Aksaray

The city of Aksaray, located in the heart of Central Anatolia in Turkey, has a rich and multi-layered history stretching back to antiquity. Its development was shaped by a succession of great civilizations and its strategic position at the crossroads of trade routes.

Foundation and Early Mentions

The city's history begins long before the Common Era. The first settlements in this land are linked to the Hittite civilization. In ancient times, the city was known as Garsaura. Later, during the Hellenistic and Roman periods, it received a new name—Archelais, given by the last king of Cappadocia, Archelaus. Under the Roman Emperor Claudius, the city was granted the status of a colony. Its current name, which translates to "White Palace," was given during the era of the Seljuk Turks who conquered these lands.

Key Factors of Development

The primary factor defining Aksaray's importance over the centuries was its geographical location. The city was a key point on the Great Silk Road, connecting East and West. This facilitated its transformation into a prosperous commercial and cultural hub. For the rest and safety of trade caravans, majestic caravanserais were built here, the most famous of which is Sultan Han, the largest in Anatolia. The city was also situated at the intersection of vital roads connecting major centers such as Iconium (modern Konya) and Caesarea of Cappadocia (modern Kayseri).

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Due to its location, Aksaray became a place where different cultures met and blended: Hittite, Persian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and finally, Turkish. During the Roman and Byzantine eras, the city was an important religious center, and its bishop participated in the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. With the arrival of the Seljuks in the 11th century, a new stage of development began: mosques, madrasas, and caravanserais were built, many of which became outstanding examples of Seljuk architecture. The city became famous as a center of trade, crafts, and Islamic scholarship, maintaining its significance even after becoming part of the Ottoman Empire.

Chronology of Aksaray's History

The history of Aksaray is a kaleidoscope of civilizations, each leaving its mark on the city's character and culture. From ancient settlements to its role as a vital hub on the Silk Road, these key moments of its past help define its present.

• c. 8000 BC — Emergence of one of the first settlements in Central Anatolia, Aşıklı Höyük, near the modern city.
• Hittite Period — The city is known as Garsaura (or Garsawira) and serves as an important point on trade routes.
• After 36 BC — Archelaus Philopator, the last king of Cappadocia, rebuilds the city, makes it his capital, and names it Archelais.
• 1st Century AD — During the reign of Roman Emperor Claudius, the city is granted colony status and becomes known as Colonia Claudia Archelais.
• 325 AD — The bishop of the city, then known as Colonia, participates in the First Council of Nicaea, testifying to its importance in the early Christian world.
• 4th–9th Centuries — The city is part of the Byzantine Empire, serving as an administrative and religious center in the Cappadocia region.
• 12th Century — Seljuk Sultan Kilij Arslan II builds a palace here, after which the city receives its modern name Aksaray ("White Palace") and becomes the second capital of the sultanate.
• 13th Century — The majestic Sultan Han caravanserai is built nearby, highlighting Aksaray's status as a key node on the Great Silk Road.
• 15th Century — Aksaray becomes part of the Ottoman Empire, and some of its residents resettle in Istanbul, where they found the district of the same name.
• 1989 — Aksaray regains its status as the administrative center of the eponymous province (il), separating from Niğde Province.

Key Milestones in Aksaray's History

The history of Aksaray is a kaleidoscope of eras and civilizations that have left their mark on its culture and architecture. The city has evolved from an important point on trade routes to a modern industrial and administrative center.

• Seljuk Capital and Architectural Hub: In the 12th and 13th centuries, during the reign of the Seljuk sultans, Aksaray reached its peak. Iconic structures that still define the city's appearance today were built during this time, such as the Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) and the famous Eğri Minare (Leaning Minaret).
• Silk Road Intersection: Its strategic position at the crossroads of trade routes was solidified by the construction of monumental caravanserais. The building of the Sultan Han, the largest caravanserai in Anatolia, turned the city into a key center of rest and security for merchant caravans, contributing to its economic prosperity.
• Integration into the Ottoman Empire and Resettlement: In the 15th century, after becoming part of the Ottoman Empire, some of Aksaray's craftsmen and merchants were resettled by Sultan Mehmed II to populate the conquered Constantinople. This event not only gave its name to a district in modern Istanbul but also influenced the demographic makeup of Aksaray itself.
• Agricultural Transformation: With the decline of caravan routes, the city's economy gradually shifted. In the 20th century, the fertile lands around Aksaray made it an important agricultural center in Turkey, specializing in grain and sugar beet cultivation.
• Gaining Provincial Capital Status: A significant event in recent history was the creation of the Aksaray Province in 1989, with the city of the same name as its administrative center. This status provided a powerful boost to the development of urban infrastructure, education, and public administration.
• Industrial Growth: The end of the 20th century marked a new era of industrialization for Aksaray. The opening of large industrial facilities, including the Mercedes-Benz truck plant, transformed it into a significant regional industrial center.
• Modern Tourism Development: Today, thanks to its rich heritage and proximity to the world-famous Cappadocia, Aksaray is actively developing its tourism industry. The restoration of historical monuments and improvements in infrastructure attract travelers interested in Anatolian history and culture.

