Kayseri

about

This city, named after an imperial title, holds significant historical importance. Kayseri, a center of culture, arts, science, and tourism in Turkey, invites you to explore its natural wonders and local delicacies, all while standing in the shadow of Central Anatolia’s highest peak, the ancient Mount Erciyes.

As one of Turkey’s key cultural and historical cities, Kayseri has been home to countless civilizations since ancient times and has maintained its importance throughout history. During the Roman period, the city was called “Kaisareia,” meaning “City of the Emperor,” a name that reflected its grandeur and significance.

Towering above the city’s skyline is the 2.5-million-year-old Mount Erciyes, the highest mountain in Central Anatolia. Its cloud-piercing summit has not only defined Kayseri’s silhouette but also played a key role in shaping the region’s 6,000-year-old historical landscape through geological events.

Kayseri is a must-visit destination, offering a rich historical and cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and a traditional cuisine that embodies the heart of Anatolian flavors.

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Kültepe (Kaniş-Karum) Ruins
Located 21 km from Kayseri city center, Kültepe is an archaeological site where documents dating back 6,000 years reveal the city’s ancient history. The site consists of the Kaniş mound and the surrounding Karum, where remains of administrative buildings, religious structures, houses, shops, and workshops can be found. As the center of Assyrian trade colonies, Kültepe housed the world’s first organized trading hub and Anatolia’s first written records. These Assyrian cuneiform tablets document political and legal matters of the period through letters, contracts, and seals. The tablets were recognized in 2015 by UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.

Archaeology Museum
Kayseri’s Archaeology Museum sheds light on its 6,000-year history with a rich collection of artifacts, including items from the Assyrian Karum settlement. The museum, relocated to the Inner Castle with modern technology, takes visitors on a journey through centuries of history.

Clock Tower
Built in 1907 by order of Sultan Abdul Hamid II, the Clock Tower was constructed under the supervision of Kayseri’s governor, Haydar Bey. The tower features a bell within a rectangular opening on its pyramid-shaped top. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk addressed the people of Kayseri here during his visit.

Ethnography Museum (Güpgüpoğlu Mansion)
Güpgüpoğlu Mansion is one of the oldest and best-preserved traditional houses in Kayseri, initially built between 1419 and 1497 and expanded in later centuries. The mansion consists of two main sections: the private living area (haremlik) and the public section (selamlık). Noteworthy architectural features include its stone carvings and intricately decorated wooden interiors. In 1998, part of the mansion was converted into the Ethnography Museum.

Kayseri Castle
Kayseri Castle comprises an inner and outer fortress. The outer walls were built in 242 CE by Roman Emperor Gordian III, while the Inner Castle dates back to the early 6th century, built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. The castle was significantly reinforced during the Seljuk period to defend against Mongol invasions. Today, it serves as a cultural and arts center.

Atatürk House Museum
This late 19th-century building served as a home and later hosted Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1919. It is an example of classical Kayseri architecture with intricately decorated eaves and wooden details.

Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami)
Also known as Cami Kebir, this mosque, located near the city’s covered bazaar, dates back to the 12th century. It is one of the oldest Turkish-Islamic structures in Kayseri, showcasing early Seljuk mosque architecture.

Gevher Nesibe Hospital and Medical School (Seljuk Civilization Museum)
Built in 1205 during the Seljuk period, this complex includes a medical school, hospital, and mausoleum. It is known as Anatolia’s first practical medical school, where mental illnesses were treated with water and music therapy. Today, it serves as the Seljuk Civilization Museum, offering historical reenactments of its practices.

Seyyid Burhaneddin Tomb and Cemetery
Seyyid Burhaneddin, a mentor to Mevlana Rumi and a spiritual leader of Kayseri, passed away in 1244. His tomb was built in 1894 during Sultan Abdul Hamid II’s reign.

Kurşunlu Mosque (Ahmet Pasha Mosque)
Designed by Mimar Sinan and built in 1573, this mosque is named “Kurşunlu” due to its lead-covered dome. It is Sinan’s only surviving work in Kayseri and features a notable domed fountain in its courtyard.

