Sivas, Turkey

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Sivas, Turkey

Region: Sivas

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Geographic Coordinates: 39.750000, 37.016700

Climate: Seasonal.

Population: 377561

Language: Turkish

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Sivas is a city located in the central part of Turkey with a population of over 600, 000 people. The city is rich in history and culture, Boasting numerous historical sites and landmarks that attract tourists from all over the world. One of the most significant landmarks in Sivas is the Grand Mosque, Also known as Ulu Camii. This mosque was built during the Seljuk period in the 12th century and features impressive architectural designs such as intricate carvings and beautiful tilework.

Another important religious site in Sivas is the Şeyh Şaban-ı Veli Tomb, Which serves as a pilgrimage site for Muslims. Apart from religious sites, Sivas boasts several museums that showcase its rich cultural heritage. The Sivas Museum houses artifacts dating back to ancient times such as pottery pieces and bronze objects found during excavations around Sivas. The Atatürk Congress Museum is another must-visit destination for history buffs; it was once used as a meeting place by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Founder of modern Turkey. Sivas also has many natural wonders worth exploring.

One such attraction is Mount Erciyes (Erciyes Dağı), Which stands at an altitude of 3, 917 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Another popular destination among nature lovers is Lake Tuzla (Tuzla Gölü), Which provides a serene environment for visitors to relax or engage in water sports activities. Foodies will be delighted by Sivas’s cuisine; local dishes include keskek (a type of porridge made from wheat) and tarhana soup (a sour soup made from fermented vegetables).

Visitors can sample these delicacies at local restaurants or visit traditional markets like Cumalıkızık Market to purchase spices and other ingredients used to prepare these dishes. one cannot leave Sivas without experiencing its unique festivals that celebrate the city’s cultural heritage. The Sivas International Folk Dance Festival is an annual event that brings together dancers from different countries to showcase their traditional dances. Another festival worth attending is the Kangal Dog Festival, Which celebrates the famous Kangal dog breed native to Sivas.

Sivas is a city with a rich history and culture that offers visitors a unique blend of ancient landmarks, Natural wonders, Delicious cuisine, And vibrant festivals. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical sites or immersing yourself in local traditions and customs, Sivas has something for everyone.

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1. The Sivas Castle is a historic castle located in the heart of Sivas that dates back to the 12th century.
2. Gökmedrese Mosque is a beautiful mosque built in the 13th century that features intricate tile work and stunning architecture.
3. Şifaiye Medresesi is an ancient medical school that has been converted into a museum showcasing traditional medical practices and tools.
4. Kale Camii is a historic mosque located within the walls of Sivas Castle, featuring unique Ottoman-style architecture.
5. Ulu Camii is one of the largest mosques in Turkey, with a capacity for up to 10,000 worshippers at once.
6. Buruciye Medresesi is a beautiful Islamic school built in the early 14th century with stunning architectural details and intricate tile work.
7. Hafik Gölü National Park is a natural park located just outside of Sivas, featuring hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of Lake Hafik.
8. Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital Complex: Located about an hour’s drive from Sivas city center, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Turkey’s most impressive examples of Seljuk-era architecture.
9. İzzet Mehmet Pasha Mosque (Çifte Minareli Medrese)is another impressive example of Ottoman-style architecture within walking distance from other famous landmarks in Sivas.
10. Yıldızeli Tarihi Köprüsü: A historical bridge built by Romans over Kelkit River which still stands today as one of Turkey’s oldest bridges.

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1. The agricultural industry, producing wheat, barley, lentils, and other crops
2. The textile industry, producing fabrics and clothing
3. The mining industry, with rich mineral resources including iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, and coal
4. The automotive industry, with several automotive parts manufacturers
5. The construction industry, producing cement and bricks
6. The food processing industry, producing dairy products like cheese and yogurt as well as meat products like sausage
7. The tourism industry, with numerous historical sites including the ancient city of Sebasteia (Sivas Castle), Gökmedrese Mosque Complex, and Kangal Hot Springs
8. The education industry, with several universities providing employment opportunities for residents and attracting students from other regions

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1. Battle of Sivas (1071): The Seljuk Turks defeated the Byzantine Empire in this battle, leading to the Seljuk conquest of Anatolia.
2. Haji Bektash Veli: A Sufi saint who founded the Bektashi order, which became one of the most influential Sufi orders in Turkey.
3. Tahir Pasha: A prominent Ottoman military commander who was born in Sivas and served as governor of various provinces during his career.
4. Kangal Dog: A breed of dog that originated in Kangal, a town near Sivas, and is known for its loyalty and protective instincts.
5. Gokmedrese: An Islamic theological school built in 1271 that is considered one of the finest examples of Seljuk architecture.
6. Sheikh Said rebellion (1925): An uprising led by a Kurdish nationalist named Sheikh Said that was suppressed by Turkish forces after several months of fighting around Sivas.
7. Ziya Gökalp: A prominent Turkish writer and intellectual who was born in Sivas and played a key role in shaping modern Turkish nationalism.
8. Divrigi Great Mosque and Hospital Complex: Another example of Seljuk architecture located near Sivas that is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
9. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: The founder and first president of modern Turkey, who visited Sivas several times during his political career.
10. Malatya-Siverek railway bombing (2004): A terrorist attack carried out by Kurdish separatists that killed dozens on a train traveling from Malatya to Siverek through the province of Sivas.

