Located to the west of Cappadocia in the heart of central Anatolia, Kayseri was historically known as Caesarea during the Roman period. The city lies beneath the towering presence of Mount Erciyes, a dormant volcano that reaches an impressive height of 3,916 meters. Near the ancient Kayseri fortress, visitors can explore the Hunat Hatun Mosque and Medrese, architectural masterpieces from the 13th century. Close by stands the elegant Mahperi Hatun Mausoleum, constructed in 1285, and the well-preserved Döner Kümbet, which was built in 1276. Kayseri remains notable for its rich heritage in Islamic education, as seen in its many surviving medreses (Islamic schools).
North of Kayseri, the ancient settlement of Kanesh offers a glimpse into the early Assyrian and Hittite civilizations. Known today as Kültepe, this historic site, dating back to around 2000 BC, was one of the earliest hubs of open trade in the world. Though only the stone foundations of Kanesh remain, numerous important artifacts unearthed from the site are displayed in the Kayseri Archaeological Museum and the Ankara Museum of Anatolian Civilisations.
The Sultanhan Caravanserai is a remarkable example of Seljuk architectural style dating back to the early 14th century. It functioned as a crucial stopover point where travelers could rest and prepare before continuing on their long journeys.
In the formative years of the Byzantine Empire, the city of Caesarea played an important role in the spread of Christianity. In the 4th century AD, Bishop Basil journeyed across Cappadocia to organize and strengthen Christian communities throughout the region.
If you have any questions or would like more information, feel free to reach out to us via email at [email protected] or simply message us on WhatsApp. We’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.