Covered Bazaar and Caravanserais
Kayseri’s Covered Bazaar, dating back to the 15th century, is the second-largest covered market in Turkey after Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Rebuilt with stone after a fire, it remains a central hub for traditional goods and local crafts.

Historic Talas
The district of Talas is an ancient settlement with many historical landmarks, including the underground city of Ali Dağı, Yaman Dede Mosque, and cultural centers.

Surp Kirkor Lusavoriç Church
This Armenian church, built in honor of Saint Gregory the Illuminator, features frescoes and inscriptions and is among Anatolia’s significant Armenian religious sites.

Yaman Dede Mosque (Panaya Church)
Originally built as a church in 1886, it was converted into a mosque in 1925. Known for its cruciform plan, it retains architectural features from its time as a church.

Historic Germir
Germir, 6 km from Kayseri, reflects a rich multicultural history where Turks, Armenians, and Greeks coexisted for centuries. It hosts two Greek churches, an Armenian church, and several historical mosques and shops.

Revolving Tomb (Döner Kümbet)
The tomb, likely built in the late 13th century, is known for its intricate stone carvings that give it the appearance of rotating as viewers move around it.

Ahi Evran Dervish Lodge and Museum
Built in the 13th century, this lodge was associated with Ahi Evran, the founder of the Ahi Brotherhood. Today, it operates as Turkey’s first tradesmen’s museum, displaying artifacts from the Ahi tradition.

Sahabiye Madrasa
Constructed in 1267 by Seljuk Vizier Sahip Ata, the madrasa is renowned for its impressive stone-carved entrance and architectural significance.

Mimar Sinan House
Located in Ağırnas, 27 km from Kayseri, this house is the birthplace of Mimar Sinan, the renowned Ottoman architect. The village is home to underground cities and architectural relics.

Ağırnas Underground City
Dating back to ancient times, this underground city served as a refuge and living space. It was used extensively between the 1st and 13th centuries.

Endürlük Church (Agia Triada Church)
Located in the Talas district, this Turkish Orthodox church was built between 1831 and 1835 and is surrounded by high protective walls.

Tekgöz Bridge
Built between 1202 and 1203, the bridge facilitated transportation between Kayseri and Kırşehir. Its large arch has earned it the nickname “Tekgöz” (Single Eye).

Bünyan Ulu Mosque
Built in 1333, the mosque showcases a rectangular plan with a basilica layout and wooden roof.

Karatay Caravanserai
Constructed in 1240, this caravanserai once served as a resting point on the Silk Road and features impressive architectural elements.

Sultanhanı Caravanserai
Located 47 km from Kayseri, this Seljuk-era caravanserai was built between 1232 and 1236 and includes sections for both summer and winter accommodation.

Fraktin Rock Reliefs
Located near Develi, these rock carvings depict a king and queen making offerings to the gods.

Sıtmapınar Fountain
Built during the Roman period, this historical fountain in Felahiye continues to function today.

Zamantı Castle
Situated in Melikgazi village, this castle dates back to the Byzantine era and was later used by the Seljuks and Ottomans.

Şahruh Bridge
Located in Sarıoğlan district, this 1480s bridge is 155 meters long and features eight arches.

İmamkulu Monument
This Hittite-era rock relief in Tomarza depicts a storm god standing atop a mountain.

Tomarza Church (Surp Boğos Bedros Church)
Built in 1835, this Armenian church features frescoes and inscriptions.

Erdemli Valley
Home to Byzantine-era churches and settlements, this valley is a significant historical and religious site.

Soğanlı Ruins
Soğanlı Valley, with its rock-cut churches and caves, has been a settlement since the Roman period and became an important Christian center in the 4th century.

Güzelöz and Başköy Neighborhoods – St. George Church
These neighborhoods are known for their historic rock-hewn structures and the prominent St. George Church.

Kayseri City Library (Virgin Mary Church)
Converted from a 19th-century church, this building is now a library and the only example in Turkey of such a conversion.

Kale Mosque (Fatih Mosque)
Located in Kayseri Castle, this mosque was built under the patronage of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror and reflects early Ottoman architectural design.

