Where to Visit

Ancient Cities

Kultepe (Kanis Karum) Literally meaning Hill of Ashes, this settlement dates back to 4000 BC and is 20km northeast of Kayseri. It composes of an Assyrian trading colony called Karum, and a tumulus 500m diameter and 22m high. The town of Kanis was prominent from around 2500 BC, and it was the centre of Anatolia’s most prominent kingdom. It is possible to pick out the houses, roads and shops from the site, which is accessible to visitors, and is opposite the tumulus. It is now a famous open-air museum, having been rediscovered in 1881. Excavations since then have unearthed items from Assyrian, Roman, Persian and Hittite periods, including letters on tablets of stone written in the Assyrian language which are the oldest written documents of Anatolia. The best of the finds are exhibited in the Museum of Anatolian Civilisation in Ankara. City Ramparts and Castle Kayseri Ramparts and Castle, at Cumhuriyet Boulevard are constructed on 3rd century, and narrowed & repaired in the middle of 6th century. Ancient castle of Kayseri city is composed of two parts: internal castle and external castle, composed of external ramparts and bastions.

Mosques

Important mosques of the city are Ulu Mosque, Güllük Inn, Hacıkılıç, Kurşunlu and Kale Mosques, which are at the city center. Avgunlu, Çifte, Sırçalı, Şah Kutlu Hatun, Ali Cafer, Köşk vaults as well as Melik Mehmet Gazi and Seyyit Burhanettin mausoleums, which are at the city center, are the important ones. Sahabiye Theology School, Hunat Theology School, Seraceddin Theology School, Köşk Theology School, Hatuniye Theology School are the important Theology Schools of Kayseri. In the Erdemli Valley, which is 70 km away from Kayseri through Kayseri - Adana & nbps; monastery, churches and rock residential are the valuable places for visit. Soğanlı Valley, in which there are about 50 rock churches and caverns is also an important tourism center.

Hans and Caravanseraies

»Sultan Caravanserai Situated 50 km northeast of Kayseri, this was constructed during the reign of the Seljuk Sultan Alaattin I Keykubat, between 1232 and 1236. Its best features are the adornments on the door and internal architecture, especially the intricate snake motif on the mosque arches. It is the second largest caravanserai in Anatolia, and has been beautifully restored.
» Karatay Caravanserai This caravanserai, in the village of Karadayi, was constructed in 1255 by one of the Seljuk viziers, Celalettin Karatay. Reliefs on the mausoleum and columns are great examples of Seljukian masonry. Inside the left portal is an unmarked tomb, decorated with animal figures, and the ceiling inside the tomb is painted blue to mimic the skies.
»Kara Mustafa Pasa Caravanserai This huge caravanserai was part of a new town built in 1667 for Emir Kara Mustafa Pasa, one of the Ottoman viziers. The complex also contains a mosque and hamam, a medrese and bazaar with 30 shops.
» Vezirhanı Damat Ibrahim Pasa constructed this two-layered inn, part of the city’s Kapali Carsi (Covered Market) in 1727. It has a fountain in the middle of the courtyard, which draws attention to the interesting architecture. It sells wool and raw cotton on the ground floor, and Kayseri carpets on the upper.
»Bedesten There is a ceiling cover, composed of three bid domes and cupolas, of bedesten within the covered market. It is constructed on 1497.
»Covered Market Kayseri Covered Market, which is one of the four biggest covered market of Turkey and has four entrance gates, is constructed by public on 1859.

Lake and Waterfalls

Kapuzbaşı The Yahyali Waterfalls 70km south of Kayseri, have seven different levels whose heights vary between 30 - 50 m, and fall into the Zamanti river and eventually to Seyhan. This series of waterfalls, one of the most important in the world regarding flow rates and heights, is something of a natural phenomenon.

Sports Activities

»The Erciyes Ski Centre lies at 2150m, on the eastern face of Mount Erciyes on Tekir Yaylasi (plateau), 25km south of Kayseri. The season runs between December and May, and there is a 140-bed capacity ski lodge, good courses, a ski lift and chair lift. Ski instructors and equipment are available.
»Erciyes Ski Centers Trekking Aladaglar, Hacer Pass and Yedigoller regions are all good for trekking.
»Climbing
oAladaglar National Park. There are tow bridges on the river, one of which is 1km long. There is also a good route on Kızılırmak area. Air sports Kayseri has appropriate areas for air sports.

 

Geography

In the city, the climate is similar to that of the whole of the Central Anatolian Region. Summers are hot and dry, and winters are cold and rainy.

History

Kayseri has been one of the most important trade centre in Anatolia over the history. Located in the right centre of the country, it has the feel of a modern, busy city but also has a strong traditional and religious atmosphere. The setting is spectacular, with the mountains of Erciyes Dagi and Kara Dagi in the background, a snow-capped volcano and green fields, and the nearby Sultansazligi bird sanctuary. The city is also well known for its textile and carpet industry, and has impressive monuments that reflect its history. Kayseri has always been a popular option as a base to explore Cappadocia.

What to Buy

The markets of Kayseri have a wide selection of goods, from carpets, clothes, jewellery, and the famous pastırma.