Gemerek is a district located in the Central Anatolia Region of Türkiye, within the province of Sivas. It is situated in the southwest of the provincial center, on the Sivas-Kayseri highway and railway line. The district covers an area of 1,153 km² and is located at an average altitude of 1,150 meters above sea level. The population of Gemerek is 21,525.
History
Gemerek has been a settlement since prehistoric times. Its location at the crossroads of north-south and east-west routes in Anatolia has made it an area of interest for many civilizations throughout history. In addition to settlement traces from the Paleolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, and Early Bronze Ages, the region has been under the rule of various civilizations such as the Hattians, Hittites, Assyrian Trade Colonies, Phrygians, Cimmerians, Medes, Persians, Alexander the Great, the Kingdom of Cappadocia, and the Roman and Byzantine Empires. During the Middle Ages, the region was ruled by the Umayyads, Crusaders, Danişmendids, Seljuks, Ilkhanids, Eratnalids, Kadı Burhaneddin, Timurids, Dulkadirids, and Ottomans.
The settlement of Turks in the region began after the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, with a Turkish tribe named Abdioglu being known to have settled in the area. During the Ottoman period, in the 16th century, Gemerek, a village of the Çubuk District in the Bozok Sanjak, was seen as an independent district under the Sharkışla district according to the Ottoman salnames of 1895-1896. In 1936, the municipality was established, and with Law No. 6058 dated May 1, 1953, it became a district, separated from Şarkışla. A significant moment in the district's history occurred in 1930 when Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stayed at Gemerek Station.
Geographical Structure and Climate
Gemerek is located in the Central Anatolia Region, on the Sivas-Kayseri highway and railway line. To the east is Şarkışla, to the west and south are Kayseri’s Sarıoğlan and Akkışla districts, and to the north are Yozgat’s Çayıralan and Akdağmadeni districts. The district covers an area of 1,153 km² and is approximately 1,150 meters above sea level.
The land structure mainly consists of plains, intersected by valleys running from north to south. To the north are the Karababa and Şama mountains, and to the south is Karadağ, the main elevation. The district has a continental climate, with hot and dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The most rainfall occurs in spring and autumn.
Soil Structure
Zonal soils are widespread in Gemerek. Especially in the Kızılırmak basin, alluvial soils are dominant. These organic-rich soils are important for agricultural productivity. Red-brown soils are suitable for grain production, while the widespread brown soils, due to their high lime content, are less productive.
Water Resources
The most important river in the district is Kızılırmak. This river joins Göksu Stream, which originates from Sızır Township, and merges with it at the borders of Tekmen village. There are two hydroelectric power stations on the Göksu Stream and one on the Kızılırmak.
Natural Beauties and Cultural Sites
Sızır Eskiköy Archaeological Site
Located in the southeast of Sızır Township, in the Eskiköy area. The region has caves in rocky and green areas, some of which have been damaged. The cave, called "Necip's Den," has a structure similar to an underground city. The cave extends 25-30 meters deep and has rooms divided into sections. There are also remnants of a mansion in the Köşkbaşı area of the same region.
Sızır Waterfall
Located 1 km from Sızır Township, in the Çat Forests, Sızır Waterfall is situated on the Göksu Stream and is protected as a sit area. The area has been made suitable for tourism with walking paths, wooden stairs, and surrounding arrangements. The area around Sızır also hosts remnants from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
Sızır Waterfall (Sivas Governorship)
Çat Forests
Famous for its rich flora, pine trees, daisy fields, streams, and wildlife. In spring, it is a popular spot for flower photography; in summer, it is known for plateau tourism; and in winter, it attracts nature lovers with its snowy landscapes. Additionally, villages such as Çat, Eğerci, İnkışla, and Eşikli, along with Sızır, continue traditional pastoral activities. In addition to Sızır Waterfall, picnic areas such as Cennet Dere and Hatapalanı are also available for public use. In Eğerci Village, you can find the Eğerci Baba Tomb, an Armenian Church in Çepni Township, and a mosque from the Seljuk period. Historical mansions are also found in the town center.
Çat Forest (Sızır Municipality)
Şahruh Bey Mosque (Central Mosque)
Located in the town center of Gemerek, the mosque was built by Şahruh Bey, the son of Alaüddevle of the Dulkadirid Emirate, according to the inscription on its entrance. It was repaired by Arslan Paşa's son Ahmet Bey in 1749 and later by the Çapanoğulları family in 1822. The building has a rectangular plan and a flat ceiling, with a northern upper gallery and a five-sided mihrab with a muqarnas arch in the southern part.
Çepni Mosque
It was built by Kızılkocaoğlu İsa Bey in 1530, according to the inscription. It was renovated in 1826 and 1898. The interior of the mosque was expanded with four niche-like alcoves, and the central square section is covered with a cross-vault. An octagonal dome is located in the center, and the mihrab is notable for its original design and plaster decorations.
İnkışla Mosque
The inscription at the north entrance of the building is unreadable. According to local accounts, the mosque was built by Safiye Hatun from Yozgat. The mosque features three domes, each separated by two rows of columns. The columns have "S" shaped consoles on them. The structure has been mostly renovated.
İnkışla Hamzalı Mevkii Mosque
Only the walls and the mihrab of this mosque have survived to the present day. The roof structure has completely collapsed. Various local legends suggest that a treasure was found near the building, which was constructed from cut stone.
Economy
The economy of Gemerek is largely based on agriculture and livestock. In agricultural production, grains, sugar beets, and potatoes are the main products. Vegetable and fruit production is also widespread. Sugar beet cooperatives serve the needs of Kayseri Sugar Factory in the district. The Agricultural Credit Cooperative and the Chamber of Agriculture also support local producers.
One of the significant agricultural products in the district, gaining attention in recent years, is the gilaboru fruit. Known for its health benefits, especially for kidney-related issues, production of this fruit is increasing.
The district has two industrial sites, and Yeniçubuk Mahallesi is the commercial center. With the activation of the Gemerek Organized Industrial Zone, industrial development is also expected. In the district, branches of Şekerbank, Vakıfbank, and Ziraat Bankası are available. The district’s economy is also supported by citizens working abroad.
Transportation
Gemerek is strategically located on the Sivas-Kayseri highway and railway line. It is 120 km from Sivas, 70 km from Kayseri, and approximately 142 km from Yozgat. The Gemerek Train Station is located on the railway line passing through the district. Tourist trains, such as the Eastern Express, also pass through the district. Its location on one of the main east-west arteries of the highway system makes Gemerek a significant transportation hub.
