Sarıkaya Hot Springs

Sarıkaya Thermal Springs are thermal water sources located in the Sarıkaya district of Yozgat province in Türkiye. Declared a thermal tourism center by a decision of the Council of Ministers, these springs attract attention for their historical significance, geothermal properties, and applications in health care. Sarıkaya Thermal Springs are one of the region’s important assets both in terms of health tourism and cultural heritage.

Sarıkaya Thermal Springs (Türkiye Culture Portal)

Geothermal Properties

Sarıkaya Thermal Springs are situated in the center of Sarıkaya district, 77 kilometers from the city center of Yozgat. The spring waters belong to the oligometallic group containing fluoride. The temperature at the source is approximately 48 °C and is delivered for use at 38–40 °C through a cooling process. The flow rate of the spring has been measured at 28 liters per second. The thermal water emerges naturally from deep underground without any addition of cooling water.

Medical Applications

According to analyses conducted by the Ministry of Health, Sarıkaya Thermal Spring waters are used as a supportive and complementary treatment for conditions such as sciatica related to the ribs, painful gynecological disorders, chronic infectious discharges in women, spastic pains, and spastic colitis. They are also preferred for aiding the expulsion of kidney and gallbladder stones due to their spasmolytic effect on the ureter. Under medical supervision, the spring waters are also utilized in the treatment of skin diseases.

Historical and Cultural Context

Sarıkaya Thermal Springs also hold historical significance. Remnants from the Roman period have been found in the region, and it is known that in antiquity these springs formed part of a settlement known as "Basilica Therma (Aqua Sarvenae)". A widely circulated local legend refers to the site as the "Princess’s Bath".

According to the legend, the daughter of a Roman king became unable to walk due to rheumatism and failed to respond to various treatments. As a last resort, she was sent to the area with the thermal waters, where she gradually recovered and regained her beauty. Following this event, the king ordered the construction of a pool around the springs and initiated the founding of a city named after his daughter.

Sarıkaya Thermal Springs (Türkiye Culture Portal)