Aksaray's architectural landscape is a visual history of the city, where great eras have left their mark. From monumental Seljuk structures to modern buildings, each period has contributed its own distinctive features to the city's urban development.

The Seljuk Period (12th–13th centuries) — The Golden Age of Architecture

Aksaray's architectural peak occurred during the era of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, when the city was a key hub on the Great Silk Road. The Seljuk style is recognizable by its monumentality, use of stone, and intricate carvings. It is characterized by majestic portals decorated with geometric and floral ornaments.

• Iconic Structures: The most prominent examples of this era are the Sultan Han Caravanserai, one of the largest and best-preserved in Turkey, and the Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) in the city center. These structures demonstrate the exceptional skill of Seljuk architects.
• Unique Landmarks: The city's symbol is the Eğri Minare (Leaning Minaret)—a 13th-century brick minaret that earned its name due to its noticeable tilt. It stands as a testament to the high level of engineering and construction expertise of the time.

The Ottoman Period (from the 15th century) and Later Development

After joining the Ottoman Empire, active monumental construction in Aksaray slowed down as the city lost its former capital significance. Architecture from this period is represented by more modest buildings, such as the Karamanoglu Mosque, which dates to the early Ottoman or transitional period. One can also find examples of traditional residential housing typical of Central Anatolia throughout the city.

The Modern Era (20th–21st centuries)

A new phase of urban development began after 1989, when Aksaray became the capital of the province of the same name. This status led to rapid growth, with the emergence of new residential areas, public buildings, and industrial zones. Aksaray's modern architecture is primarily functional, reflecting its role as a developing agricultural and industrial center. Old quarters sit side-by-side with modern buildings, creating an eclectic yet dynamic cityscape typical of many growing Turkish cities.

Notable Figures Associated with Aksaray

Aksaray's history is rich with the names of prominent figures who have left a mark not only on the life of the city but also on the history of all Turkey. Among them are sultans, thinkers, statesmen, and artists.

Kilij Arslan II (d. 1192)

Role: Seljuk Sultan.
Significance: According to legend, it was this ruler who gave the city its modern name—Aksaray, which means "White Palace." He built his residence here and effectively made the city the second capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum. His reign marked the architectural and political flowering of Aksaray, turning it into one of the key centers of Anatolia.

Cemalettin Aksarayi (d. 1389)

Role: Islamic scholar and jurist.
Significance: One of the greatest intellectuals of his time, he taught at the famous Zinciriye Madrasa in Aksaray. His works and influence made the city an important educational center in the 14th century. He was also an ancestor of another famous figure, Piri Mehmed Pasha.

Sheikh Hamid-i Wali (Somuncu Baba) (1331–1412)

Role: Sufi sheikh, thinker.
Significance: One of the most revered spiritual mentors in Anatolian history. Although born in Kayseri, he spent the last years of his life, died, and was buried in Aksaray, where his mausoleum stands today. Somuncu Baba was the teacher of Haci Bayram-i Veli, who in turn mentored Akshamsaddin—the spiritual teacher of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. Thus, he stands at the origins of a spiritual lineage that had a massive influence on the formation of the Ottoman Empire.

Piri Mehmed Pasha (c. 1463–1533)

Role: Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire.
Significance: A native of Aksaray, he rose to the highest office in the state and served as Grand Vizier under Sultans Selim I and Suleiman the Magnificent (1518–1523). He played a key role in governing the empire during its period of active expansion and is considered one of the most distinguished statesmen produced by the city of Aksaray.

Yusuf Hakiki Baba (d. 1487)

Role: Sufi figure.
Significance: The son of the famous Somuncu Baba, he remained in Aksaray after his father's death to continue his spiritual mission. He is revered as an important religious figure, and his tomb is located near his father's mausoleum, forming part of an important memorial complex in the city.

Mahmut Makal (1930–2018)

Role: Writer, poet, teacher.
Significance: Born in the province of Aksaray, Mahmut Makal became the founder of the "village literature" genre in Turkey with his book "Our Village" (Bizim Köy). In his works, he described the harsh life in the Anatolian hinterland truthfully and without embellishment, which had a profound impact on 20th-century Turkish literature.