Information about Kayseri, Turkey
Kayseri, with its dramatic backdrop of Mt Erciyes, has been an important trade center in Anatolia from ancient times. It is still important because of its textile mills, sugar refineries and an important carpet manufacturing center. Also popular for mountaineers and as a base for skiing on Mt Erciyes.

The city was known as Caesarea Mazaca and was taken by the Selcuk Turks in the mid 11th century, briefly held by the Crusaders in 1097 and taken later by the Mongols in 1243. Kayseri was also occupied by the Mamluks in 1419. The city was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in 1515.

Kayseri has many historical remains. Nearby is Kultepe (Kanesh) which is an archaeological site dating back to the 3rd millennium B.C.

Sights of historical interest in Kayseri include the Citadel of Kayseri, Kayseri Archaeological Museum, Kayseri Ethnographic Museum, Hunat Hatun complex, Cifte Kumbet and Medrese and Doner Kumbet.

The biggest attraction near Kayseri is however the area called Cappadocia, which is about one hour from the Kayseri airport. This land of lunar landscapes, ancient underground cities and early Christian Churches is the most important center for sightseeing in central Anatolia.