Let’s go: About Kayseri
With a history reaching back six thousand years, Kayseri is one of the oldest cities in the world. A notable trading hub for the Assyrians and Hittites, the area came under Roman and then Byzantine rule, followed by the Seljuks and then the Eretnids. Eventually it came under Ottoman rule. The city, always an important center, played a pivotal role in the Turkish War of Independence when the building housing the Kayseri lyceum temporarily hosted the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
Places to visit in Kayseri
Kayseri, the third largest city in Türkiye’s Central Anatolia Region, has numerous historical sites, natural beauties and, of course, a distinctive cuisine!
Historical sites in Kayseri
Let’s start exploring this city of history, with its magnificent routes and historical treasures!
Kayseri Clock Tower
Erected in 1906, the Kayseri Clock Tower isn’t the city’s oldest structure, but it is a notable landmark. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk often addressed the people of Kayseri from the adjacent Republic Square.
Kayseri Castle and Walls
Originally erected during the Roman era, the Kayseri castle and city walls were rebuilt by the Anatolian Seljuks. Repaired twice more in subsequent years, the castle and the city walls are an integral feature of the old city center.
Döner Kümbet (Rotating Cupola)
The Döner Kümbet, one of the most important buildings in Kayseri, dates from the Seljuk period. The structure was built in 1289 in the name of Princess Shah Cihan Hatun, the daughter of Alaeddin Keykubat, and features gorgeous stone reliefs that include the double-headed eagle, lions and the tree of life – though these carvings have worn down over time. Set in the Talas district, the Döner Kümbet is about a 10-minute walk from the city center.
Kurşunlu Mosque
The stately Hacı Ahmet Pasha Mosque, also known as the Kurşunlu Mosque, was erected by the renowned Ottoman-era architect, Mimar Sinan – who was born in Kayseri. The mosque features beautiful kalem işi (chisel work) as well as the lead dome that gives the building its name(kurşun means lead).
Atatürk House Museum
With typical architectural characteristics of the Late Ottoman Period, this 19th-century building hosted Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and his delegation in 1919. The house was opened as a museum in 1983 and features a wax statue of Atatürk as well as photographs taken during his visit to Kayseri.
Kayseri’s natural beauties
Kayseri stands out with natural beauties as well as historical sites. Keep reading to discover more…
Sultan Sazlığı National Park
Sultan Sazlığı National Park is set between Develi and Yeşilhisar districts and offers a superb experience with views of Mount Erciyes emerging from behind the marshes. To date, more than three hundred species of birds have been identified in Sultansazlığı National Park, which is located at an intersection point for bird migration routes.
Erciyes Ski Center
About 25 kilometers from the Kayseri city center is the Erciyes Ski Resort, a popular winter destination for local and foreign tourists. The resort offers comprehensive facilities along with magnificent snowy landscapes and is often preferred due to its proximity to Cappadocia.
For information on other ski areas in Türkiye, just click on Winter is wonderful at ski resorts in Türkiye!
Kapuzbaşı Waterfalls
Somewhat farther from the Kayseri city center are the Kapuzbaşı Waterfalls. About 165 kilometers from the center, Kapuzbaşı consists of seven waterfalls in various sizes. This peaceful area is particularly popular in summer and spring for activities such as nature walks and picnics.
Dining in Kayseri
We cannot leave Kayseri without sampling its legendary cuisine! Kayseri is especially famous for its pastırma (cured spiced beef) and mantı (ravioli), of which it is said that the dumplings should be small enough so that forty can fit into a single spoon.
- Kayseri mantısı (tiny dumplings filled with meat or vegetables and served with yoghurt)
- Kayseri yağlaması (this interesting dish consists of several layers of thin pizza-like dough with meat toppings)
- Pastırma (spiced beef or buffalo meat, air-dried and cured)
- Pöç kebabı (oxtail kebab)
- Kayseri tiridi (phyllo dough stuffed with shredded meat and a special sauce.)
- Çiriş (a type of wild asparagus.)
- Örgülü pilav (rice in a latticed pie crust)
- Tahinli yaprak sarması (stuffed vine leaves with tahini)
- Katmer (fried, flaky layered bread)
- Çemenli ekmek (fenugreek bread)
- Aside tatlısı (a dessert made with molasses, flour and butter)
Information on Kayseri
After reading about Kayseri’s attractions and cuisine, we’d like to offer some tips to help you plan your trip to Kayseri. Check out accommodation and transportation options!
Staying in Kayseri
As a major commercial and tourism center, Kayseri offers a range of accommodation options, with most of the hotels in the city center. For ski trips, there are hotels around Mount Erciyes.
To book flights and accommodations easily and quickly, check out Turkish Airlines Holidays holiday packages. With these tailored holiday packages, you can easily arrange your trip and focus on Kayseri fun!
Transportation in Kayseri
Kayseri has a robust public transportation system that includes trams, buses and minibuses.
Getting from Kayseri Airport to the city center
Kayseri Airport is about 5 kilometers from the city center. After booking a flight ticket and landing in Kayseri, you can get to the city center via HAVAŞ airport buses or municipal buses, as well as airport taxis that serve 24/7. In addition, car rentals and private transfer services are available.
Have a nice trip!