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Soğanlı Cloth Dolls
The traditional Soğanlı Dolls, made from fabric and wooden sticks, serve as both decorative souvenirs and a source of income for the local villagers. These handcrafted dolls reflect the region’s cultural heritage and are often adorned with vibrant sequins and beads, making each piece a unique representation of Soğanlı’s identity.

Bünyan Carpets
Renowned for their use of entirely natural materials, Bünyan Carpets were originally crafted using natural wool and dyes. However, since 1907, cotton yarns have been used as the warp, and synthetic dyes have been introduced to production. These carpets are prized for their rich patterns and craftsmanship, embodying centuries of Anatolian weaving tradition.

Yahyalı Carpets
Handwoven with wool dyed using natural plant-based dyes, Yahyalı Carpets stand out for their unique and vibrant colors. The dyes are derived from organic materials like mud, vine leaves, walnut shells, and various regional plants such as cehri (dyer’s broom). What makes Yahyalı Carpets particularly special is their ability to grow more valuable and aesthetically pleasing over time, as their colors do not fade but instead deepen with use.

Bezirhaneler (Flax Oil Workshops)
Bezirhaneler, commonly found in Kayseri, are underground workshops where oil from wild flax seeds, known locally as zeyrek, was extracted using a traditional millstone called seten taşı. The Ağırnas region played a key role in the production of linseed oil during the Ottoman era, with the oil widely used in soap and dye-making industries, showcasing the area’s industrial significance.

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Gilaboru (Viburnum opulus)
Gilaboru is a small, round fruit resembling green lentils or tiny grapes. Around 30-40 berries form a single cluster. As autumn approaches, they begin to turn red. The berries are harvested in October, washed, and stored in jars with water in cool, dim spaces. Traditionally known for its pain-relieving properties, gilaboru is also believed to help dissolve kidney stones.

Kayseri Pastırması (Cured Beef)
Kayseri’s pastırma is a well-known cured meat product made from cuts of beef or buffalo. The meat is salted, air-dried, coated in a fenugreek-based paste known as çemen, and then partially dried again. This process gives it its distinct flavor and aroma, making it a highly sought-after delicacy in Turkish cuisine.

Kayseri Mantısı (Traditional Turkish Dumplings)
Mantı is a dough-based dish made by mixing flour, water, eggs, and salt into a smooth dough, which is then rolled, cut into small squares, and stuffed with spiced ground meat. The filled dough pieces are folded into tiny pockets and boiled. Kayseri is famous for its mantı, which is often served with garlic yogurt and a drizzle of butter infused with paprika. Its origins date back centuries, with a deep-rooted place in Turkish culinary history.

Aside (Turkish Halva)
Aside is a traditional halva variety with roots in medieval Arabic cuisine, known regionally as asdiye or asidiye. It is made by cooking flour or rice into a thick mixture, which is then enriched with molasses or honey, butter, and nuts like walnuts or pistachios. It’s a popular dessert that represents the fusion of Turkish and Middle Eastern flavors.

Bayram Yahnisi (Holiday Stew)
Bayram Yahnisi is a traditional stew made with sautéed lamb, onions, and chickpeas. It is cooked with tomato paste and various spices and is typically served on the first day of religious holidays, symbolizing festivity and family gatherings.

Bulamaç Soup
Bulamaç is a simple yet hearty soup made with flour, butter, and yogurt. It traces back to Ottoman times, when it was considered a staple dish of the common folk. Mentioned in Kaşgarlı Mahmud’s Divan, the name comes from the Turkish root bula, meaning “to mix.” In its earlier versions, it was made using ingredients like cheese, butter, or sometimes sugar.

Çemen (Fenugreek Paste)
A flavorful and aromatic paste, çemen is made by blending spices, tomato paste, garlic, salt, and water in carefully balanced proportions. It is a popular condiment in Kayseri, frequently paired with pastırma or used as a spread, and is celebrated for its rich, appetizing taste.

Çerkes Mantısı (Circassian Dumplings)
A variation of traditional mantı, Çerkes Mantısı involves triangular dough pockets filled with a mixture of sautéed onions and mashed potatoes. Once boiled, the dumplings are topped with melted butter infused with red pepper flakes, adding a spicy kick to this comforting dish.

