KAYSERI

West of Cappadocia, over the mountains, lies Kayseri, known as Caesarea in Roman times. The city spreads out at the foot of Mt. Erciyes (3916 meters), an extinct volcano. In the winter months the ski center has excellent runs for downhill skiers. Close to the Byzantine fortress the 13th century Huant Mosque and Medrese and the Mahperi Hatun Mausoleum comprise the first Seljuk complex in Anatolia. South of the complex stand the beautifully decorated Doner Kumbet of 1276, the Archaeological Museum and the Kosk Medrese, a Mongol building of classic simplicity. A major Seljuk city, Kayseri was an important center of learning and consequently there are many medreses among the remaining historical buildings. Those interested in this particular architectural form should see the Cifte Medrese, the first medieval school of anatomy and the lovely Sahabiye Medrese. Near the city’s bedestan is the restored 12th century Ulu Mosque. The Haci Kilic Mosque, north of the Cifte Medrese, dates from 1249. Rugs woven n finely knotted floral patterns continue a centuries old tradition. Local production can be purchased in any of the town’s carpet shops. South of Kayseri, in Develi, stand three more important Seljuk buildings: the Ulu Mosque, the Seyid-i Serif Tomb and the Develi Tomb. Nearby, the Sultan Marshes, the habitat of many species of bird, are of interest both to ornithologists and nature lovers.

 

KULTEPE

 

North of Kayseri, Kultepe, known in ancient times as Kanesh or Karum was one of the earliest Hittite commercial trade cities. Today, however, only the foundations remain. Many of the finds can be examined in the Kültepe Museum as well as in the Kayseri Archaeological Museum. On the same road is Sultan Han, a caravansary built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat in the early 13th century and a favorite stop for tourists.

 

Mt. Erciyes (3917 m.)

One of Turkey’s most important mountaineering and winter sports centres, Mount Erciyes rises from the South of the Kayseri valley. The Sultan Marshes lie to its West and to the South falls the Develi Valley. Its summit is always covered in snow and ice, Mt. Erciyes ranks as central Anatolia’s tallest volcano.

 

Approximately 18 kilometres in diameter and covering an area of 1000 square kilometres, the mountain’s stratification and geology make it a fascinating geographical formation. The region’s climate, influenced by that of the Anatolian plateau, is considered typical of steppe geography. Certainly the winter brings considerable snowfall to the higher elevations. The northern side of the mountain enjoys a somewhat more temperate climate encouraging the cultivation of vast areas of vine and fruit orchards between 1100 and 1600 metres. Above that altitude, vast meadows stretch far into the distance. The higher elevations display typical alpine vegetation. Herds of animals graze year round on the East, North and West slopes of the mountain.