Kayseri

Close to the Byzantine fortress, the 13th century Huant Hatun Mosque and Madrasah , with the Mahperi Hatun Mausoleum, comprise the first Seljuk complex, the Huant Hatun Complex, in Anatolia. The Madrasah is now an Ethnography Museum. South of the complex, stands the beautifully decorated Doner Kumbet of 1276, a Seljuk mausoleum of classic simplicity. A major Seljuk city, Kayseri was an important center of learning and consequently, there are many Madrasah s (theological schools) among the remaining historical buildings. Those interested in the Seljuk architectural form should see the cifte (Giyasiye and Sifahiye) Madrasah , the first Seljuk school of anatomy, and one which today is now the Gevher Nesibe Medical History Museum. And nearby is the lovely Sahabiye Madrasah . Near the city’s bedesten (market hall) is the restored 12th century Ulu Mosque. The Haci Kilic Mosque north of the cifte (twin) Madrasah dates from 1249. In the Cumhuriyet (Republic) quarter, the 19th century Resit Aga Mansion houses the Ataturk Museum which displays Ataturk’s personal belongings. Across from the Ataturk Museum, the historical Gupgupoglu Mansion is now an Ethnography Museum.

Kayseri is marked by the Mount Erciyes that towers in the horizon south of the city. Its inhabitants (Kayserili) are renowned for their alertness, entrepreneurial spirit and a strict understanding regarding the management of economies, the last point having been the subject of more than a few legends in Turkey. The city itself is a blend of wealth, modernity and provincial conservatism and is often cited in the first ranks among Turkey’s cities that fit the definition of Anatolian Tigers.

Renowned for its culinary specialties such as manti, pastirma and sucuk, the city is also rich in historical monuments (dating especially from the Seljuk period). While it is generally visited en-route to the international tourist attractions of Cappadocia, Kayseri has many visitor’s attractions by its own right; Seljuk monuments in and around the center, Mount Erciyes as trekking and alpinism center, Zamanti River as rafting center, the historic sites of Agirnas (Sinan the Architect’s village), Talas (home to the former Talas American College), Germir (Elia Kazan’s village) and Develi to name a few. Kayseri is served by Erkilet International Airport and is home to Erciyes University.

Kayseri is one of the most important carpet and kilim production centers in Anatolia. Bunyan 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.