The city of Kayseri, the Roman Caesarea, extends at the foot of the Erciyes Mountains (3,916 meters), an extinct volcano and well-known winter sports centre with good hotels and slopes.

Near the Byzantine fortress, the first Seljuk complex in Anatolia was built with the Huant Hatun mosque and madrasah (the latter is now the archaeological museum) and the Mahperi Hatun - Türbe in the 13th century. South of the complex is the Doner Kümbet from 1276, a Seljuk mausoleum of classic simplicity.

A cultural centre among the Seljuks

Among the Seljuks, Kayseri was an important cultural and scientific centre with the corresponding buildings that can still be admired today. For those interested in architecture, a visit to the Cifte Medressen (Giyasiye - Sifahiye, built in 1205), the first medieval anatomy school, and the Sahabiye Médresse are recommended. One of the Cifte medresses now serves as a medical and historical museum named 'Gevher Nesibe'. Next to the Bedesten you will find the restoration of Ulu mosque from the 12th century. The Haci Kilic mosque north of the Cifte - Medresse was built in 1249.

Today the ethnological museum is located in the Güpgüpoglu mansion, a faithfully restored old Turkish building. An Ataturk Museum has been set up in the Resit Aga mansion opposite.

Kapuzbasi waterfall - a sight worth visiting

About 76 km south of Kayseri, the Kapuzbasi waterfall, which is fed from seven springs, rushes down to the valley. A trip is definitely worth it. The Kapuzbasi actually consists of 7 individual waterfalls, each between 37 and 70 m high. There are other smaller waterfalls near Yahyali. The bird paradise Sultansazligi is very close to. Sultansazligi is about 10,000 hectares big and more than 250 species of birds live in the area. Bird watching is becoming increasingly important in gentle tourism.

The Sarimsakli dam is about 30 km in the direction of Siva. Directly at the dam there is a forest area that is used by many day trippers for barbecues. The famous 7 lakes are 80 km away from Yahyali.

Please also read:

Countless churches in Cappadocia - Ikinoclasm
The secret valley - Balta´s place near Mustafapasa