Niğde

Introduction

Municipality in TurkeyNiğdeMunicipalityView from Niğde Castle Coat of armsNiğdeLocation in TurkeyShow map of TurkeyNiğdeNiğde (Turkey Central Anatolia)Show map of Turkey Central AnatoliaCoordinates: 37°58′00″N 34°40′45″E / 37.96667°N 34.67917°E / 37.96667; 34.67917CountryTurkeyProvinceNiğdeDistrictNiğdeGovernment • MayorEmrah Özdemir (AK Party)Elevation1,276 m (4,186 ft)Population (2022)170,511Time zoneUTC+3 (TRT)Postal code51660Area code0388Websitewww.nigde.bel.tr Niğde (Turkish pronunciation: [ni:de]) is a city and is located in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. It is the seat of Niğde Province and Niğde District. Its population is 170,511 (2022). It lies at an elevation of 1,276 m (4,186 ft). The city is small with plenty of green space and gardens around the houses. Its people generally tend to be religious and conservative. Medieval monuments are scattered about the centre of the town, especially around the market place. The nearest airport is Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (IATA: NAV), located approximately 90.6 km (56.3 miles) away.

History

[edit] Statue from Köşk Höyük in the Niğde Archaeological Museum. An old photograph of Niğde center Late Hittite stele fragment from Andaval, plaster cast in the Niğde Archaeological Museum. See also: Niğde Province § History The city's name is first attested as Nahita in Late Hittite inscriptions discovered near Aktaş, close to Niğde. According to local historical tradition, the name is derived from Anahita, an ancient Iranian goddess associated with fertility and abundance. Over time the name evolved through forms such as Nahida, Nakita, Nekide, and Nikde before becoming the modern Niğde. Historical affiliations Hittites c. 1600–1200 BC Phrygia c. 800–695 BC Achaemenid Empire c. 547–333 BC Macedonian Empire 333–323 BC Kingdom of Cappadocia c. 320–17 BC Roman Empire 17 BC–395 AD Byzantine Empire 395–1071 Seljuk Empire 1071–1077 Sultanate of Rum 1077–1243 Ilkhanate 1243–1335 Eretna Beylik 1335–1381 Karamanids c. 1381–1471 Ottoman Empire 1471–1922 Turkey 1923–present Niğde is located near a number of ancient trade routes, particularly the road from Kayseri (ancient Caesarea Mazaca) to the Cilician Gates and onward to the Mediterranean coast. The region has been successively settled by Hittites, Assyrians, Greeks, Armenians, Romans, Byzantines and Turkic peoples. Middle Ages[edit] In the early Middle Ages, it was known as Magida (Greek: Μαγίδα), and was settled by the remaining inhabitants of nearby Tyana after it fell to the Arabs in 708/709. By the early 13th century Niğde was one of the largest cities in Anatolia. After the fall of the Sultanate of Rûm (of which it had been one of the principal cities), Niğde was captured by Anatolian beyliks such as the Karaman Beylik and Eretna Beylik. Passing through in the 14th century, the explorer Ibn Battuta reported it ruinous. It did not pass into Ottoman hands until 1467. An old photograph of Niğde. Prodromos Church in Niğde Province. According to the Ottoman population statistics of 1914, the sanjak of Niğde, then part of the Konya Vilayet, had a total population of 291,117, consisting of 227,100 Muslims, 58,312 Greeks, 4,935 Armenians and 769 Protestants. The demographics of the town of Niğde, which was part of the Niğde sanjak, consisted of 52.754 Muslims, 26.156 Greeks, 1.149 Armenians and 137 Protestants. Most of the Christian population of late 19th-century Niğde lived in the Eski Saray Mahallesi near the Sungur Bey Mosque where the remains of two large stone churches still survive in a neglected condition. Republican era[edit] More recent immigrants include Turks from Bulgaria and other Balkan countries, who were settled here by the Turkish authorities in the 1950s and 1960s. Eski Gümüşler Monastery in Niğde The opening of Niğde University in 1992 started to bring more cultural and social amenities to what was at the time essentially a large town with a rather rural feel to it.

Demographics

[edit] As the administrative centre of Niğde Province, Niğde serves as the principal urban settlement of the surrounding region. The city's population has grown steadily since the establishment of the Turkish Republic, although migration to larger metropolitan areas has influenced demographic trends in recent decades. Historical population of Niğde Year Pop. ±% 2009 105,702 — 2013 124,774 +18.0% 2017 141,010 +13.0% 2022 161,224 +14.3%

Economy

[edit] Agriculture remains an important component of Niğde's economy. The province is known for the cultivation of potatoes, apples, cereals and other agricultural products, while livestock breeding also contributes to the local economy. In addition to agriculture, manufacturing, food processing and mining play a role in the city's economic activity. Niğde's location along important transportation routes in Central Anatolia has supported regional trade and commerce. Niğde Gazozu[edit] The food and beverage industry also contributes to the local economy. Among the city's best-known products is Niğde Gazozu, a carbonated soft drink first produced in Niğde in 1962, which has since gained recognition throughout Turkey and has also been exported abroad.

