Avanos is a historical and touristic district of Türkiye's Nevşehir province, located on both banks of the Kızılırmak River. As of 2024, it has a population of approximately 32,098. The district, which is divided by the Kızılırmak flowing through its center, is connected across both sides by four bridges. Two of these are ring road bridges, one is a stone bridge, and one is a suspension bridge that serves only pedestrians.

History

Among its names in antiquity are “Zuwinasa” during the Hittite period, “Nenansa” during the Assyrian period, “Venessa” in the Byzantine era, and “Evenüz” during the Seljuk period. This last name eventually evolved into “Avanos.” The term “Evenüz” means a place where pottery is made, pointing to the region's ancient pottery tradition.

The settlement, institutionalized during the Seljuk period, left architectural traces with the Alaaddin Mosque built in 1202 in the name of Alaaddin Keykubat. At the time, the settlement consisted of only a few households and expanded with newcomers from surrounding areas. Its first neighborhood, “Çavuş Mahallesi” (today’s Alaaddin Neighborhood), was named after the “çavuş” (sergeant) who commissioned the mosque.

Gaining district status during the Ottoman era, Avanos was briefly downgraded to village status but regained its district status in 1887 through local initiative. It was connected to Kırşehir in 1888 and was attached to Nevşehir when it became a province in 1954.

Kızılırmak and Physical Structure

Kızılırmak, which divides the district from east to west, is the most important natural feature shaping both the geography and identity of Avanos. Known historically as “Marassantia” (Hittite) and “Halys” (Byzantine), Kızılırmak connects both sides of the district via four bridges: one stone, one suspension, and two ring road bridges.

The stone bridge, built between 1898 and 1900 with the contributions of Kurena Arif Bey of Avanos, was originally partially wooden, later reinforced with concrete, and restored in 1995. The wooden pedestrian suspension bridge, built in 1973 and 180 meters long, is the second suspension bridge of its kind in Türkiye.

To protect against river floods, the northern and southern banks have been walled with quays; the north hosts the market and administrative buildings, while the south is mainly residential.

^{Kızılırmak Stone Bridge}^{(Avanos Municipality)}

Architecture and Urban Texture

The historical settlement of Avanos is located on the northern bank of the Kızılırmak. Here, one finds traditional stone houses surrounded by narrow, cobblestone streets. These houses were built using a local stone known as “kisir taşı,” and most structures are two-story masonry buildings with arches. The ground floor typically features a veranda, kitchen, courtyard, and arched rooms, while the upper floor contains guest rooms. In the mid-20th century, some of these houses were relocated to the other side of the river as disaster housing. The old area regained attention through a preservation zoning plan enacted in 1998 and has since been restored for tourism.

Climate and Economy

Although Avanos is under the influence of a continental climate, the Kızılırmak and surrounding mountains provide a milder atmosphere. The main economic activities in the district are pottery, carpet weaving, viticulture, and tourism.

Pottery, which has continued since the Hittite era, remains the district’s signature craft. There are about 50 workshops in the district, employing approximately 250 people. Although the craft has become commercialized over time, Avanos remains one of the most vibrant centers of pottery.

Carpet weaving was once a significant part of the local economy. Traditional natural dyes were gradually replaced by synthetic ones, and production shifted mainly to commercial purposes.

Viticulture, although now mostly for household needs, has regained some importance in recent years thanks to homemade wine production.

Culture and Life

Avanos’s cultural structure is enriched with traditional festivals, folk entertainments, and local humor. Humorists like “Şemsi’nin Ahmet” hold an important place in the public memory of the town. Traditional celebrations such as “Goyun Ho” before Ramadan, “Binnik” during grape harvest, “Hıdırellez,” and “Sin Sin” on Republic Day are still remembered.

Local Dishes

The cuisine of Avanos reflects this cultural richness as well. Dishes such as testi kebab, tarhana soup, ağ pakla, bağ pilavı, casserole, bazlama, and çığıtma stand out. Particularly, testi kebab is cooked in special clay pots and served in a traditional presentation.

^{Testi Kebab}^{(Avanos District Governorship)}

Touristic and Historical Places

Avanos attracts many visitors with its natural and cultural richness:

Pottery Workshops: Especially those carved into the rock are popular for handicrafts tourism.
Yamanlı Church: Thought to have been built between the 4th and 6th centuries, decorated with cross motifs.
Çeç Hill: A mound-like hill thought to be a tumulus due to its height and structure.
Saruhan Caravanserai: A Seljuk monument built in 1249 during the reign of Izzettin Keykavus, now used for tourism.
Paşabağ: Famous for its cap-shaped fairy chimneys and the Chapel of Saint Simon.
Zelve: Composed of three valleys and home to many churches, this area was an important center in early Christianity.
Çavuşin Village: A relocated village due to an earthquake, with historical churches.
Özkonak Underground City: A four-story underground settlement discovered in 1972, notable for its defense systems and millstones.
Belha Palace: The ruins of a largely collapsed structure dating to the 6th century AD.
Kum Sekisi: A region thought to be a historical ruin, though not yet sufficiently researched.