Happy TravellerWelcome to Akşehir, a charming town and district located in the Konya Province of Central Anatolia, Turkey. With a population of over 114,000, Akşehir is a town steeped in history and culture, with a rich architectural heritage that has earned it a place in the Norwich-based European Association of Historic Towns and Regions. The town is situated on the north side of the Sultan Dagh, at the edge of a fertile plain, making it a picturesque destination for visitors.
Akşehir has a fascinating history, having been an important Seljuk town and playing a significant role in the frontier wars between the Byzantine emperors and the Sultanate of Rum. Cicero himself dated some of his extant correspondence there, and the town was also the site of Sultan Bayezid I’s death after his defeat at the Battle of Ankara at the hands of Emir Timur.
One of the town’s most famous landmarks is the alleged tomb of Nasreddin Hoca, a beloved figure in Turkish folklore known for his wit and wisdom. The tomb is a popular destination for visitors, and between July 5th and 10th each year, commemorations with concerts and other social activities are held in Nasreddin Hoca’s memory. Other notable landmarks include the tomb of Seydi Mahmut, the house used as headquarters by the Turkish Army during the last phase of the Greco-Turkish War, and a number of old Turkish houses that offer a glimpse into the town’s rich architectural heritage.
Akşehir’s name literally means ‘white city’ in Turkish, and it is a compound of two words: ‘ak’, meaning white in Turkic, and ‘şehir’, meaning town in Persian. The town has been known by a number of different spellings over the years, including Ak-Shehr, Ak-Shahr, Akshehr, Akshahr, Akshehir, and Aqshahr.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of a charming Turkish town, Akşehir has something to offer. With its rich architectural heritage, fascinating history, and picturesque location, it’s a destination that should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