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1. Sivas Museum showcases the rich history and culture of Sivas, featuring ancient artifacts, traditional costumes, and crafts.
2. Gökmedrese is a 13th-century Islamic theological school famous for its beautiful architecture and intricate tile work.
3. The Great Mosque of Sivas is a historic mosque dating back to the 12th century with stunning Seljuk-era architecture.
4. Atatürk Congress and Ethnography Museum is dedicated to the life and legacy of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk while highlighting the cultural heritage of Sivas through its collection of traditional clothing, handicrafts, and other artifacts.
5. Şifaiye Medresesi was built in the 13th century as a medical school but now houses a cultural center that hosts art exhibitions and other events.
6. Kale Camii (Castle Mosque) offers breathtaking views within an ancient castle overlooking Sivas while showcasing Turkey’s history.
7. Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located outside of Sivas with one of Turkey’s finest examples of medieval Islamic architecture.
8. Buruciye Medrese dates back to the 13th century as another historic theological school but now houses a ceramics museum showcasing traditional Turkish pottery techniques.
9. Kardeşler Parkı (Brothers’ Park) is a popular public park in central Sivas offering beautiful views along with walking paths, playgrounds for children, cafes, and restaurants.
10. Tarihi Cifte Minareli Medrese has unique twin minarets on both sides built during Seljuk era which makes it worth visiting when exploring around city center.

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1. Sivasspor: Established in 1967, this professional football club is the most well-known sports team in Sivas. They have been playing in the Turkish Super Lig since 2005 and won their first major trophy, the Turkish Cup, in 2018.
2. Belediye Kütahyaspor: Founded in 2003, this football club currently plays in the TFF Third League.
3. Şarkışla Gençlerbirliği: Established in 1954, this football club mostly plays at regional levels.
4. Demirspor: This professional football club played briefly at the second level of Turkish football from 1980 to 1982 before being dissolved due to financial difficulties.
5. Yıldızspor: This local amateur football team has been active since the early 1970s and mainly participates at district-level tournaments.

Overall, Sivasspor remains the most prominent sports team associated with Sivas province with a relatively successful history compared to other teams from this region of Turkey.

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1. Sivas Traditional Handicrafts Festival: This annual festival takes place in September and highlights traditional handicrafts from the Sivas region, including weaving, embroidery, pottery, and wood carving.
2. Kangal Dog Festival: Celebrated in August, this festival is dedicated to the Kangal dog breed native to the area. The event features dog shows and competitions.
3. Nevruz Festival: A springtime celebration that marks the beginning of a new year on the Kurdish calendar with music, dancing, and traditional foods.
4. International Sivas Folk Dance Festival: Folk dance groups from Turkey and other countries come together for this festival to showcase their traditional dances.
5. Mevlana Week: Honoring Rumi (Mevlana), a famous poet and philosopher who lived in Sivas during the 13th century; celebrated each December.
6. Hıdrellez Festival: Held annually on May 5th, this festival celebrates springtime with music, dancing, bonfires, lamb kebabs along with other traditional foods.
7. Eğriçimen Plateau Festivals: These festivals take place throughout summer at Eğriçimen Plateau near Sivas city center where people gather for picnics while enjoying local food specialties like stuffed meatballs (köfte) or grilled lamb chops (şiş kebabı).

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1. Keskek: A traditional Turkish dish made with boiled wheat and meat.
2. Manti: Small dumplings filled with ground meat and served with yogurt sauce.
3. Sac Kavurma: A dish made with diced lamb or beef cooked on a hot plate.
4. Bici Bici: A dessert made with vermicelli noodles, syrup, and ice cream.
5. Sivas Tava: Fried lamb chops served with potatoes and vegetables.

Some popular restaurants in Sivas include:

1. Hacı Dayı Restaurant: Known for its delicious keskek and other traditional dishes.
2. Gökçe Lokantası: Offers a variety of Turkish dishes including manti, sac kavurma, and kebabs.
3. Şahin Usta Kebap Salonu: Famous for its grilled meats and kebabs.
4. İmam Çağdaş Restaurant: Offers both traditional Turkish dishes as well as international cuisine options.
5. Yarenler Restoran & Cafe Bar: Known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious desserts like bici bici.

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1. Sivas Cumhuriyet Square
2. Atatürk Congress and Ethnography Museum
3. Sivas Castle
4. Gökmedrese Mosque and Madrasa
5. Kurşunlu Mosque and Complex
6. Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital Complex (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
7. Çifte Minareli Medrese
8. Kangal Balikli Kaplica Thermal Springs
9. Sultan Şehir Hamamı
10. Yıldız Dağı Ski Resort

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