Tepsi Mantısı (Tray-Baked Dumplings)
Tepsi Mantısı is a baked variation of mantı, where small squares of stuffed dough are arranged on a greased tray and baked or pan-fried until golden. After baking, the dumplings are topped with a meat sauce and served with garlic yogurt. In another version, the dumplings are filled with ground meat before baking and topped with plain sauce and yogurt once cooked. This unique preparation makes it a flavorful twist on the traditional recipe.

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Bayramhacı Thermal Springs
Located 65 km from the city center, the thermal waters of Bayramhacı Springs are known for their healing properties. They are particularly beneficial for treating conditions such as rheumatic disorders, skin ailments, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory issues, kidney and urinary system disorders, gynecological conditions, and nutritional deficiencies.

Aladağlar National Park
Aladağlar National Park is home to stunning natural wonders such as Yedigöller (Seven Lakes), Hacer Forest, and the Kapuzbaşı Waterfalls. The park features several climbing routes, making it a popular destination for mountaineers. Its scenic trails, particularly those near the Boğaz and Kapuzbaşı Waterfalls, attract trekkers and nature enthusiasts. The Zamantı River flowing through the park offers exciting rafting opportunities. Adorned with black pine trees from the Hacer Forest and over 100 lakes, Aladağlar presents breathtaking views and numerous waterfalls. The trek to the summit takes about four hours to ascend and two hours to descend, offering outdoor enthusiasts plenty of adventure.

Koramaz Valley
Formed as a result of a seismic fault, Koramaz Valley is a unique blend of nature and cultural heritage. The valley was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List in 2020. Within the valley, you will find various ancient settlements, architectural wonders, churches, production centers, archaeological sites, fossil beds, aqueducts, and underground cities. With its rich history and captivating landscape, Koramaz Valley is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

Tuzla Lake
Tuzla Lake is an offshoot of the Kızılırmak River and is surrounded by wetlands, meadows, saline steppes, pastures, and farmland. During the summer, as rainfall decreases and evaporation increases, the lake shrinks, leaving behind salt deposits around its shores. Declared a first-degree natural protected area in 1993, it is also included in Türkiye’s Ramsar sites list. The lake’s surroundings have been a settlement area for numerous civilizations, from the Hittites to the Ottomans, and served as a key intersection along trade routes, including the historic Silk Road. The area is dotted with inns, caravanserais, mosques, and complexes, such as the iconic Sultanhanı Caravanserai, which have survived through the centuries.

Erciyes Ski Resort
Standing as the highest mountain in Central Anatolia and the fifth-largest in Türkiye, Mount Erciyes is an extinct volcano that last erupted 30 million years ago. Its volcanic ash, along with that of Mount Hasan, contributed to the formation of Cappadocia’s unique geological structures, including the fairy chimneys. Today, Erciyes is a year-round tourist hotspot, offering winter sports, mountain climbing, and high-altitude camps. The ski resort boasts 18 state-of-the-art lifts, 34 ski tracks covering a total length of 102 km, and 154 artificial snow machines, making it a world-class destination for winter enthusiasts.

Ali Dağı - Paragliding Adventure
Located in the Talas district, Ali Dağı has become a popular site for international paragliding competitions. Its favorable geographic structure and location attract both local and international tourists. For thrill-seekers, guided paragliding tours are available, offering an exhilarating experience above stunning landscapes.

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Hürmetçi Marshland
The Hürmetçi Marshland fills with water following the first rains of the season. In 2004, it was recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention due to meeting one of the nine Ramsar criteria. Located along the migratory routes connecting Europe, Asia, and Africa, it is a significant site for recreational activities and wildlife observation. Bird species such as the great egret, grey heron, and whooper swan can be spotted within this unique ecosystem.

