In the times of Cyrus the Younger and Alexander the Great it was named Dana and then by the Romans, Tyana, (Θυάνα in Ancient greek).

The plain has been settled since the time of the Hittites, and subsequently controlled by Assyrians, Phrygians, Persians and Ancient Macedonians.

The Romans (and from 395 AD onwards Byzantium) built the ancient city of Tyana the most southernmost centre of Cappadocia.

During the Byzantine period the town was the eastern Mediterranean region's most important Christian centre, as indicated also by its former Turkish name of Kilisehisar (‘City of the Churches’).

This is a relatively poor district and many people have migrated to Europe or the larger cities of Turkey in search of jobs.