Kayseri history

The history of Kayseri is a kaleidoscope of civilizations, each leaving its mark on the city's appearance and culture. Located in the very heart of Anatolia, at the foot of the Mount Erciyes volcano, it has been a vital strategic and trading centre for millennia.

Foundation and Ancient History

The first settlements on the site of modern Kayseri and its surroundings date back to the 4th millennium BC. During the Hittite era, the city of Kanesh (Kültepe) flourished here, and nearby, Assyrian merchants established one of the world's first trade centres — Karum. The city itself, known in antiquity as Mazaka, was the capital of the Kingdom of Cappadocia. With the arrival of the Romans in the 1st century AD, the city was renamed Caesarea Cappadociae in honour of Emperor Tiberius and became the administrative centre of the Roman province of Cappadocia.

Key Factors of Formation

Several key factors contributed to the city's development:

• Geographical Location: Kayseri was situated at the intersection of critical trade routes, including the famous Great Silk Road, making it a major hub of commerce.
• Political Role: The city repeatedly served as a capital — first of the Kingdom of Cappadocia, then of the Roman province. In the 11th century, following the arrival of the Seljuk Turks, Kayseri briefly served as the second capital of their state after Konya.
• Religious Significance: In the Byzantine era, Caesarea became one of the most important centres of Christianity. Saint Basil the Great, one of the Church Fathers, lived and preached here.

Cultural and Economic Features

Every period in Kayseri's history brought something new to its culture and economy. The Romans left behind a developed urban infrastructure, while the Byzantines left a rich Christian heritage. However, the true "Golden Age" for the city arrived during the era of the Seljuks (11th-13th centuries). During this time, numerous mosques, madrasas, hospitals, and mausoleums were built, many of which have survived to this day as outstanding examples of Seljuk architecture. Trade flourished, and the city solidified its reputation as the economic powerhouse of Anatolia, a status it maintains to this day.

Key Milestones in Kayseri's History

The city's history is a journey through eras and empires, from ancient trading posts to a modern industrial hub. Here is a brief chronology of key events that shaped the face of Kayseri.

• Approx. 2000 BC — Near modern Kayseri, the city of Kanesh (Kültepe) flourishes, becoming the centre of Assyrian trade colonies in Anatolia.
• Approx. 300s BC — The city, known as Mazaka, becomes the capital of the independent Kingdom of Cappadocia.
• 17 AD — Cappadocia becomes part of the Roman Empire, and the city is renamed Caesarea Cappadociae in honour of the Emperor.
• 4th Century AD — Caesarea becomes one of the most important centres of Christianity, where Saint Basil the Great conducts his activities.
• 647 — Arab forces invade Cappadocia for the first time and temporarily capture the city, which becomes known as Kaysariyah.
• 1067 — The Seljuk Turks, led by Alp Arslan, conquer the city, beginning a new era in its history.
• 1178–1243 — The "Golden Age" of Kayseri under the Sultanate of Rum, during which many famous mosques, madrasas, and tombs were built.
• 1238 — Construction of the Hunat Hatun complex is completed, one of the outstanding examples of Seljuk architecture.
• 1243 — The city falls under Mongol control following their invasion of Anatolia.
• 1515 — Kayseri is definitively incorporated into the Ottoman Empire under the rule of Sultan Selim I.
• 1906 — The famous Clock Tower is built in the central square, becoming one of the city's symbols.

Major Stages of Kayseri's Development

The development of Kayseri is a story of successive transformations that turned an ancient trading post into one of the leading industrial and cultural centres of modern Turkey. Each historical period left a unique mark on the city's economy, architecture, and social life.

• Emergence as a Trade Centre of the Ancient World. As early as the beginning of the 2nd millennium BC, Assyrian merchants established a trade colony (karum) next to the Hittite city of Kanesh, turning the region into one of the first international commercial hubs. This laid the economic foundation for future Kayseri as a city of trade.
• Transformation into a Roman Capital City. After becoming part of the Roman Empire, the city, renamed Caesarea Cappadociae, became the administrative centre of the province. This contributed to the development of urban infrastructure and strengthened its political significance in Anatolia.
• "Golden Age" in the Seljuk Era. In the 12th-13th centuries, Kayseri became one of the most important cities of the Sultanate of Rum. During this period, iconic architectural complexes were built, such as the Hunat Hatun Mosque and Madrasa, caravanserais, and the Gevher Nesibe Hospital — one of the first medical schools in the world. The city flourished as a centre of science, medicine, and art on the Great Silk Road.
• Integration into the Ottoman Empire. Incorporation into the Ottoman Empire in 1515 ensured stability for the city for several centuries. Kayseri retained its status as an important regional trade and craft centre, evidenced by the construction of landmarks such as the Clock Tower (1906) in the city centre.
• Transformation into an Industrial Giant. Starting from the second half of the 20th century, Kayseri experienced rapid economic growth. The city became one of the "Anatolian Tigers" — industrial centres known throughout Turkey and beyond for the production of furniture, textiles, household appliances, and carpets, which defined its modern economic character.