Sultan Marshes National Park
This exceptional ecosystem, where freshwater and saltwater coexist, serves as a critical feeding, nesting, and sheltering habitat for 301 bird species, including those at risk of extinction. It holds the unique distinction of being the only location in Europe where cranes, flamingos, great egrets, and spoonbills breed together. Positioned at the crossroads of two major migratory bird routes connecting Africa, Europe, and Asia, Sultan Marshes attracts numerous migratory birds annually, making it an ecological treasure.

Gesi Vineyards and Pigeon Towers
In Anatolia’s historical past, farmers placed wild pigeons in specially designed structures to collect their droppings as organic fertilizer for vineyards and gardens. The pigeon towers of Gesi Vineyards are prime examples of this tradition. These stone-built, tower-shaped structures are unique to Türkiye. One of the distinctive features of the pigeon towers in Gesi is their underground chambers, which are specific to Türkiye and serve as a key differentiation from similar structures elsewhere in the world.

Kapuzbaşı Waterfalls
Kapuzbaşı Waterfalls, located in a 500-square-meter protected area, consist of seven spectacular waterfalls. The water gushes out from the rocks and cascades down from heights ranging between 30 to 76 meters with a significant flow rate. These waterfalls are spring-fed, flowing continuously throughout both summer and winter. With their vertical drop and impressive discharge, Kapuzbaşı Waterfalls are among the largest of their kind in the world, offering breathtaking natural beauty.

Wild Horses (Yılkı Horses)
Known for their free-spirited nature, Yılkı horses are typically released into the wild during winter and reclaimed by their owners in summer. They travel in herds of 10-12 horses, ensuring their survival through collective movement. Large populations of Yılkı horses roam in areas such as Sultan Marshes, the foothills of Mount Erciyes, and predominantly in the Hürmetçi and Dokuzpınar regions. These magnificent creatures attract hundreds of domestic and international tourists who visit to photograph them, film documentaries, and experience their untamed beauty up close.

routes

Route 1 - Historical and Cultural Gems in Kayseri

Discover the rich history of Kayseri by exploring its significant cultural and religious landmarks:

• Gevher Nesibe Hatun Madrasah
• Avgunlu Madrasah
• Kurşunlu Mosque
• Sahabiye Madrasah
• Roman Tomb
• Clock Tower
• Bürüngüz Mosque
• Pamuk Han
• Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami)
• Melik Mehmet Gazi Tomb
• Kadı Bathhouse (Kadı Hamamı)
• Hatuniye Madrasah
• Körükçü Han
• Lale Mosque and Mausoleum
• Han Mosque and Mausoleum
• Ahi Evran Tradesmen Museum
• Döner Kümbet (Rotating Mausoleum)
• Emir Ali Tomb
• Sırçalı Kümbet
• Seyyid Burhaneddin Tomb and Cemetery
• Şah Kutlu Hatun Mausoleum
• Hunat Hatun Mosque and Madrasah
• Zeynel Abidin Tomb
• Ok Bastion
• New Archaeology Museum
• Atatürk House
• Güpgüpoğlu Mansion - Ethnography Museum
• Virgin Mary Church
• Emir Sultan Tomb
• Sheikh Tennuri Mosque and Mausoleum
• Covered Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) - Bedesten

Route 2 - Architectural and Historical Treasures in Ağırnas

Ağırnas, the birthplace of Mimar Sinan, is a treasure trove of historical and architectural marvels:

• Ağırnas Mimar Sinan Park
• Mimar Sinan House
• Çayırharman Street
• Sinan Fountain
• Mimar Sinan Public Library
• Ağa Pınarı Fountain
• Karagöz Fountain
• Agios Prokopios Church
• Çerkezoğlu Mustafa Bey Mansion
• Ağırnas Underground City

Route 3 - Religious and Cultural Wonders of Soğanlı Valley

Explore the spiritual and cultural heritage of Soğanlı Valley through its historical churches and landmarks:

• Akköy Dam - Geyikli
• Tahtalı (Santa Barbara) Church
• Domed Church (Kubbeli Kilise)
• Hidden Church (Saklı Kilise)
• Snake Church (Yılanlı Kilise)
• Karabaş Church
• Tokalı Church (Buckle Church)
• Ballık Churches

10 vibes for kayseri

Kayseri City Library (Virgin Mary Church): Thought to be built in the 19th century, this structure is known for its remarkable architecture and stands as the only library in Turkey converted from a church.

