Kayseri

Kayseri is a major city that has been an important cultural, commercial, and scientific center in Central Anatolia throughout history. It has hosted numerous civilizations including the Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans, and today stands out for both its industrial strength and cultural richness. Located at the foot of Mount Erciyes, the city attracts attention with its historical heritage and natural beauty.

📍 Where?

Kayseri is a large and historic city located in Türkiye’s Central Anatolia Region. It was founded at the foot of Mount Erciyes and draws attention through both its rich past and its modern way of life.

🕰️ Kayseri Through History

Kayseri is an ancient city. People lived here thousands of years ago! Many civilizations including the Hittites, Phrygians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans have left their mark on these lands. Its ancient name was “Mazaka,” later changed to “Caesarea.” After coming under Turkish control in 1071, it acquired the name Kayseri.

🕌 Legacy from the Seljuks to the Ottomans

During the Seljuk period, Kayseri became a major center of science and trade. Many monuments from this era remain, including the Hunat Hatun Külliyesi, Gevher Nesibe Darüşşifası, and Sahabiye Medresesi. The city retained its importance during the Ottoman period as well.

🏛️ Filled with Museums and Monuments!

Kayseri has many historical sites to visit. Kayseri Castle, Archaeology Museum, Güpgüpoğlu Konağı, and Atatürk Evi are structures that carry the past into the present. Seljuk architecture, in particular, adds a unique charm to the city.

🏔️ Mount Erciyes and Nature

Mount Erciyes is the symbol of Kayseri. Covered in snow during winter, it is an excellent destination for skiing. In summer, hiking and nature walks are popular. Natural attractions such as the Sultansazlığı Bird Sanctuary are also found here.

🥘 Cuisine

Kayseri is also famous for its cuisine. Pastırma, sucuk, and mantı are its most well-known dishes. Kayseri mantı is very small and delicious, typically served with yogurt and sauce. Nevzine sweet is also unique to Kayseri.

🎨 Traditional Crafts and Culture

Traditional crafts such as carpet weaving, coppersmithing, and stonemasonry are highly valued in Kayseri. The carpets of Bünyan and Yahyalı are especially renowned. Folk tales, meddah storytelling, maniler, and traditional plays are also part of the city’s cultural treasures.

⛪ Traces of Different Faiths

Throughout history, Muslims, Christians, and Jews have lived together in Kayseri. As a result, visitors can see structures belonging to different faiths, including mosques, churches, and synagogues.

🧱 Archaeological Sites

Kayseri has many important archaeological sites. Kültepe Kaniş-Karum is one of Anatolia’s oldest trade centers. The cuneiform tablets found here help us understand how history was recorded! Other sites awaiting exploration include Mazaka (near Kültepe), Soğanlı Valley, and Derevenk Valley.

🧵 Intangible Cultural Heritage

The city is also notable for its traditional crafts and oral cultural expressions. Carpet weaving in Bünyan, clog-making, felt-making, and stonemasonry are still actively practiced. Additionally, Kayseri’s oral folk narratives, maniler, children’s games, and traditional wedding rituals have been nominated for inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage lists.

🏰 Kayseri Castle

Kayseri Castle is located in the heart of the city and has a very ancient history. Originally built during the Roman period, it was repaired multiple times during the Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman eras. The castle was used to protect the city from enemies. It consists of both outer and inner fortification sections. Today, walking through this still-standing castle offers visitors a chance to imagine life in the past.

🕌 Mahperi (Mama) Hatun Külliyesi

Mahperi Hatun was the wife of Seljuk Sultan I. Alaeddin Keykubad and gifted Kayseri with a valuable monument: the Hunat Külliyesi. This complex includes mosque, a medrese, a bathhouse, and a tomb. Built in the 13th century, it served not only as a place of worship but also as a center for education and social life. Its stone-carved architecture, richly decorated, leaves a strong impression on visitors.

🏥 Gevher Nesibe Şifahanesi

Gevher Nesibe Sultan, who lived during the Seljuk period, commissioned an important structure for medical education: the Gevher Nesibe Şifahanesi. This building functioned as both a hospital and a medical school. Opened in 1206, it is recognized as the first medical education institution in Anatolia. Today it serves as the Museum of the History of Medicine, presenting information on how doctors were trained in the past.

