The city of Aksaray has a long history and was an important stopover point on the Silk Road that transited Anatolia for centuries.

It is a mid-sized city with the Melendiz river running through it and several monuments dating back to the pre-Ottoman era as well as some impressive examples of government buildings from the early Turkish Republic that are gathered around the main square.

In antiquity the area was named Archelais Garsaura, which was mutated to Taksara during the Seljuk Turkish era, and then to Aksaray.

The Aksaray Stela was written in Luwian Hieroglyphs and was dedicated by king Kiyakiyas who described his prosperity in his reign and the benevolence of the weather god Tarhunzas.

The town of Garsaura was renamed Archelaïs (Greek: Ἀρχελαΐς) by Archelaus of Cappadocia, the last Cappadocian king.

[6][7][8] No longer a residential bishopric, Colonia in Cappadocia is today listed by the Catholic Church as a titular see.

During Byzantine times, the town was known as Koloneia (Κολώνεια) was an important military center, holding an imperial aplekton.

[13] The Kapalı Çarşı, meaning "Covered Market" is a Grand Bazaar in the city centre of Aksaray.

[26] A newer attraction is Hünkarland, a large theme park with artificial waterfalls, which is a popular venue for Aksaray wedding parties.

The (presumed) ancient Roman and Byzantine city of Nora, in the village of Helvadere, is on the slopes of Mt Hasan, in close proximity to Aksaray.

The dramatic Ihlara Canyon, 40 km (25 mi) southeast of the city, was carved out by the Melendiz river and its walls are riddled with Byzantine frescoed churches dating back to the early Middle Ages.

It runs from Selime village in the north to Ihlara township in the south and is a popular destination for tour groups visiting Cappadocia.

[29] Several monumental caravanserais straddle the trade route linking Konya to Aksaray that once continued to Persia (the Uzun Yolu).

The best known and most impressive is Sultan Han, located in Sultanhan village about 40 km (25 mi) west of Aksaray.

After it was partially destroyed by a fire, it was restored and extended in 1278 by the governor Seraceddin Ahmed Kerimeddin bin El Hasan during the reign of Sultan Kaykhusraw III.

[30] The monumental entrance to the han is on the east side and is a 13m-high marble portal (pishtaq) projecting from the 50m wide front wall.

In the middle of the courtyard stands a square stone kiosk-mosque (kösk mesçidi), the oldest example in Turkey.

[30] At the other side of the courtyard is another equally decorative arched entrance with muqarnas, joggled voussoirs and interlocking geometric designs.

On the reverse are the last five lines of a text in Luwian hieroglyphs including a dedication by King Kiyakiya who describes the prosperity of his reign and the benevolence of the weather god Tarhunzas.

Kiyakiya is believed to be the same as King Kiakki of Šinuḫtu, who is mentioned in Assyrian texts and ruled in 718 BC.

Barley, sugar beet, vetch, corn, potatoes, onions, beans, flax, hemp, grapes and apples are the main local crops, with wheat production being most dominant.

Over six days, the race takes in a circuit of 244 km (152 mi), passing through several areas of Cappadocia including Lake Tuz.