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NIGDE
AREA: 14.294 km²
POPULATION: 305.861 (1990)
TRAFFIC CODE: 51
DISTRICTS: Niğde (center), Altunhisar, Bor, Çamardı, Çiftlik, Ulukışla.
Lying on a plateau embellished by volcanic peaks is this city of the Central Anatolian Region which was called "Nahita" during the Hittite period. Since its founding, it has been a commercial center, standing on the ancient trade route between Anatolia and the Mediterranean.
Much later, the land was taken over by the Seljuks, who filled the city with many works, representing the exquisite Seljuk artistic and architectural styles. One of the important remains from those years is the Alaeddin Mosque, which is truly the most beautiful monument in Nigde with its wonderful stonework over the ornate portal. From an inscription found here, this elegant building is understood to have been constructed in 1203, and was later restored during the reign of Alaeddin Keykubat. The citadel in the area is the same, owing its current condition to the Seljuks and constitutes another interesting sight with a clock tower inside.
Other historical remains in this district are the Sungur Bey Mosque and tomb, which belong to the 14th century with Mongol rule prevailing; and the Hudavend Hatun Mausoleum built in 1312. The 15th century Ak Medresse constructed by the Karamanli Turks is still another, and has been converted to an archaeological museum displaying the finds from the area.
Besides the city, the towns of the province of Nigde also contain many remarkable ruins from these early periods.
Aladaglar, 70 kms north, and Bolkarlar, 75 kms south, are mountaineering, trekking and winter sports centers. "Kardelen Flower" is the special flower which survives and blossoms, penetrating the snow in the winter.
Bor, 14 kms south of Nigde, was a residential center of the Hittites, and possesses signs from those ancient times, along with monuments from more recent ages, such as the old Ottoman "bedesten".
5 kms south of Bor is Kemerhisar which was an early site of the Roman city of Tyana. Together with the aqueducts used by the Romans, some Hittite ruins can be found in the environs of this town.
Gumusler is another place of historical importance, 9 km along the Nigde-Kayseri road. A Byzantine monastery and church are still standing, dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries. High columns and walls covered with frescoes are featured in the rock monastery and these well-preserved buildings are appropriate sites for sightseers.
SITES OF INTEREST: Ihlara Valley, Güzelyurt, Çiftehan and Ziga hot springs, Ihlara mineral springs, Gökbez stone relief, Konaklı underground city, Andaval Church, Gümüşler Monastry, Niğde Castle, Aksaray and Bor Grand Mosques, Ak Medrese (old theological school), Zinciriye Old Theological School (medrese) , Alaeddin, Sungur Bey, Hanım, Pasha and Şeyh İlyas mosques, Dışcami, Sarıcami, small mosque of Şah, Niğde Closed Bazaar, Alay, Sultan, Ağzı Kara and Öküz Mehmed Pasha inns, Hüdavend Hatun vault tomb, Gündoğdu Mausoleum, Niğde Museum.
Provincial Cultural Directorate
Tel: (388) 232 34 00
Fax: (388) 232 00 58
Museum
Niğde Museum
Address: Niğde
Tel: (388) 232 33 97
Historical Sites and Ruins
Gümüşler - Center - Gümüşler Town
Göllüdağ - Center - Kömürcü
Tyana - Bor - Kemerhisar Town
Registered Immobile Cultural and Natural Heritages in Niğde
Sites
Archaeological Sites: 34
Urban Sites: -
Natural Sites: 7
Historical Sites: 1
Other Sites
Archaeological and Natural Sites: 4
Archaeological and Urban Sites: 1
Total: 47
Cultural (at Single Construction Scale) and Natural Heritages: 286
TOTAL: 333
Significant Days
Local Days of Celebration:
Anniversary of Atatürk's arrival at Niğde
Niğde-Center
5 February
Kayardı Fridays
Niğde-Kayardı Bağları
6 May
Kırbağları Fridays
Niğde- Kırbağları
13 May
Tepeviran Fridays
Niğde- Tepeviran Mahallesi
20 May
Tepe Fridays
Niğde- Tepe Cuması
27 May
Commemoration Day for Ahmet Kuddusi
Bor (Covered Sports Hall)
4 December
Festivals:
Cherry Festival
Ulukışla Dar Boğaz Town
12 July