Avanos is a town and district in the province of Nevsehir, famous for its pottery and carpets. It stretches along the banks of the Kizilirmak (Halys River), one of the longest rivers in Turkey, with about 1355 kilometers (842 miles).
The Halys born at northeast of Central Anatolia and empties into the Black Sea. Its waters receive the rich colorings of Cappadocia’s clay deposits, so there from derives its name: Kizilirmak, the Red River.
The old city of Avanos was formerly known as Venessa, and is separated from Cappadocia by the river. The ceramic trade in this district and its countless small pottery factories date from the Hittite period. Beside this, the main attractions of Avanos are its ancient village feeling, cobbled streets and a lovely view over the river.
