| Nigde, the
Nahita of Hittite times, lies in a valley flanked by volcanic peaks
and commands the ancient trade route from Anatolia to the
Mediterranean. Nigde's castle owes its present form to the Seljuks,
and the elegant Alaeddin Mosque dates from the same period. From the
14th century era of Mongol rule are the Sungur Bey Mosque and the
Hudavend Hatun Mausoleum, an excellent example of the Anatolian
tower-tomb. The 15th century Ak Medrese now houses the Archaeology
Museum.
Ten kilometers
out of town is Eskigumus, a
Byzantine monastery and church with
massive columns and frescoes. These frescoes, which date from the
10th and 11th centuries, are among the best-preserved in the region.
Bor, south of Nigde, was once a Hittite settlement. The town's
historical buildings include the Seljuk Alaeddin Mosque and the
Ottoman bedestan. Farther on, in the same direction, Kemerhisar is
the site of the important Roman city of Tyana. A few more kilometers
brings you to some Hittite ruins and a Roman aqueduct. The beautiful
Aladaglar (Ala Mountains) National Park, perfect for mountain
climbing, trekking and relaxation, is 50 km southeast of Nigde. One
of the highest peaks is Demirkazik (3,756 m). The best place to
start your excursion in the park is Cukurbag.
Most of the historical buildings in Aksaray, such as the Ulu Mosque,
date from the 14th century. The Kizil Minaret is noted for its
attractive decorative brickwork.
Two of the most famous caravanserais from the Seljuk period remain
in the environs. Just 40 km west of the city is the well preserved
Sultanhan Caravanserai built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat,
and 15 km towards Nevsehir is the Agzikarahan Caravansarai. |
