The best cycling routes around Mount Erciyas

If you're planning to explore this area by bike, on a run, or while hiking, make sure to bring your own Merlot. The region is known for its stunning views and outdoor activities, but finding a good spot to enjoy a glass of wine can be a challenge. Packing your favorite Merlot ensures you can savor a well-deserved drink after your adventure!

Sahabiye Madrasah was built in 1267-68 by Sahib Ali bin Hüseyin during the reign of the Seljuk Sultan Gıyasettin Keyhusrev III. It is understood that Sahib Ata Fahreddin Ali, the famous Seljuk vizier, was the founder of the madrasa. The geometric carvings on the sides and on the door are the best examples of Seljuk late period workmanship.

Republic Square is located in the busiest part of Melikgazi district, which is called the center of Kayseri. Since the square is located in the center of the city, transportation is very easy. One can reach the square by Kayseri streetcar and city buses. There are many historical buildings in the square.

Kayseri Sümerbank Cloth Factory, one of the first and largest industrial investments of the Republic of Turkey, was reconfigured as Abdullah Gül University's Sümer Campus with an innovative, environmentally friendly, sustainable and accessible design approach and opened in 2013. Sümerbank Cloth Factory, which started production in Kayseri in 1935 and was the first industrial facility of the Republic, contributed to the economy of our country as one of the important locomotives of modernization, industrialization and development until 1999. The factory buildings, which attract attention with their physical and architectural structure as well as their economic, social and cultural role, are shown as one of the few examples of international modern architectural movements such as Russian Constructivism and Bauhaus. The building that used to be the power plant of the factory, which is registered and preserved as an industrial heritage, was restored by Emre Arolat Architecture and now welcomes visitors as the Abdullah Gül Presidential Museum and Library. The museum, located in the Sümer Campus of AGU, exhibits both important memories of the history of the Republic and the belongings and life of the 11th President Abdullah Gül. The museum, which is a digital archive, consists of 3 blocks and 9 sections on an area of 7 thousand square meters. In the museum, where many historical documents, information and photographs are exhibited, visitors can learn about important turning points in the history of democracy. There is also a separate section in the museum dealing with the July 15 coup attempt.

Kayseri Castle and Walls, which were built in the 3rd century during the Roman Period and narrowed in the 6th century during the Byzantine Period; it was rebuilt in its present form during the reign of Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat I. It was repaired twice during the time of the Karamanids and Osmanids. The castle, which protects the city center of Kayseri, which is located on the transportation passages in Central Anatolia, is a medieval castle with its old presence and additions made over time. Historical Kayseri City and Castle is built on a flat area and consists of two parts as the Outer Castle and the Inner Castle. The Inner Castle was built higher than the Outer Castle and became a separate castle with the city walls added around it. In 1948, Prof. Dr. Tahsin Özgüç started systematic excavations in Kültepe Kaniş/Karum, 22 kilometers northeast of Kayseri, and the artifacts unearthed by Prof. Dr. Tahsin Özgüç and the increasing number of artifacts purchased and donated from the environment caused difficulties in providing space in the museum exhibition and warehouses, and in 1965, the construction of the previously used museum building was started and opened to visitors on June 26, 1969. Kayseri Archeology Museum, which served here for about 50 years, moved to the new Museum building located in Kayseri Castle and opened to visitors with its new structure as of October 19, 2019.

Gevher Nesibe Asylum and Gıyasiye Medresesi, also known as the Double Madrasah, were built between 1205 and 1206 by Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev I upon the will of his sister Gevher Nesibe Sultan, daughter of Kılıçarslan II, one of the Seljuk rulers. The complex, which attracts attention with its simple architecture, is one of the most important buildings of Anatolian architectural history.

Kayseri Neighborhood, which has historical Kayseri houses that reflect Kayseri culture in the best way, consists of places where grocery stores, barbers, bakeries, herbalists and other tradesmen groups are revived and old Kayseri customs can be seen. Kayseri music, Kayseri food, artworks and traditions continue to be kept alive in the mansions in the neighborhood.

Kayseri, one of Türkiye’s centres of culture, art, science, and tourism, has been the cradle of many civilizations since antiquity – and has preserved its prominence in every period. Even its name – Kaisareia – which designated an “emperor’s city” in the Roman era, demonstrates the importance of the city. Mount Erciyes, 2.5 million years old and the highest mountain in Central Anatolia, defines the silhouette of the city, with its summit reaching above the clouds. As well, Erciyes has shaped the 6,000-year history of the region through its geological events. Kayseri, Türkiye is well worth a visit, for its historical and cultural heritage, its natural beauties, and its traditional cuisine.