From Ihlara Valley to Seljuk caravanserais, starting at Neva Apart
Kılıçarslan Park
A green space near the centre named after Seljuk Sultan Kılıç Arslan II, who rebuilt Aksaray — with walking paths and places to relax.
Kılıçarslan Park offers a quiet breathing space north-east of the city centre — good for morning walks, a short break with children or relaxing in the cool of the evening.
It is named after the Anatolian Seljuk Sultan Kılıç Arslan II (1155–1192), who rebuilt the ruined city of Aksaray in the 12th century.
The sultan behind the name: Kılıç Arslan II
Kılıç Arslan II rebuilt Aksaray after it had been ruined by Arab raids: he surrounded it with walls, built a mosque, madrasa, bazaar and bathhouse, and settled scholars, craftsmen and merchants brought from Azerbaijan. Aksaray, on the trade routes, became one of the key centres of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum.
Discover other Seljuk monuments on our Crooked Minaret and Alay Han pages, and the whole story in our history of Aksaray.
What is in the park?
With walking paths, seating areas and wooded sections, it is ideal for a short break.
Getting there from Neva Apart
Neva Apart is in Aksaray city centre, a few minutes’ walk from the Zinciriye Madrasa and the Grand Mosque; the distances below are measured from our aparthotel.
The park is about 1.7 km from Neva Apart — a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute drive — and can be combined with the nearby Tomb of Somuncu Baba.
Tips for your visit
In summer, early morning and late afternoon are the most pleasant times. It is also a good route for a morning run during longer stays.
Other places nearby
- Tomb of Somuncu Baba – The Aksaray tomb of Sheikh Hamid-i Veli, known as Somuncu Baba (1331–1412) — the Sufi master of Hacı Bayram-ı Veli.
- Grand Mosque of Aksaray (Ulu Cami) – Built in 1408–1409 for Mehmed II of Karaman, Aksaray’s Grand Mosque pairs a Seljuk-style carved portal with a pointed-arched stone prayer hall.
- Umbrella Street & City-Centre Cafés – Aksaray’s pedestrian bazaar street shaded by colourful umbrellas, the Clock Tower area and its cafés — a few minutes’ walk from Neva Apart.
- Nora City Shopping Mall – Aksaray’s modern shopping centre for clothing, electronics, groceries and a food court — a practical address for longer stays.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Other places nearby
Ihlara Valley
A 14 km canyon carved by the Melendiz River into the tuff of Mount Hasan, with frescoed rock-cut churches, a green valley floor and Aksaray’s best-known hiking trail.
- By car: 40–45 min
Aksaray Museum
Home to a 10,500-year-old skull bearing the earliest known brain surgery, the Ihlara and Çanlı Kilise mummies and the Luwian Aksaray Stele — 10,000 years of local history.
- On foot: 35–40 min
- By car: 7–10 min
Selime Cathedral and Rock Monastery
At the northern end of Ihlara Valley, a rock-cut monastery with a three-aisled cathedral, kitchens and stables — one of the largest religious buildings in Cappadocia.
- By car: 35–40 min