This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
Nevşehir is a province located in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye. Known as the center of the place region, Nevşehir offers a tourist destination characterized by rock formations, fairy chimneys, and underground cities. Additionally, due to its volcanic history, it possesses a rich geological structure. Nevşehir also has a rich historical past, having been home to various civilizations including the Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans. This historical heritage has reached the present day through numerous ancient city, church, mosques, and other structures.
Nevşehir’s economy is largely based on agriculture, tourism, and mining. The worldwide fame of Cappadocia’s world tourism appeal plays a significant role in the province’s economic structure. Agricultural activities in the region prominently feature grape cultivation, apple, and potato production. Moreover, traditional crafts such as onyx stone craftsmanship and pottery in Nevşehir constitute an important economic activity sector. With its natural and cultural heritage, Nevşehir holds regional and national significance.
Since antiquity, the region has been one of its important settlements and has hosted various civilizations throughout history. Its strategic location is particularly notable for its trade routes and underground cities. Throughout history, Nevşehir came under the influence of major civilizations such as the Hittites, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans, and acquired a distinct city identity during the 18th century through the urban development initiatives of Ottoman grand vizier Bridegroom İbrahim Pasha. During the Republican era, the city attained provincial status and today stands out for its historical heritage and tourism potential.
The earliest name of Nevşehir is believed to have been Nyssa; however, it is uncertain whether this name referred to present-day Nevşehir or to Pomegranate village. From around 1650 BCE, the region remained under Hittite control. In the 12th century BCE, it came under the influence of Aegean migration peoples, and in the 7th century BCE, it was affected by invasions of the Cimmerians and Scythians from the Caucasus. Subsequently, it continued as an important settlement during the Assyrian, Persian (550–332 BCE), Kingdom of Cappadocia, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
During the Byzantine era (6th–9th centuries), Nevşehir and its surroundings became a center for Christian people, with underground cities carved into the soft rock. With the arrival of Islamic incursions into Anatolia in the 7th century, the region became a frontier zone between Muslims and Byzantines. At the same time, the spread of iconoclasm in Byzantium led to an increase in the Christian population in the region.
After the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, Nevşehir was incorporated into Seljuk territories, but after the Battle of Köse Dağ in 1243, it fell under the influence of the Mongol Ilkhanids. In the mid-14th century, the region passed under the control of the Eretnids and subsequently the Karamanids. Although the Ottomans took control of the region in 1398, after the Battle of Ankara, it was returned to the Karamanids by Timur. Nevşehir was definitively conquered by the Ottomans in the 15th century and incorporated into Ottoman administration.
After coming under Ottoman rule, a settlement named Muşkara existed on the site of present-day Nevşehir. In the early 18th century, Ottoman grand vizier Damad İbrahim Paşa initiated a major construction campaign, transforming Muşkara village into a town. This newly established settlement was named “Nevşehir” in 1725 and was also referred to as “Nevşehr-i Dilârâ” in Ottoman bureaucratic correspondence.
Damad İbrahim Paşa commissioned the construction of a mosque, madrasa, caravanserai, bathhouse, a primary school, and a public kitchen in the town. During this period, Nevşehir became an important center. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, it grew within the Ottoman urban system and remained a major center for agriculture and trade.
In 1924, Nevşehir was a district center subordinate to Niğde; it attained provincial status in 1954. During the Republican era, the city developed through viticulture, agriculture, and trade, gradually becoming a center known primarily for tourism.
Nevşehir and its surroundings became one of the most important centers of Cappadocia and, from the 1980s onward, emerged as a major tourist destination attracting large numbers of visitors. In the 2000s, increasing tourism activities began to constitute a significant portion of the city’s economy.
Nevşehir is a province located in the Central Anatolia Region and at the heart of the area known as Cappadocia. With a large surface area, Nevşehir is renowned for its historical, cultural, and natural beauty. The province borders Kırşehir to the north, Aksaray to the east, Konya to the west, and Niğde to the south. Geographically, although Nevşehir shares the general structure of Central Anatolia, it exhibits regional topographic diversity.