The architectural appearance of Kayseri is the visual history of the city captured in stone. Each era has left its unique mark here, creating a unique blend of styles, from monumental Seljuk structures to elegant Ottoman mosques and modern developments.

The Seljuk Era (11th-13th Centuries): Monumentality and Elegance

The "Golden Age" of Kayseri's architecture occurred during the rule of the Anatolian Seljuks, when the city was one of the most important centres of their state. The Seljuk style is recognizable by its monumentality, the use of hewn stone, and intricate geometric and floral carvings. The entrance portals of buildings stand out particularly, being richly decorated to symbolize the grandeur of the rulers.

• Kayseri Castle (Kayseri Kalesi): A massive citadel made of black volcanic stone, located in the very centre of the city, it was significantly fortified and rebuilt by the Seljuks. It is a striking example of medieval fortification architecture.
• Hunat Hatun Complex (Hunat Hatun Külliyesi): Built in 1238, this complex includes a mosque, a madrasa, and a mausoleum. It is considered one of the finest examples of Seljuk architecture and demonstrates a harmonious combination of functionality and rich decoration.
• Çifte Madrasa (Çifte Medrese): This complex, consisting of the Gevher Nesibe Hospital and a medical madrasa (1206), is one of the oldest medical schools in the world. Today, it houses the Museum of Seljuk Civilization.
• Döner Kümbet: The "Revolving Mausoleum" of 1276 is a typical Seljuk type of cylindrical tomb with a conical roof, adorned with exquisite stone carvings.

The Ottoman Period (from the 16th Century): Classical Harmony

With its incorporation into the Ottoman Empire in 1515, the architecture of Kayseri began to change under the influence of capital Istanbul traditions. Seljuk monumentality was replaced by classical Ottoman harmony with central-domed mosques and stricter forms. A prominent representative of this era was the great architect Mimar Sinan, a native of Kayseri.

• Kurşunlu Mosque (Kurşunlu Camii): Designed by Mimar Sinan in the 16th century, this mosque is a beautiful example of classical Ottoman architecture. Its name translates as the "Leaden Mosque" due to the lead covering of the dome.
• Covered Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) and Vezir Han: The Ottoman period was also marked by the development of trade infrastructure. The large covered market and the Vezir Han caravanserai (1727) remain important commercial points of the city and monuments of Ottoman civil architecture.
• Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi): Built in 1906 on the central square, the tower became one of the symbols of the city at the twilight of the Ottoman Empire.

Modern Development

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Kayseri transformed into a major industrial and economic centre of Turkey. This is reflected in its urban development: wide avenues, modern residential districts, high-rise buildings, and large shopping centres have appeared. The new architecture contrasts with the historical core but simultaneously highlights the dynamic growth of the city, which has managed to preserve its rich heritage by integrating it into modern life.

Distinguished Personalities Associated with Kayseri

Throughout its rich history, Kayseri, the ancient Caesarea, has been the birthplace and centre of activity for many prominent figures who left a mark on world history, culture, and science. Here are some of them:

• Basil the Great (approx. 330–379 AD) — Archbishop of Caesarea Cappadociae, theologian, and saint. One of the three Great Cappadocian Fathers, whose works had a colossal influence on Christian theology and church life. He was born in Caesarea, conducted his pastoral activities here, and created the famous complex of charitable institutions known as the "Basiliad".
• Gevher Nesibe Sultan (died 1204) — Seljuk princess, daughter of Sultan Kilij Arslan II. She went down in history as the founder of one of the world's first medical centres. By her bequest, a complex was built in Kayseri in 1206, including a hospital (darüşşifa) and a medical school (madrasa), which functioned for centuries.
• Hunat Hatun (13th Century) — Wife of the Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubad I. By her order, the majestic Hunat Hatun complex (1238) was erected in Kayseri, including a mosque, madrasa, hammam, and tomb. This architectural ensemble is one of the finest examples of Seljuk architecture and a major city landmark.
• Mimar Sinan (approx. 1490–1588) — The greatest architect and engineer of the Ottoman Empire. Born in the village of Ağırnas near Kayseri. Over his long life, he designed more than 300 buildings, including mosques, bridges, and palaces throughout the empire, defining the appearance of Ottoman architecture for centuries to come. In Kayseri itself, the Kurşunlu Mosque was built according to his design.
• Seyyid Burhaneddin (1165–1244) — Prominent Islamic scholar and Sufi mentor. He was the teacher of the famous poet and mystic Jalaluddin Rumi. Having lived for many years in Kayseri, he made a great contribution to the spiritual and intellectual life of the city. His mausoleum in Kayseri is a place of pilgrimage.
• Abdullah Gül (born 1950) — Turkish politician, 11th President of Turkey (2007–2014). Born in Kayseri, he began his political career here. His activities in the highest state offices, including the posts of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, are an important page in the country's modern history.
• Kadir Has (1921–2007) — Major Turkish businessman and philanthropist. A native of Kayseri, he became one of Turkey's most influential entrepreneurs. He directed a significant part of his fortune to charity, especially in the field of education, founding the Kadir Has Foundation and the university of the same name in Istanbul.