🕍 Döner Kümbet

The Döner Kümbet is a 13th-century monumental tomb. This octagonal structure is notable for its conical roof. The plant and geometric decorations on its stone surfaces represent a unique artistic achievement. This structure, belonging to one of the period’s prominent women, holds great architectural and historical value.

🕌 Ulu Camii

Kayseri Ulu Camii was built in 1155 and is one of the city’s oldest mosques. It dates from the Danişmentli period and was later restored during the Seljuk and Ottoman eras. It has a simple yet striking architecture. Its interior is modest and serene. Ulu Camii is both a place of worship and a site steeped in history.

🕌 Kurşunlu Camii

Kurşunlu Camii was built in 1585 by one of Mimar Sinan’s students. It acquired its name because its roof was covered with lead. This mosque reflects Ottoman-era architecture and is notable for its large dome and elegant minaret. Its interior decorations are simple but preserve its historical character.

🏫 Sahabiye Medresesi

Sahabiye Medresesi was constructed in 1249 by Seljuk vizier Sahip Ata Fahreddin Ali. At the time, students were taught astronomy, philosophy, and religious sciences. The ornamental carvings and inscriptions on its stone entrance are particularly striking. Today, this still-standing medreses stands as a fine example of Seljuk architecture and the region’s passion for knowledge.

🗺️ Places to Visit

🔸 Mount Erciyes and Ski Center – One of Türkiye’s major winter tourism destinations.

🔸 Hunat Hatun Külliyesi – A large architectural complex from the Seljuk period.

🔸 Gevher Nesibe Darüşşifası – Recognized as the world’s first medical faculty.

🔸 Kayseri Castle – A defensive structure that has survived from Roman times to the present.

🔸 Soğanlı Valley – A continuation of Cappadocia’s rock-cut churches.

🔸 Talas – An old urban district with Ottoman and Greek houses.

🔸 Agios Georgios Greek Orthodox Church – A structure reflecting the city’s cultural layers.

🔸 Ağırnas – The birthplace of Mimar Sinan and a historic district known for its stonework.

🔸 Sultan Sazlığı – A wetland of international importance for birdwatching.

🏫 Kayseri High School

Kayseri High School is one of the city’s oldest and most established educational institutions. Founded in 1893, it holds a significant place not only in Kayseri’s but also in Türkiye’s educational history. During World War I, many students from this school went to the frontlines and demonstrated great sacrifice. At one point, the final class did not graduate at all because all students joined the war effort. Today, within the school building, there is a memorial corner and museum honoring these heroic students. Kayseri High School is an important educational institution that takes pride in its past and moves forward with strong steps toward the future.

🎓 Universities

Like in the past, Kayseri remains an important center for science and education today. The city’s oldest higher education institution, Erciyes University, was established in 1978 and ranks among Türkiye’s respected universities. The university offers education in medicine, engineering, literature, sciences, and many other fields. Additionally, Abdullah Gül University, founded in 2008, stands out with its modern campus and research-oriented structure. There is also Nuh Naci Yazgan University, a foundation university in the city. These universities provide educational opportunities for Kayseri’s youth and welcome many students from outside the city.

🏥 Hospitals

Kayseri is also a well-developed city in terms of healthcare services. One of its largest hospitals is Erciyes University Faculty of Medicine Hospital, which provides medical treatment and trains future doctors. The city also has Kayseri City Hospital, a modern facility offering services in numerous specialties and providing healthcare support to both local residents and patients from surrounding provinces. In addition to state hospitals, there are various private hospitals and health centers throughout the region. Thanks to this infrastructure, Kayseri continues to be a city that places great importance on public health, as it has throughout history.

🏙️ Kayseri Today

Today, Kayseri is a modern city characterized by its industry, universities, museums, and advanced transportation network. It preserves traces of its past while moving forward into the future. With its airport, tram system, and large organized industrial zones, Kayseri is among Türkiye’s most developed cities.