The most distinctive feature of Nevşehir’s geography is that its landforms are largely composed of volcanic rocks, which have created the world-famous rock formations and fairy chimneys characteristic of Cappadocia. To the west and south of Nevşehir, high mountains and volcanic plateaus are found, while the eastern areas are flatter and covered with fertile agricultural land. The highest point in the region is Erciyes Dağı, rising to nearly 3,000 meters. Erciyes has become an important center for mountaineering and winter sports not only for Nevşehir but also for neighboring provinces.
One of Nevşehir’s most significant geographical features is the presence of underground cities. Most of the rock settlements in the Cappadocia region were constructed underground. These settlements were built over centuries to protect the local population from wars and enemy raids. These underground cities enhance Nevşehir’s cultural richness and geographical appeal.
Nevşehir’s natural wealth is not limited to fairy chimneys. The region also features valleys, volcanic rocks, reservoirs, and underground water sources. Notably, Kızılçukur Valley, Güvercinlik Valley, and Ihlara Valley are among the region’s unique natural wonders. These valleys attract tourists with hiking trails, rock churches, and caves adorned with frescoes.
This geographical diversity has facilitated Nevşehir’s development in agriculture, tourism, and culture. Moreover, the region’s settlements are typically filled with homes carved from volcanic rock, which are essential elements reflecting the area’s historical heritage.
Nevşehir’s climate exhibits continental characteristics. Summers are hot and dry, while winters are cold and snow. Temperatures can reach up to 35°C in summer and drop as low as -10°C in winter. However, higher altitude areas in Nevşehir experience a cooler climate. These climatic conditions enable the cultivation of agricultural products such as wheat, barley, sugar beet, and potatoes. Additionally, grape and watermelon cultivation are widespread. The valleys and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia form the region’s unique natural structure and hold great importance for tourism.
As of 2024, the population of Nevşehir province is 317,952. Population density is slightly below the regional average due to the area’s geographical structure and climatic conditions. The provincial capital, Nevşehir city, is the largest settlement and also serves as the economic, cultural, and administrative center. Moreover, the tourism appeal of Cappadocia causes the province to have a significantly higher temporary population during summer months due to domestic and foreign tourists. In rural areas, population density is lower, with villages and towns serving as more dispersed settlement units.
Nevşehir’s economy is largely based on agriculture, animal husbandry, and tourism. The region, with its fertile soils, is a major agricultural area producing crops such as grapes, potatoes, pumpkin, and apples. In addition to grapes and apricots, the “Nevşehir potato,” a globally recognized product unique to the region, is a significant agricultural commodity. Furthermore, many farms in the province contribute significantly to the animal husbandry sector through sheep and cattle breeding.
The largest economic sector in Nevşehir is tourism. As a key part of Cappadocia, Nevşehir attracts both domestic and international tourists through its natural and cultural richness. Fairy chimneys, underground cities, historical churches, and valleys form the foundation of tourism activities in the region. Additionally, hotel, restaurants, and Türkiye companies make substantial contributions to the tourism sector. Traditional crafts such as pottery and onyx stone craftsmanship are also important economic sectors contributing to the local economy.
Pottery, which holds an important place in Nevşehir’s economy, is particularly associated with the district of Avanos. Pottery is a tradition in the Cappadocia region dating back to ancient times, even to the Hittite period. Avanos has become an ideal location for pottery production due to the high-quality clay brought by the Kızılırmak River and suitable kil deposits in the surrounding area. The fatty red clay used in pottery production is processed through various techniques to create a superior ceramic paste. This paste takes shape in the hands of artisans and is typically produced as handmade pottery, offered in local markets and to tourists.
Onyx stone craftsmanship also occupies an important place among Nevşehir’s traditional crafts. Onyx stone, found abundantly around Hacıbektaş, typically appears in white, pink, red, and black colors. Due to its veined structure, it is used to create aesthetic decorative items with blended colors. Onyx stone is used in making personal accessories, jewelry, and household items. This stone craftsmanship, shaped by hand and adorned with various motifs, has become a source of livelihood for the local population and contributes to the region’s craft tourism.
Nevşehir is a major tourist center due to its unique geography, historical richness, and cultural heritage in the Cappadocia region. The area is famous for its fairy chimneys, underground cities, rock dwellings, and historical churches. These natural and historical assets attract millions of tourists annually. Cappadocia offers various outdoor activities such as hot air balloon tours, horseback safaris, mountain biking, and trekking trails. Additionally, important tourist sites such as the Göreme Open-Air Museum, Zelve Valley, and the underground cities of Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu are among the most visited locations.