Kurşunlu Mosque: Built in 1573 by the famous architect Mimar Sinan, who was originally from Kayseri, the mosque features a central dome covered in lead and is the only surviving work of Mimar Sinan in Kayseri.

Kayseri Castle: The outer walls were built in 242 CE by Roman Emperor Gordian III, while the inner castle dates back to the early 6th century CE under Byzantine Emperor Justinianus. The castle took its present form during the Seljuk period when it was fortified against Mongol invasions.

Döner Kümbet (Rotating Mausoleum): Built in honor of Şah Cihan Hatun, daughter of Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I, the mausoleum is a remarkable example of Turkish art and architecture.

Kültepe (Kaniş-Karum): Known as the site where documents revealing Kayseri’s 6,000-year history were discovered, Kültepe contains remains of administrative buildings, religious sites, houses, shops, and workshops. It also served as the center of Assyrian trade colonies and houses the earliest written tablets in Anatolia.

Ağırnas Underground City: With some parts dating back to the pre-Christian era and extensive use during the 1st-13th centuries CE, this ancient city features tunnels, caves, and remnants of underground dwellings.

Erdemli Valley: A key Byzantine settlement featuring numerous churches and historical sites, including Kilise Mosque, H. Eustathios Church, Double-Apse Chapel, H. Nikolaos Church, and H. Mikhael Church, among others. The valley also hosts a palace structure, making it an important historical area.

Erciyes Ski Resort: A year-round attraction offering winter tourism, mountain climbing, highland tourism, and motor sports. Its ski center features 18 high-tech mechanical lifts, 34 ski tracks totaling 102 km, and artificial snow machines.

Soğanlı Cloth Dolls: Traditional dolls made of fabric, decorated with sequins and beads, and reflecting the cultural essence of the region.

Mantı (Kayseri Dumplings): Don’t leave without trying traditional Kayseri mantı, known for its rich filling and unique flavor. Variants like Circassian and tray-baked mantı also add to the region’s culinary diversity.

kayseri in 8 hours

First Day

Start the day with a traditional breakfast and then explore the city’s rich history with visits to the Archaeology Museum, Tradesmen and Craftsmen Museum, Güpgüpoğlu Mansion and Ethnography Museum, Atatürk House, Kayseri Castle, Vezir Han, Ulu Mosque, Covered Bazaar, Gevher Nesibe Museum of Medical History (Seljuk Civilization Museum), and the Döner Kümbet (Rotating Mausoleum). After a morning full of discoveries, take a break for lunch and enjoy a selection of local delicacies.

After lunch, head to Ağırnas, the birthplace of Mimar Sinan, and stop by the Gesi Vineyards along the way to see the unique pigeon houses. Visit Kültepe Mound, an ancient site bearing witness to 6,000 years of history. Upon arriving in Ağırnas, explore the 3,000-year-old underground cities, visit the Mimar Sinan House, and see the Sinan Fountain.

If you’re still energized, you can make a final stop at Tuzla Lake, located about an hour away, where you can unwind in nature before heading back to the city.

Second Day

Begin the day early by visiting Hürmetçi and Dokuzpınar to see the wild Yılkı horses roaming the marshes. Capture some incredible photos and taste local delights such as buffalo cream, Kayseri sausage, and pastırma. Then, continue your journey to Soğanlı Valley.

Starting at Akköy Dam Lake, explore the valley’s historical treasures by visiting Geyikli Church, Santa Barbara (Tahtalı) Church, Kubbeli Church, Hidden (Saklı) Church, Snake (Yılanlı) Church, Karabaş Church, Tokalı Church, and Ballık Churches. You can also purchase traditional cloth dolls as souvenirs.

Afterward, head to Sultan Marshes, a natural wonder and bird sanctuary. Enjoy a refreshing outdoor lunch, then continue to Erciyes Ski Center for an afternoon of skiing or hiking.

When you return to the city, visit the Covered Bazaar to buy souvenirs and end your day with a feast of Kayseri Mantısı at a local restaurant.