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9 places to visit in the Bor district of Niğde: Tyana (Kemerhisar) Ancient City, Bor Castle and Bor Grand Mosque. Plan your trip to Bor with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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History

In the time of the Hittite Empire the area was settled. It later came under the Phrygian state, the Iranian Empire, the Macedonian Empire and the Byzantine Empire. After the Battle of Malazgirt in 1071, it was conquered by Süleyman Şah, son of Kutalmış.

Economy

The district’s main sources of livelihood are farming, carpet weaving and tanning. The main crops are grain, chickpeas, potatoes, onions, beans and sugar beet.

History and Culture

Settlement has existed in the Bor plain and its surroundings since the time of the Hittite Empire.

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Places to Visit in Bor

  • 1 Historic
  • 4 Ancient City
  • 3 Religious
  • 1 Nature

Historic Sites 1

Historic

Bor Castle

The castle on the hill in the district centre dates from the Seljuk period. Parts of its walls still stand, offering views over the district and Mount Hasan.

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Ancient Cities 4

Ancient City

Tyana (Kemerhisar) Ancient City

Tyana, an ancient city in Kemerhisar, a village attached to Bor. The city, once known as Tyana or Tuana, was gradually lost between Bor, Kemerhisar and Bahçeli.

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Ancient City

Tyana Ancient City

An ancient settlement in the Kemerhisar subdistrict, continuously inhabited for at least 5,000 years from the Hittite period onwards. In the Roman period it became one of the most important military, commercial and cultural centres in Anatolia.

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Ancient City

Roman Bath Ruins

A Roman-period bath complex near the ancient city of Tyana. It is dated to the time of Caracalla onwards.

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Ancient City

Köşk Mound

A Hittite-period settlement near the village of Bahçeli. It was excavated in 1981 and is of very high historical value.

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Religious Buildings 3

Religious

Bor Grand Mosque

Built in the 13th century in the Seljuk period, the mosque is notable for its stonework and minaret. It is Bor's oldest place of worship.

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Religious

Alaaddin Mosque (Grand Mosque)

A mosque from the Karamanid period, located on the riverside of Bor town centre. It is one of the district's most important religious buildings.

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Religious

Kale Mosque (Şeyh İlyas Mosque)

A mosque from the 16th-century Ottoman period. It holds an important place among Bor's historic mosques.

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Natural Wonders 1

Nature

View of Mount Hasan

Mount Hasan, which rises to 3,268 metres and can be seen from Bor, is one of Türkiye's highest volcanic mountains. Its snow-covered summit forms a striking backdrop to the district.

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Places to Visit Around Niğde Province

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While you are in Bor, you can also see the highlights of Niğde province. These places are in other districts.

  • Gümüşler Monastery — In the town of Gümüşler, 10 km north-east of Niğde, one of the largest rock monasteries of Cappadocia, carved into a great mass of tuff; with its central courtyard, church and well-preserved 10th-century Byzantine frescoes, it was declared a protected site in 1973.
  • Alaeddin Mosque — A Seljuk mosque inside Niğde Castle, built in 1223 by Zeyneddin Beşare Bey for Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I; with its richly carved portal and its mihrab, it is the symbol of the city.
  • Ak Madrasa — A two-storey madrasa built in 1409–1410 during the reign of the Karamanid Sultan Alaeddin Ali Bey II, known for its white stone and richly decorated portal; today it is used as a museum.
  • Hüdavent Hatun Tomb — An octagonal tomb built in 1312 for Hüdavent Hatun, daughter of the Seljuk Sultan Rükneddin Kılıçarslan IV; it is regarded as one of the most elegant tombs in Anatolia.
  • Niğde Castle — A castle on the hill where old Niğde was founded, thought to have foundations from very ancient times and repaired in the Seljuk period; the Alaeddin Mosque stands inside it.
  • Tyana (Kemerhisar) — An ancient city at Kemerhisar, in the district of Bor, whose Hittite name was Tuwanuwa; Roman-era aqueducts and the remains of a pool are still standing.

Practical Information for Visiting Bor

Suggested time
Half a day to 1 day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn
Places to visit
9 places

What to Eat in Bor

Food guide →

  • Bor Mantısı

    Small pieces of hand-rolled dough filled with minced meat and boiled. Served with a sauce of yoghurt and butter, it can be tasted in its most authentic form at local markets and home-style restaurants.

  • Arabaşı (thick chicken soup)

    A thick soup made from chicken stock and flour, the traditional winter dish of Bor.

  • Bor Sucuğu (walnut strings dipped in grape molasses)

    Walnut strings dipped in grape molasses and dried. It is Bor's traditional winter sweet and is made during the grape harvest season.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Bor

  • Legacy of Apollonius

    The philosopher Apollonius (1st century AD), born in ancient Tyana, was one of the most famous sages and travellers of the ancient world. Bor works to keep this historical legacy alive.

  • Viticulture Tradition

    Viticulture in Bor is a tradition that has continued for thousands of years. The autumn grape harvest, molasses boiling and sucuk making are kept alive as community activities.

Local Products

  • Bor Söğürmesi — Bor Söğürmesi was registered as a protected geographical indication on 29 December 2017 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 317). Product group: dishes and soups. Registered by: Bor Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
  • Bor Grapes and Molasses — Grapes gathered from the vineyards around Bor are used to make molasses, grape juice and sucuk. Bor molasses is famous in the region.
  • Bor Patatesi (Bor potatoes) — Potatoes grown in volcanic soil, one of the most important agricultural products of Niğde.

Economy

Bor's economy is based on agriculture and industry. Potato, grape and grain cultivation are the main farming activities. The Bor organised industrial zone includes food processing facilities. The ancient city of Tyana has tourism potential.

How to Get to Bor

Bor is 14 km from Niğde. It is 145 km from Kayseri Airport. Regular minibus services run from Niğde.

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Bor: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Bor?

The 9 standout places in Bor are Tyana (Kemerhisar) Ancient City, Bor Castle, Bor Grand Mosque, View of Mount Hasan, Tyana Ancient City, Alaaddin Mosque (Grand Mosque), Kale Mosque (Şeyh İlyas Mosque), Roman Bath Ruins and Köşk Mound.

What is there to eat in Bor?

Bor Mantısı, Arabaşı and Bor Sucuğu are the standout dishes on Bor's tables.

What is Bor famous for?

Bor is known for Bor Söğürmesi and the Legacy of Apollonius. It is a product registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected geographical indication.

How do I get to Bor?

Bor is 14 km from Niğde. It is 145 km from Kayseri Airport. Regular minibus services run from Niğde.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Bor?

Suggested visit length: half a day to 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.

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