Aksaray

Aksaray is a city in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey and the capital district of Aksaray Province. With an estimated 2020 population of 423,011 distributed over about 7,659 km2 (2,957 sq mi).The average elevation is 980 m (3,215 ft), with the highest point being Mt. Hasan at 3,253 m (10,673 ft).

Aksaray is very close to the most frequently visited areas of Cappadocia, all of them on display to show natural beauties mingled with the mysticism of history. Viransehir (Nora), which was the military center of Byzantines and Romans because of its strategic position, carries historical remains from their times. Ihlara is a 14 kilometers (9 miles) long fascinating canyon, formed by the Melendiz River. In this valley there are several Byzantine rock chapels used by the early Christians, similar to the ones at Goreme valley, cut into the canyon walls and decorated with frescoes. From these chapels the Agacalti (Daniel) Church, the Yilanli (Apocalypse) Church, the Sumbullu (Hyacinth) Church, the Purenliseki Church, and St. Georges Church are the most interesting ones. In the Güzelyurt valley, there are dwellings from the prehistoric periods and they are in an underground city form. In addition there are chapels and buildings carved into the rock. The Manastir valley, and the Sivisli Church which is one of the most interesting churches in the area, are the other attractive places.