The region’s contribution to tourism is not limited to natural beauty. Cappadocia’s traditional crafts, especially pottery and onyx stone craftsmanship, significantly benefit the local economy. In the district of Avanos, pottery stands out as a traditional craft, while jewelry and decorative items made from onyx stone around Hacıbektaş attract tourist interest. Nevşehir also draws attention through its cultural festivals and events. Annual festivals showcase the local population’s traditional way of life, offering visitors the opportunity to experience the region’s rich culture. These elements make Nevşehir an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Cappadocia is a region in Central Anatolia, Türkiye, renowned for its historical and natural wealth. This area, encompassing the provinces of Kayseri, Nevşehir, Aksaray, and Niğde, is famous for its unique fairy chimneys, underground cities, and rock-carved structures formed by erosion of volcanic rocks. Cappadocia is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its natural beauty and historical heritage. The region bears traces of numerous local communities and civilizations and is considered one of the most important sites in Christian history. Cappadocia has hosted various civilizations, which left behind underground cities, churches, monasteries, and ruins.
Asmalı Residence is a historical structure located within the boundaries of Nevşehir province, in the Mustafapaşa neighborhood of the Ürgüp district. This mansion, with a 180-year history, is a representative example of traditional Cappadocian architecture. The mansion particularly attracts tourists and holds significant historical and cultural value for the region. Today, Asmalı Konak functions as a restaurant and hotel, offering visitors a traditional Cappadocian accommodation experience.
The mansion stands out with its spacious structure of 42 rooms. Mustafapaşa neighborhood, located approximately five kilometers from Ürgüp, is renowned for its historical and cultural fabric. Asmalı Konak is regarded by the local community as an important cultural heritage and is a popular destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. The mansion is a significant structure contributing to the region’s tourism potential and provides an excellent stop for those wishing to explore Cappadocia’s rich history.
Nevşehir cuisine is influenced by the traditional dishes of the Cappadocia region and features a rich variety. The region’s dishes reflect a blend of historical heritage, local ingredients, and traditional cooking methods. One of the most famous dishes of Nevşehir cuisine is testi kebab. Testi kebab is a highly flavorful dish made by cooking meat and vegetables inside a special clay pot. This dish is both delicious and visually striking, as the pot is broken open at the table to reveal the hot contents inside.
Another famous dish of the region is Nevşehir mantı. Nevşehir mantı consists of thin dough filled with minced meat and spice mixture, boiled, and served. In addition, due to the region’s rich agricultural structure, vegetables and legumes hold an important place in the local cuisine. Various börek made with Pumpkin dessert and yufka, as well as mezze such as To knead and tarator, are other common delicacies in Nevşehir’s traditional cuisine.
The Governor of Nevşehir is Ali Fidan. Born in 1970 in the district of Gerede, Bolu, Seedling graduated from the Public Administration Department of the Faculty of Political Sciences at Istanbul University. He began his career in public administration in 1994 and served as district governor in various locations. From 2013 to 2015, he worked as Director General of the General Directorate of Provinces, and from 2015 to 2016, he was appointed Governor of Düzce. From 2016 to 2018, he served as Undersecretary of the Ministry of National Defense. He was appointed Governor of Nevşehir in 2023.
The Mayor of Nevşehir is Rasim Arı. Born in 1975, Bee completed his studies at Marmara University Faculty of Theology and later earned a postgraduate degree in Communication at Selçuk University. After holding various advisory roles in the public sector, he was elected Mayor of Nevşehir in the 2019 local elections and re-elected in the 2024 elections. He also serves as Treasurer of the United Cities and Local Governments Middle East and West Asia Region Organization (UCLG-MEWA).
Nevşehir consists of 7 districts, 24 municipalities, 16 towns, and 151 villages.
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History
Antiquity and Early History
Byzantine and Early Islamic Period
Seljuk and Beylik Periods
Ottoman Period and the Foundation of Nevşehir
Republican Era and Modern Nevşehir
Geography
Landforms
Climate
Population
Economy
Culture
Pottery and Onyx Stone Craftsmanship
Tourism
Cappadocia
Asmalı Konak
Regional Cuisine
Administration
Districts of Nevşehir