 Kayseri,
which has a history of 6000 years, is one of the oldest settlements
in Anatolia.Being on
the silk route, Kayseri has maintained its importance throughout
history due to its strategic location. It used to be known in
its past as the center of commerce, but with appropriate investment
it has become one of the leading industrial cities. Recently,
Kayseri has also attracted attention not only for its natural
beauties but also its financial possibilities/opportunities.
Part of the
delight of Kayseri is that it centres around its most beautiful
old buildings, and that these still play an important part in
the everyday life of the town. The nature of buildings that
have survived bears witness to the social conscience of the
early Muslims, particularly of the Seljuks. Koranic teaching
forbade excessive concern with private houses, and very few
of them have survived. Instead
the buildings of real note in the city are those which served
public welfare and communal activities, especially exemplified
in mosque complexes that included schools, soup kitchens and
hamams.Other buildings still integral to Kayseri’s life are
the covered markets, where commercial activity - as conspicuous
now as it was for the first Assyrian settlement - is most obvious.
The Ulucami or Great Mosque is constructed under the Danişment
Turkish emirs in the first half of the 13th century. The mosque,
which can be entered from three sides, is still remarkably good
condition. The best known of the mausoleums in Kayseri is the
Döner Kümbet, a typical example probably dating to around 1275,
built for Şah Cihan Hatun. Mysteriously the name of the monument
means turning tomb, although it doesn’t turn and never has.
The tomb is decorated with arabesques and palmetters, and a
tree of life with twin-headed eagles and lions beneath.Erciyes,one
of the most important centers for winter sports and mountaineering,is
30 km to the south of Kayseri.The skirun is one of the best
in the world.
Mt.Erciyes,which is 3916 m high,is also famous for its
nice snow appropriate for skiing.The mountain,which is the highest
in central Anatolia,is in a position to be the center for international
winter sports.Recently,modern hotels have been built on top
of Erciyes that has suitable ski-runs for skiing and lanes for
mountaineering. Furthermore,there is a large cafeteria.In addition
to these facilities that serve 24 hours,road are always kept
ploughed for transport.
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