastery Valley is a smaller version of Ihlara Valley, featuring 28 rock-carved churches. The area attracts attention through its natural beauty and cultural elements carved into the rock. Monastery Valley is an important destination for those interested in history and natural landscapes.
• Saratlı Kırkgöz Underground City: Saratlı Kırkgöz Underground City extends seven levels underground and contains interesting structures such as water wells and ventilation shafts that supplied the local population. This 40-room city is exceptionally well-preserved and offers visitors a tangible sense of what life was like in the past, leaving a vivid impression of subterranean living.
• Aksaray Museum: The Aksaray Museum is a significant cultural site exhibiting 15,354 artifacts spanning from ceramics to the Neolithic period. Among its notable exhibits are the skull from Aşıklı Höyük and Byzantine-era mummies. The museum is a vital destination for understanding the region’s history and cultural heritage.

Administration

Governor

The active governor of Aksaray is Mehmet Ali Kumbuzoğlu . Kumbuzoğlu was appointed as “Governor of Aksaray” by Presidential Decree No. 376 dated 10.08.2023.