Kayseri is an ancient and dynamic city at the foot of Mount Erciyes in Central Turkey.
It combines a rich historical heritage, strong industrial development and authentic Anatolian culture.
Today, Kayseri is one of the most prosperous cities in Turkey, known for its architecture, cuisine and proximity to the famous Cappadocia.

📍 Geography and climate

• Region: Central Anatolia

• Population: ~1.5 million people

• Altitude: ~1050 metersabove sea level

• Themain natural attraction:Erciyes Vol cano (Erciyes Dağı) is the highest peak of Central Anatolia (3916 m).

• Climate: continental

  • Summers: are hot and dry (+30°C)

  • Winter: is cold and snowy (-5°C and below).

The city is located at the crossroads of trade routes - the historical Silk Road, which determined its fate as a center of trade and crafts since ancient times.

🏛 History

Kayseri is one of the oldest cities in Asia Minor, with a history of over 4000 years.

📜 Main stages:

• 🏺 A ntiquity: was founded by the Hittites under the name Kaniš (Kanish). Kültepe (Kültepe), the center of ancient Assyrian trade, was located here.

• 🏛 Age of Rome and Byzantium: the city was called Caesarea - in honor of Emperor Caesar.

• ⚔️ Seljuks and Ottomans: after the 11th century it became an important center of Islamic architecture, science and crafts.

• 🇹🇷 20th century: after the founding of the Turkish Republic, Kayseri became a powerful industrial and cultural center of Anatolia.

🕌 Main attractions

🏰 Kayseri Kale (Kayseri Kalesi)

• A fortress in the center of the city, built by the Byzantines, then fortified by the Seljuks.

• Inside are ancient gates, towers and a small bazaar.

• From here it is convenient to start a walk around the historic center.

🕍 Hunat Hatun Complex (Hunat Hatun Külliyesi)

• Built in the 13th century by the wife of Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad.

• Includes a mosque, madrasah, hamam and mausoleum.

• One of the best examples of Seljuk architecture.

🏛 S t. George Church (Surp Krikor Lusavoriç Kilisesi)

• Built by the Armenian community in the 19th century.

• Today it is used as a cultural center and a symbol of the city's multi-layered history.

🕌 Gevher Nesibe Mosque (Gevher Nesibe Medresesi)

• Built in 1206.

• It was considered the first medical university in the world, where doctors were trained and patients were treated.

• Today the building houses the Museum of Medicine and Science.

🏞 Kültepe Museum (Kültepe Höyüğü)

• Archaeological area with the remains of the ancient city of Kanish, the center of Assyrian civilization.

• Clay tablets with inscriptions, the oldest financial documents in the history of mankind were found here.

🏔️ Erciyes Mountain (Erciyes Dağı)

• An extinct volcano and one of the best ski resorts in Turkey.

• 25 km from the city center.

• Modern slopes, cable cars and panoramic views make it popular in both winter and summer.

• Here you can ski, paraglide or just enjoy the alpine scenery.

🧿 Culture and atmosphere

Kayseri is a city of discipline, religiosity and hard work.
The locals are proud of their history, entrepreneurial spirit and hospitality.

• The city is known as "Anatolian Manchester " - due to its strong industry (textiles, furniture, engineering).

• Kayseri is actively developing universities and cultural centers, while preserving the traditional way of life.

• Not only businessmen, but also pilgrims, travelers, historians and skiers come here.

🍽 Kayseri cuisine is a taste of the real Anatolia

Kayseri is famous for one of Turkey's most recognizable c uisines - rich, hearty and flavorful.

A must-try:

• 🥟 Mantı (Kayseri style mantı) - miniature meat dumplings served with yogurt and butter and paprika sauce.

• 🍖 Pastırma - dried meat with spices (analog of basturma).

• 🍞 Sucuk - spicy beef sausage with garlic and spices.

• 🍲 Yağlama is a layered dish of pita bread, meat and tomato sauce, served with yogurt.

• 🍯 Nevzine tatlısı - nutty dessert with honey and tahini.

💡 Kayseri is often called "the gastronomic capital of Central Turkey".

🚗 How to get there

• ✈️ Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR) - international flights from Istanbul, Ankara, Vienna, Dubai and more.

• 🚄 High-speed trains to Ankara and Konya.

• 🚗 Convenient highway to Cappadocia (1 hour to Nevşehir or Göreme).

• 🚌 Buses from Istanbul - about 10 hours.

🌍 What to see nearby

• 🏜 C appadocia - just an hour's drive; hot air balloon rides, underground cities, rock monasteries.

• 🏞 S ultansazlığı Milli Parkı - a nature reserve with flamingos and salt lakes.

• 🕌 The ancient city of Talas - old stone houses, temples and narrow streets.

✅ Why go to Kayseri

✔ An ancient city with a rich history
✔ Gateway to Cappadocia and Mount Erciyes
✔ Unique Anatolian cuisine
✔ A combination of tradition and modernity
✔ Natural, cultural and gastronomic routes
✔ Hospitality and relaxed atmosphere

📌 Conclusion

Kayseri is the soul of Central Anatolia: a city of ancient caravans, Sufis, artisans and modern entrepreneurs.
Here you can enjoy the aroma of spices, feel the breath of history and breathe in the fresh air of the Erciyes Mountains.
It is ideal for those who want to see the real Turkey - hardworking, spiritual and sincere.