Education

[edit] Higher education in the city is provided primarily by Niğde Ömer Halisdemir University, a public university founded in 1992. The institution offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in a wide range of disciplines and serves students from across Turkey.

Transport

[edit] Niğde occupies an important position in south-central Anatolia and is connected to neighbouring provinces by a network of highways. The city lies on routes linking Central Anatolia with the Mediterranean region and southeastern Turkey, contributing to its role as a regional transportation centre.

Culture

[edit] Niğde possesses a rich cultural heritage shaped by its location in Central Anatolia and its long history of settlement. Traditional Anatolian customs, folk music and local cuisine continue to play an important role in community life. Regional dishes frequently incorporate agricultural products grown in the surrounding countryside, particularly apples and potatoes.

Archaeology

[edit] The area surrounding Niğde has been inhabited since prehistoric times and contains numerous archaeological sites reflecting the region's long history. During antiquity, the region formed part of ancient Cappadocia and was successively ruled by the Hittites, Persians, Hellenistic kingdoms, Romans and Byzantines. Nearby archaeological sites and monuments provide evidence of continuous settlement spanning several millennia.

Sightseeing

[edit] Portal of Alaaddin Mosque, Niğde In town[edit] Sungur Bey Mosque, a unique early 14th-century mosque in the town centre which combines elements of Selçuk and Gothic architecture, including quadripartite vaulting and a rose window. Standing on a platform above the market place, it was recently restored. Alaaddin Mosque, a 13th-century mosque whose portal is decorated with muqarnas. Shadows cast on the stone masonry around the entrance at a specific time on specific days of the year are said to form an image of a woman's face with a crown and long hair (Islam forbade human imagery but tessellations and calligraphic pictures were allowed, so "accidental" silhouettes became a creative escape). Hudavend Hatun Türbe, the finest of several Selçuk tombs in the centre of Niğde, dates back to the early 14th century. Ak Medrese (White Medrese), built in 1409 during the years when the Karamanoğlu dynasty ruled Niğde. Niğde Castle (Niğde Kalesi) looms above the town, its location made obvious by a clocktower (1902) inside it. It dates back in part to Selçuk times. Its interior is now a public park. Niğde Archaeological Museum, one of whose star attractions is the Niğde Stele which was recovered from the Dışarı Mosque where it was being used as a door lintel. Around town[edit] Eski Gümüşler Monastery, a rock-cut frescoed monastery built by the Byzantines and containing unique paintings of stories from Aesop's Fables. It was only rediscovered in 1963 Kemerhisar, the site of ancient Tyana, especially noted for a lengthy surviving stretch of Roman aqueduct. Aladağlar and Bolkar Mountains, which are popular with mountaineers and trekkers. Çiniligöl Çiftehan thermal springs

Gallery

[edit] Portal of Alaadin Mosque, Niğde Gündoğdü türbe (tomb), Niğde Sungurbey Mosque and mausoleum, Niğde Hükümet Meydan (Government Square) in Niğde Aladağlar (Ala Mountains), near Niğde Aladağlar (Ala Mountains), near Niğde Aladağlar (Ala Mountains), near Niğde Eski Gümüşler Monastery, near Niğde Niğde Castle and Clock tower Çiftehan Ruins of Roman aqueduct in Tyana (Kemerhisar), near Niğde Ruins of Tyana (Kemerhisar) aqueduct, near Niğde Ancient Tyana Roman pool in ancient Tyana (Kemerhisar), near Niğde Hüdavent Hatun Mausoleum, Niğde Late Hittite inscription from Porsuk (8th century) in Nigde museum Finds from Tyana in Niğde Museum Niğde Museum Niğde Carpet Inside Küçükköy Church A front view of Niğde Castle. Niğde Gazoz is a popular beverage from Niğde

