|
|
Kayseri
An ever snowy peak, rising magnificently over the Central Anatolian plateau, is
Mount Erciyes (3196 m), an extinct volcano. Those who visit Kayseri, the city
situated at the skirt of this mountain, first view this majestic sight. Then as
they move towards the inner city, they will be amazed by the appearance of
elegant minarets and domes of mosques, and the high city walls.
314 kms from Ankara, this province forms a composition of history and nature,
and possesses many special features both as an ancient site and as a present-day
tourist center. The city is full of many old Turkish baths, fountains, tombs,
inns, mosques, and medresses.
Mount Erciyes is the most outstanding feature in this region, not only with its
fascinating scenery but also with the opportunities it offers for winter sports.
It is a beautiful ski-resort with many facilities, and there also exist several
areas suitable for mountaineering.
At the foot of Mount Erciyes are the Sultan Marshes, 50 kms south of Kayseri.
Birds of 130 species are to be found here and it is an interesting and lovely
spot for bird watchers.
Besides the beauties granted by nature, Kayseri enjoys the many gifts of history,
being a settlement area approximately 5000 years old. The city has played
different roles throughout its long past.
By the 2nd millenium BC, the district was one of the commercial centers of the
Hittites. The towns of Kultepe and Karahoyuk of Kanesh were two of these trade
cities, named as "Karums" in that period.
In the later ages, the city constituted one of the cornerstones of Cappadocia
after which it became a center of Christianity. In the 6th century AD, it was
occupied by the Byzantines who surrounded the city with high walls. Later saw
the age of Seljuk rule, during which the area was filled with numerous
monumental works.
With respect to the historical signs which have remained from all these periods,
the Huand (Mahperi) Hatun Mosque and Medresse, and the Mahperi Hatun Mausoleum
are of importance, each dating back to the 13th century. "Kumbets", which are
circular tombs with domed or conical roofs, named Doner, Cifte and Sircali, are
also attractive places to see having distinctively fine decoration.
In the town of Develi are the old Seljuk buildings of Ulu Mosque, Seyid-I Serif,
and Develi tomb; on the Sivas road 46 kms north of Kayseri is the Sultan Han, a
caravanserai constructed during the reign of Alaeddin Keykubat.
Acting as a learning center during the Seljuk period, the city possesses many
medresses, which were the theological schools of the time. Sahabiye Medresse is
beautiful with its original monumental portal, and the Cifte Medresse is another,
carrying the title of the first medieval school of anatomy.
Notable sites of the province of Kayseri also include the Haci Kilic Mosque of
1249, the Kosk Medresse of the Mongol period, the Archeological Museum, the
Ethnographical Museum and the "bedesten" (covered bazaar). Among the many
natural attractions are a lot of mineral and hot springs. Noteworthy specialties
of the region are the knotted silk carpets (Bunyan), and wool rugs of Yahyali,
which make beautiful souvenirs; and the delicious foods, "sucuk", "salam" and "pastirma"
(sun-dried beef covered with a spicy paste).
Click here
for Kayseri photos >> |
|
