Close to the Byzantine fortress, the 13th century Huant Hatun Mosque and Medrese, with the Mahperi Hatun Mausoleum, comprise the first Seljuk complex, the Huant Hatun Complex, in Anatolia. The Medrese is now an Ethnography Museum. South of the complex, stands the beautifully decorated Döner Kümbet of 1276, a Seljuk mausoleum of classic simplicity.
A major Seljuk city, Kayseri was an important center of learning and consequently, there are many medreses (theological schools) among the remaining historical buildings. Those interested in the Seljuk architectural form should see the Çifte (Giyasiye and Sifahiye) Medrese, the first Seljuk school of anatomy, and one which today is now the Gevher Nesibe Medical History Museum. And nearby is the lovely Sahabiye Medrese. Near the city’s bedesten (market hall) is the restored 12th century Ulu Mosque.
The Haci Kilic Mosque north of the Çifte (twin) Medrese dates from 1249. In the Cumhuriyet (Republic) quarter, the 19th-century Resit Aga Mansion houses the Ataturk Museum which displays Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s personal belongings. Across from the Atatürk Museum, the historical Gupgupoglu Mansion is now an Ethnography Museum.
Inside the University premises, there is a museum dedicated to Mr. Abdullah Gul, 11th President of the Republic. The museum was inaugurated in December 2016 and consists of several sections with gifts to the former President, photographs from his Office days, and an extensive library with thousands of books.
South of Kayseri, in Develi, stand three more important Seljuk buildings: the Ulu Mosque, the Seyid-i Serif Tomb and the Develi Tomb. Nearby, the Sultan Marshes, the habitat of many bird species, are of interest both to ornithologists and nature lovers.
North of Kayseri, Kültepe, known in ancient times as Kanesh or Karum, was one of the earliest Assyrian and Hittite commercial cities Dating from 2000 BC, Kültepe was also one of the world’s first cities of free trade. Today, however, only the foundations remain. Many of the findings can be examined in the Kayseri Archaeological Museum or Ankara Anatolian Civilizations Museum.
Kayseri Streets | Photo by Ömer Haktan Bulut
On the same road there is Sultanhan caravanserai which was built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I in the early 13th century and a favorite stop for tourists.
Caesarea was also an important city of Christianity in the early years of the Byzantine Empire. One can remember bishop Basil the Great from 4th century who traveled in Cappadocia as well to organize early Christian communities.
Karpuzbasi Waterfall is 76 kilometers south of Kayseri. In this beautiful natural site, seven different springs on the mountainside fall from heights ranging between 30 and 70 meters.
Kayseri is one of the most important carpet and kilim production centers in Anatolia. Bünyan is the most famous carpet production center and Yahyali is the most famous kilim production center. Rugs woven in finely knotted floral patterns continue a centuries-old tradition.
The city is also famous for its local cuisine, especially for its “Manti”, similar to but in smaller sizes of a Ravioli, and Pastirma (Pastrami) beef bacon.
Airport Name: Kayseri Erkilet Airport
Address: Merkez, Ahmet Yasevi Mahallesi, Mustafa Kemal Paşa Blv., 38090 Kocasinan/Kayseri, Turkey
Code: ASR
Elevation: 1,056 m
Phone: +90 352 337 52 44
Serves: Eskişehir and the Surrounding area
We highly recommend booking international and domestic flights with Turkish Airlines. Visit www.turkishairlines.com for prices and times.
If you wish to travel by bus or car please give the details of your journey so we can recommend a local transfer service. You must allow 3 days for us to make suggestions.
All companies we recommend are licensed by TURSAB. It is merely a recommendation we do not take any responsibilities for any of the services recommended on this website.
For areas to visit near Kayseri visit https://visit-turkey.org/destination/central-anatolia/