Güzelyurt is a district with a historical and cultural structure, located in Aksaray province in Türkiye's Central Anatolia Region. Situated southwest of the Cappadocia region and northeast of Mount Hasan, Güzelyurt has hosted various civilizations throughout history, standing out as one of the rare settlement centers, especially with its Christian history and stone craftsmanship.

History

The history of Güzelyurt extends back to prehistoric times. Surface excavations at Gelveri Mound, located approximately 1.5 km southwest of the district, have uncovered ceramic findings dating back to the Chalcolithic, Bronze, Iron, Roman, and Byzantine periods. The region has been under the rule of many civilizations, including the Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, Persians, Kingdom of Cappadocia, Romans, Byzantines, Anatolian Seljuks, Karamanids, and the Ottoman Empire.

In ancient times, the settlement where Güzelyurt is located was known as “Karballa.” Over time, this name transformed into “Karvala” and then “Gelveri.” During the Ottoman period, it was recorded under the names “Gerfeli” and “Korveli.” In the early years of the Republic, with the 1924 Türkiye-Greece population exchange, the Greek population in the district migrated to Greece, and Muslim people from various parts of Anatolia were settled in their place. Güzelyurt gained district status in 1989 and has been administered as part of Aksaray since then.

Geographical Location and Natural Structure

Güzelyurt is located within the historical Cappadocia region, situated between the provinces of Niğde, Nevşehir, Kayseri, and Aksaray. The most striking natural formation of the district is the Ihlara Valley, shaped by volcanic activities. This valley is a deep canyon formed by the Melendiz Stream, and for hundreds of years, it served as a retreat and place of worship for Christian monks. Numerous rock-cut churches and underground settlements exist in the valley.

Furthermore, Güzelyurt, built on the foothills of Mount Hasan, boasts a rich stone architecture tradition that emerged from the shaping of volcanic stones such as andesite and ignimbrite. In the district, natural beauties and historical remains are intertwined.

Religious and Cultural Significance

The Cappadocia region became an important religious center from the early centuries of Christianity. Güzelyurt also received its share from this development; it became a settlement where Christian communities lived from the 2nd century A.D. The birth of Saint Gregory the Theologian in this region increased Güzelyurt's religious importance. Parallel to the spread of Christian faith, biblical texts and apocryphal stories were adopted among the local people; events, characters, and symbols found in these texts were materialized through art in the architectural structures of the region.

In this context, the wall paintings, stone reliefs, carved decorations, and calligraphic writings seen in the churches and civil structures in Güzelyurt indicate that the people expressed their religious life and world of belief through art. These works carry not only aesthetic but also theological meanings.

^{Church Mosque Garden-Historical Stones (From the Author's Frame)}

Architectural Structures and Stone Craftsmanship

Güzelyurt district is known for its semi-rock-cut houses, monasteries, churches, and traditional stone mansions. The 59 civil and 19 religious architectural structures identified in the region exemplify traditional Anatolian architecture, drawing attention with their facades enriched by stone craftsmanship. The ornamental elements found in these structures are valuable both artistically and symbolically.

^{Church Mosque (Central A. Neighborhood Mosque) (From the Author's Frame)}

Stone Relief Figures

One of the prominent elements of Güzelyurt's architecture is the stone relief decorations featuring animal, plant, and human figures. These decorations have enabled the development of a concrete narrative language in architecture through religious beliefs and symbols.

• Lion Figure: The lion figure, a symbol of Christ and salvation in Christian iconography, is frequently seen in Güzelyurt's structures. It is especially placed symmetrically on roof edges and above doorways. It is also known as the symbol of Saint Mark.
• Bull Figure: The bull, symbolizing strength, service, and humility, is associated with Saint Luke the Evangelist. In Güzelyurt, bull figures are generally depicted symmetrically, often alongside lion figures.
• Dove Figure: The dove, representing peace of spirit and the divine aspect, is seen in religious structures like the Church Mosque. It is generally crafted using relief technique without excessive detail.

These figures were carved by stone masters into volcanic stones like andesite using hammers, adzes, and chisels, creating rich content in terms of both art and faith.

Economy and Population

In Güzelyurt, the social structure formed after the population exchange consists of a Muslim population that sustains itself through agriculture and animal husbandry. Thanks to the district's tourist appeal and cultural heritage, rural tourism and cultural tourism have developed over time. Initiatives such as converting traditional stone houses belonging to the district into boutique hotels are present.

^{Sivişli Church (From the Author's Frame)}