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Ortaköy, nestled within the Aksaray province of Turkey, occupies a geographically significant position in the Central Anatolian region. Located at approximately 38.7361° latitude and 34.0403° longitude, the town sits on a gently sloping plateau, characteristic of the broader Anatolian terrain. Aksaray itself is a crucial crossroads, historically and presently, connecting east-west and north-south trade routes, influencing its urban development and potential pollution sources. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, a patchwork of cultivated fields and grazing lands, vital to the regional economy. While Ortaköy lacks immediate proximity to major bodies of water, it benefits from the Kızılırmak River basin, though the river itself is not directly adjacent. The elevation, around 840 meters (2,756 feet) above sea level, contributes to a continental climate with distinct seasonal temperature variations. This elevation, combined with the inland location, can exacerbate air quality challenges, particularly during periods of temperature inversion. While Ortaköy itself is a relatively small town, its position within a wider agricultural zone means that agricultural practices, including fertilizer use and seasonal burning, can contribute to localized air pollution. The urban–rural gradient is gradual, with agricultural land seamlessly transitioning into the town's periphery. The absence of large-scale industrial zones directly within Ortaköy mitigates some pollution risks, but transportation corridors carrying goods and people through the region remain a potential source of emissions. The terrain’s gentle slope can also influence the dispersion of pollutants, potentially trapping them under certain meteorological conditions.

Ortaköy’s air quality experiences a distinct seasonal cycle dictated by its continental climate. Summers (June-August) are typically hot and dry, with minimal rainfall. This dryness, coupled with high temperatures, can lead to increased ground-level ozone formation, a secondary pollutant resulting from sunlight reacting with vehicle emissions and industrial byproducts. Stagnant air masses are common during these months, hindering pollutant dispersal and potentially leading to elevated concentrations. Autumn (September-November) brings a gradual cooling and increased precipitation, which helps to cleanse the atmosphere, generally improving air quality. However, agricultural burning, a common practice in the surrounding farmlands to clear fields for the next planting season, can introduce particulate matter into the air, particularly in October and November. Winter (December-February) often sees the most challenging air quality conditions. Cold temperatures frequently lead to temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the ground, preventing vertical mixing and concentrating pollutants. Fog, common during these months, further exacerbates this issue. Spring (March-May) marks a period of transition, with increasing temperatures and rainfall gradually improving air quality. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions, should exercise caution during the summer months due to ozone and during winter months due to particulate matter and inversions. Outdoor activities are generally best enjoyed during the spring and autumn, when meteorological conditions are more favourable for pollutant dispersal.