Hailed as a so-called ‘Anatolian Tiger’ for its economic boom period of the last three decades, Kayseri is one of Turkey’s most forward-thinking and entrepreneurial cities. It’s a fact evinced by the smattering of gleaming new buildings that rise from amidst the foray of the old here; the metallic Kadir Has Stadium and the shimmering scrapers of the Central Business District.
But for all its modernist attitude, Kayseri still exudes a certain charm and traditionalism that does well to enthrall any visitors stopping by. Consider the looming and craggy peak of Mount Erciyes that towers high above, the iconic Seljuk mosque of Hunat Hatun Camii, or the clusters of carpet weavers that line the streets—a relic of Kayseri’s place on the old Silk Road.
More generally, Kayseri is the tourist’s gateway to the fascinating sights of Central Anatolia, with its startling wealth of ‘must see’ relics west of the Euphrates basin. If that’s got you thinking, then be sure to ask your Kayseri tourist guide for tips on the rock chimneys of Göreme, the layered valleys of Cappadocia, or the various ancient settlements that rise organically from the hills.