Geography

[edit] Niğde consists of 26 neighbourhoods: Alaaddin, Ahipaşa, A.Kayabaşı, Balhasan, Burhan, Çayır, Dere, Efendibey, Esenbey, Eskisaray, İlhanlı, Kale, Nar, Saruhan, Selçuk, Sırali, Sungur, Ş.Süleyman, Şahinali, Şehitler, Yenice, Y.Kayabaşı, İnönü, Fertek, Kumluca and Hamamlı. Climate[edit] Niğde has a cold semi-arid climate (Köppen: BSk, Trewartha: BS), bordering on a temperate continental climate (Köppen: Dsa, Trewartha: Dc). Niğde has hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Climate data for Niğde (1991–2020, extremes 1935–2023) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °C (°F) 19.9(67.8) 20.5(68.9) 26.4(79.5) 30.8(87.4) 33.0(91.4) 35.0(95.0) 38.5(101.3) 39.7(103.5) 37.3(99.1) 32.0(89.6) 25.0(77.0) 21.2(70.2) 39.7(103.5) Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 5.3(41.5) 7.0(44.6) 11.9(53.4) 17.2(63.0) 22.2(72.0) 26.6(79.9) 30.2(86.4) 30.3(86.5) 26.3(79.3) 20.4(68.7) 13.2(55.8) 7.4(45.3) 18.2(64.8) Daily mean °C (°F) 0.0(32.0) 1.4(34.5) 6.0(42.8) 11.0(51.8) 15.6(60.1) 19.8(67.6) 23.2(73.8) 23.1(73.6) 18.8(65.8) 13.3(55.9) 6.5(43.7) 2.0(35.6) 11.7(53.1) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) −4.1(24.6) −3.2(26.2) 0.8(33.4) 5.0(41.0) 9.1(48.4) 12.9(55.2) 15.8(60.4) 15.6(60.1) 11.4(52.5) 7.0(44.6) 1.3(34.3) −2.2(28.0) 5.8(42.4) Record low °C (°F) −25.6(−14.1) −24.2(−11.6) −23.9(−11.0) −6.9(19.6) −2.6(27.3) 3.5(38.3) 6.6(43.9) 6.5(43.7) −0.7(30.7) −6.2(20.8) −19.5(−3.1) −24.0(−11.2) −25.6(−14.1) Average precipitation mm (inches) 34.3(1.35) 32.0(1.26) 38.8(1.53) 41.1(1.62) 43.4(1.71) 29.2(1.15) 5.5(0.22) 7.7(0.30) 12.4(0.49) 30.3(1.19) 32.7(1.29) 42.5(1.67) 349.9(13.78) Average precipitation days 10.27 9.87 10.67 11.30 12.17 7.47 2.03 1.87 3.10 6.47 6.97 10.20 92.39 Average snowy days 6.6 5.4 4.3 1.0 0.1 0 0 0 0 0.1 1.2 4.1 22.8 Average relative humidity (%) 73.3 69.0 61.8 56.6 55.7 50.3 43.0 43.8 47.6 57.8 66.3 73.2 58.2 Mean monthly sunshine hours 116.5 139.8 177.9 207.3 253.0 294.8 343.7 334.9 287.0 224.3 165.3 113.3 2,657.7 Mean daily sunshine hours 3.8 5.0 5.7 6.9 8.2 9.8 11.1 10.8 9.6 7.2 5.5 3.6 7.3 Source 1: Turkish State Meteorological Service Source 2: NOAA (humidity, sun 1991-2020), Meteomanz(snowy days 2000-2024) Geology[edit] The town is located between the volcanic Melandiz Mountains, which include the Mount Hasan Stratovolcano near the city of Aksaray to the north, and the Niğde Massif to the south-southeast. The massif is a metamorphic rock dome that contains abandoned antimony and iron mines. Several marble quarries are currently being used to dig out the pure white crystalline marble of the massif.

Notable people

[edit] Abdullah Durak, footballer Ayhan Şahenk, businessman Nükhet Duru, singer Emre Altuğ, Singer and actor Ebubekir Hazım Tepeyran Yılmaz Cemal Bor [tr], (1934-2014), Member of Parliament (1977-1980) from the Nigde District Yıldız Kenter, actress Leonidas Kestekides (1876–1954), a Cappadocian Greek chocolate manufacturer from Nigde, Cappadocia and founder of the internationally famous Leonidas company in Belgium Petros Petridis (1892–1977), prominent Cappadocian Greek composer and conductor, born in Nigde (Cappodocia) Thanassis P. Aghnidès, (1889–1980), born in family estates (Kayabashi), graduated from Université Impériale de Constantinople with a law degree and the Sorbonne in Paris, France. He was a Greek-Ottoman diplomat, joined the SDN in 1919 and became undersecretary Geneva 1938-1942, chairman of the disarmament section at U.N. 1946-1960. He also served as Greek ambassador to the Court of St James in London 1942-1945.[citation needed] Elie P. Aghnidès (1901–1988), iInventor, best known of his inventions is the faucet aerator and the massage shower. Another of his inventions was the Rhino, an amphibious, 5-ton, 4-wheeled vehicle designed for multiple terrains. The prototype was built by Marmon-Harrington in Indianapolis.[citation needed] Nicholas P. Aghnidès, (1883–1974), author, Professor at Columbia University best seller Mohammedan Theories of finance.[citation needed]

Twin towns – sister cities

[edit] Niğde is twinned with: Melle, Germany Bursa, Turkey