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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. |
