Nevsehir history

Foundation and First Mentions

Although the territory of modern Cappadocia was inhabited by Hittites, Assyrians, and Phrygians thousands of years ago, the city of Nevsehir itself, in its current understanding, is a relatively "new" historical project. Originally, a small village named Muşkara was located on this site. The history of the city changed dramatically in the early 18th century, during the so-called "Tulip Era" of the Ottoman Empire.

Key Factors of Formation

The transformation of a modest settlement into a significant urban centre was the result of deliberate urban planning policy and geographical location:

• Political Will: The initiator of the construction was the Grand Vizier Nevşehirli Damat Ibrahim Pasha, a native of Muşkara. He decided to turn his small homeland into a prosperous city, renaming it Nevsehir, which translates as "New City".
• Geography and Resources: The city is located in the centre of a volcanic plateau. Soft tuff served as an ideal building material, allowing for the rapid construction of buildings and the creation of underground storage facilities, which was critical for the settlement's development.
• Architectural Development: To elevate the city's status, a large-scale complex (külliye) was erected, including the Kurşunlu Mosque, a madrasa, baths (hammam), and charitable institutions.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The economic rise of early Nevsehir was ensured by tax exemptions granted by the Vizier to attract population from neighbouring regions. The city quickly became a centre of Islamic scholarship and culture in the region thanks to new libraries and schools. Unlike the ancient cave settlements of Cappadocia, Nevsehir was built as a model of advanced 18th-century Ottoman urbanism, combining traditions with elements of European Baroque, which was popular at the Istanbul court at that time.

Major Historical Milestones

• 2000 BC — The region's territory falls within the sphere of influence of the Hittite Kingdom, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds.
• 17 AD — Cappadocia becomes an official province of the Roman Empire under Emperor Tiberius, integrating into the ancient trade network.
• 395 AD — After the division of the Roman Empire, the lands pass under Byzantine administration, becoming an important religious centre for early Christianity.
• 1071 — The region comes under the control of the Seljuk Turks, marking the beginning of the Turkic period in Anatolian history.
• Early 18th Century — A small village called Muşkara, the birthplace of the future Grand Vizier, exists on the site of the modern city.
• 1718 — The "Tulip Era" begins in the Ottoman Empire, becoming a time of cultural flourishing and large-scale construction projects.
• 1726 — Grand Vizier Damat Ibrahim Pasha completes the construction of the Kurşunlu Mosque complex, turning the village into a well-appointed city.
• Mid-18th Century — The settlement is officially renamed Nevsehir, which translates as "New City".
• 1923 — After the proclamation of the Turkish Republic, the city becomes a district centre within the province of Niğde.
• 1954 — Nevsehir receives the status of an independent province (il), separating from the administrative control of Niğde.
• 1985 — The unique rock formations and cave settlements of the region are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• 2007 — Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University opens, giving the city the status of an educational hub.
• 2014 — During urban reconstruction works, a massive ancient underground city is discovered beneath the Nevsehir fortress.

Key Stages of Development and Their Significance

The history of Nevsehir is a journey from a village hidden in the rocks to a world-renowned tourism hub. Each of these events played a decisive role in shaping the modern appearance of the city:

• The 18th Century Urban Revolution. The construction of Ibrahim Pasha's complex (külliye) set the structure of the historical centre. This transformed the rural settlement into a city with developed social infrastructure, where the mosque, baths, and schools became the core of public life and trade.
• Gaining Administrative Status (1954). The separation of Nevsehir into a distinct province gave a powerful impulse to the local economy. The city received its own budget and administrative apparatus, allowing for the start of large-scale modernisation of roads and utility networks, independent of neighbouring regions.
• Inclusion in the UNESCO List (1985). The international recognition of the uniqueness of Cappadocia's landscapes changed the city's development vector from agrarian to tourism-oriented. This entailed strict zoning rules aimed at preserving historical heritage.
• Opening of the Airport (1998). The launch of the Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) solved the problem of complex logistics. This made the region accessible for mass tourism, ensuring a direct flow of travellers and a sharp increase in revenue in the service sector.
• University Boom (2007). The opening of Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University significantly rejuvenated the city's demographic composition. The influx of thousands of students enlivened the cultural environment, contributing to the opening of modern cafes, art spaces, and raising the education level of local residents.
• Discovery of the "City Under the City" (2014). The accidental discovery of a gigantic underground complex beneath the fortress during the demolition of dilapidated housing completely reshaped urban planning. The residential development project was cancelled in favour of creating the world's largest archaeological park, which has become a new point of attraction.

Architectural Evolution: From Caves to Ottoman Baroque

The architectural appearance of Nevsehir is unique in that it was formed not so much by the succession of European styles, but by the symbiosis of the natural landscape and 18th-century Ottoman urban planning. The city demonstrates a rare example of how the "Tulip Era" transformed an Anatolian province.

Main Architectural Layers

Several key stages can be clearly traced in the city's development, each leaving its mark on the visual code of Nevsehir:

• Rock Architecture (Antiquity — Middle Ages). The base layer of the city. This is not a style in the classical sense, but a method of adaptation to the environment. Living quarters, warehouses, and churches were carved directly into the soft volcanic tuff of the slopes.
  Example: The slopes of the hill beneath Nevsehir Fortress, where remains of rock dwellings have been preserved.
• Seljuk Heritage (11th–13th Centuries). Although there are fewer large Seljuk monuments in the very centre of Nevsehir than in neighbouring cities, the influence of this period is felt in military architecture.
  Example: Nevsehir Fortress (Nevşehir Kalesi). The citadel on the hilltop has Seljuk roots, although it was rebuilt multiple times by the Ottomans.
• Ottoman Classicism and the "Tulip Era" (18th Century). The golden age of the city's architecture. The style is characterised by monumentality, harmonious proportions, and attention to public spaces. This was the time when the regular development plan was created.
  Example: Complex of Damat Ibrahim Pasha. Includes the Kurşunlu Mosque, a madrasa, a library, and a hammam. The mosque features an elegant minaret and a lead-covered dome, demonstrating the transition from strict classicism to more decorative forms.
• Traditional Residential Architecture (19th — Early 20th Century). A style combining Ottoman and Greek traditions of stone masonry. Houses were built from local stone (yellow and pink tuff), often had two storeys, flat roofs, and decorated facades with arched windows.
  Example: Historical quarters around the fortress, where old mansions (konaks) have been preserved.

Urban Development and Modernity

The layout of Nevsehir developed radially from the fortress and the Ibrahim Pasha complex.

• Historical Core: Concentrated on the slopes of the hill. Narrow, winding streets paved with stone follow the natural relief of the terrain.
• 20th Century Modernisation: With obtaining provincial status, the city began to grow onto the plain. Wide avenues, administrative buildings in the Turkish modernist style, and apartment blocks appeared.
• Recent Times: The modern stage is characterised by a large-scale urban transformation programme (TOKİ). A unique event was the halting of the demolition of dilapidated housing in 2014 due to the discovery of a gigantic underground city, which forced a revision of the master plan in favour of preserving archaeological heritage.

Historical Figures and Statesmen

• Nevşehirli Damat Ibrahim Pasha (1666–1730)
  Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire
  A key figure in the history of Nevsehir. As the Sultan's son-in-law and head of government during the famous "Tulip Era", he decided to transform his native village of Muşkara into a prosperous city. It was thanks to his decrees and funding that the historical centre, mosques, and public buildings were constructed, and the city received the name Nevsehir ("New City").
• Karavezir Seyyid Mehmed Pasha (d. 1781)
  Grand Vizier of the Ottoman Empire
  A prominent statesman born in the Avanos district (Nevsehir Province). He held the highest office in the empire in the second half of the 18th century. Known for his contribution to the architectural development of the region, particularly the construction of a significant mosque in his native Avanos.
• Suat Hayri Ürgüplü (1903–1981)
  Prime Minister of Turkey, Diplomat
  A descendant of a renowned religious family from Ürgüp (a district of Nevsehir). He had a brilliant political career, becoming Prime Minister of Turkey in 1965. He also served as an ambassador to several European countries, representing the republic's interests on the international stage.

Spiritual Leaders and Thinkers

• Hacı Bektaş Veli (1209–1271)
  Islamic Mystic, Philosopher, Sufi
  A great thinker who lived and preached in the lands of the modern Nevsehir province (town of Hacıbektaş). Founder of the Bektashi Sufi order. His philosophy of humanism and tolerance had a huge influence on the culture of Anatolia, and his mausoleum is an important centre of pilgrimage and tourism.
• Gregory of Nyssa (c. 335–394)
  Bishop, Theologian, Church Father
  One of the three "Cappadocian Fathers", revered throughout the Christian world. He was the Bishop of Nyssa, the ruins of which are located within the territory of the modern Nevsehir province. His works laid the foundations of Christian dogma.
• Saint George (3rd Century AD)
  Christian Saint, Great Martyr
  According to church tradition, one of the most famous saints in the world was born in Cappadocia. Although his life is shrouded in legends, for the region, he is a symbol of rich early Christian heritage.

Cultural Figures

• Refik Başaran (1907–1947)
  Folk Singer and Musician
  A native of the region (Ürgüp), known as the "Nightingale of Cappadocia". He became one of the first Turkish performers whose records achieved mass popularity. His work played an important role in preserving the folklore traditions of Central Anatolia.