Sivas history

Sivas, located in the very heart of Anatolia, is a city with a rich and multi-layered history. Its past is a kaleidoscope of civilisations, each of which has left its unique mark on the culture and architecture of the city.

Foundation and Early Period

The history of the city begins in antiquity. In 64 BC, the Roman general Pompey the Great founded a settlement on this site named Megalopolis. Soon, the city was renamed Sebasteia in honour of the Roman Emperor Augustus. The modern name "Sivas" is a Turkic adaptation of this ancient name. During the Roman period, Sebasteia became an important administrative centre, and under Emperor Diocletian in the late 3rd century AD, it became the capital of the province of Armenia Minor. In the Byzantine era, the city was fortified, turning it into a powerful stronghold for defence against attacks from the east.

Key Factors of Development

Geographical location has always been the main factor in the development of Sivas. Situated at the intersection of vital trade routes, including the Great Silk Road, the city was a bustling centre of commerce and cultural exchange for centuries. Its strategic importance also made it an arena of struggle for many powers. In the 11th century, the city came under the control of the Seljuk Turks, which opened a new chapter in its history. During the Seljuk period, Sivas reached its peak, periodically becoming a capital on par with Konya. Later, in 1408, the city became part of the Ottoman Empire.

Cultural and Economic Features

Early Sivas was not only a military and trading hub but also a significant cultural centre. This was particularly evident during the Seljuk era, when numerous madrasahs (spiritual seminaries), mosques, and hospitals were built, many of which have survived to this day. The architecture of this period is distinguished by exquisite stone carving and rich decoration. Crafts flourished in the city, and its markets were known far beyond the borders of Anatolia. Sivas also played an important role as a centre of education and medicine; for instance, the Şifaiye Madrasah housed a hospital and trained doctors in the 13th century.

Chronology of Key Events

• 64 BC — Roman general Pompey the Great reorganises the ancient settlement, giving it the name Megalopolis, which later transforms into Sivas.
• Late 3rd Century — The city receives the status of capital of the Roman province of Armenia Minor under Emperor Diocletian, becoming a vital administrative hub.
• 1080s — Sivas becomes the capital of the Turkish Danishmendid dynasty, turning into one of the main centres of Anatolia.
• 1175 — The city becomes part of the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum, contributing to the flourishing of trade and culture in the territory of modern Turkey.
• 1217 — Sultan Izzeddin Keykavus I builds the famous Şifaiye Madrasah, turning the city into an advanced centre of medicine for that time.
• 1243 — After the defeat of the Seljuks in the Battle of Köse Dağ, the city falls under the influence of the Mongol Ilkhanids.
• 1271 — In a single year, three architectural masterpieces are erected — the Çifte Minare, Buruciye, and Gök madrasahs, defining the city's appearance for centuries.
• 1400 — The troops of Tamerlane capture the city after a heavy siege, leading to a temporary decline.
• 1408 — Sivas is definitively annexed to the Ottoman Empire, entering a long period of stable development as a provincial centre.
• 1919 — The historic Sivas Congress takes place here under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, where decisions on the struggle for independence were made.
• 1930 — The completion of the railway connects the city with Ankara and Kayseri, giving a powerful boost to the economy.
• 1974 — The foundation of Cumhuriyet University transforms the city into a significant educational and scientific centre of the region.
• 2023 — The launch of a high-speed train from Ankara opens a new era in transport accessibility and tourist appeal for the city.

Stages of Development of Sivas

The history of Sivas is a chronicle of constant transformations that turned an ancient fortress into an important regional centre. Each period left its mark on the economy, culture, and urban landscape.

• Centre on the Great Silk Road: In the Middle Ages, especially during the Seljuk period, Sivas reached its zenith thanks to its strategic position at the crossroads of trade routes, including the Great Silk Road. This turned it into a thriving commercial hub where crafts and trade developed.
• Capital and Cultural Hearth of the Seljuks: In the 12th–13th centuries, the city periodically became the capital of Turkic states, including the Danishmendid Sultanate and the Sultanate of Rum. During this time, the famous Çifte Minare, Şifaiye, and Buruciye madrasahs were erected, making Sivas one of the main centres of education, medicine, and architecture in Anatolia.
• Ottoman Administrative Centre: After becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in 1408, Sivas secured its status as an important provincial centre for many centuries, which ensured stability and maintained its regional significance.
• Sivas Congress of 1919: Holding a national congress under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk was a turning point in the history of the Republic of Turkey. This event forever inscribed Sivas in history as the city where the foundations of the future independent state were laid.
• Railway Construction: The laying of the railway line connecting Sivas with Ankara and the eastern regions of the country in the 1930s gave a powerful impulse to the economic development of the city in the 20th century. This improved logistics and strengthened its role as a transport hub.
• Foundation of Cumhuriyet University: The opening of a major university (Sivas Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi) in 1974 was a key factor in modern transformation. The city turned into a significant educational and scientific centre, which attracted youth and contributed to the development of social infrastructure.
• High-Speed Railway Project: The launch of high-speed rail communication with Ankara in 2023 significantly reduced travel time to the capital, integrating Sivas into the country's modern transport network and opening new opportunities for business and tourism.

The architectural appearance of Sivas is the visual history of the city, frozen in stone. Here, every era has left its unique mark, creating a unique combination of styles, from the monumentality of the Seljuks to the elegance of the Ottoman period and the functionalism of the Turkish Republic.

The Golden Age: Seljuk Architecture (12th-13th Centuries)

The period of Seljuk Turk rule became a true golden age for architecture in Sivas. The city, being one of the most important centres on the Great Silk Road, was adorned with magnificent madrasahs, mosques, and tombs, which constitute its main heritage today. The Seljuk style is characterised by majestic portals, richly decorated with intricate stone carving, the use of turquoise tiles, and the general monumentality of the structures.

• Çifte Minare Madrasah (Çifte Minareli Medrese): Built in 1271, this madrasah is known for its impressive portal, crowned by two elegant brick minarets decorated with glazed tiles. It is a classic example of Seljuk architecture, demonstrating the skill of stonemasons and attention to detail.
• Şifaiye Madrasah (Şifaiye Medresesi): Erected in 1217, this building was not only an educational institution but also one of the first hospitals in Anatolia. Its architecture is distinguished by a more restrained yet harmonious style, and the inner courtyard creates an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.
• Buruciye Madrasah (Buruciye Medresesi): Also dating back to 1271, this madrasah is famous for one of the most beautiful carved portals in Anatolia. The stone carving with geometric and floral ornaments amazes with its complexity and grace.
• Great Mosque (Ulu Cami): Built as early as 1197, this mosque is one of the oldest examples of Turkish architecture in the city. Its simple and austere appearance with a flat roof and 50 columns contrasts with the later lavish madrasahs, representing an early stage of Seljuk architecture.

Ottoman Heritage (15th-19th Centuries)

With its incorporation into the Ottoman Empire, the architecture of Sivas changed. The Seljuk splendour was replaced by a more classical Ottoman style, characterised by central-domed mosques and functional public buildings. Caravanserais (khans) and baths (hammams) appeared in the city, emphasising its commercial importance.

• Kale Mosque (Kale Camii): Built in 1580, this mosque is a vivid example of classical Ottoman architecture in Sivas.
• Behrampaşa Khan (Behrampaşa Hanı): This khan, erected in 1573, served as a hotel for merchants. Its solid stonework and spacious courtyard are characteristic features of Ottoman commercial buildings.
• Governor's Administration Building (Valilik Binası): Built in the late 19th century, this building demonstrates the influence of European neoclassicism on late Ottoman architecture, visible in the symmetrical facade and decor.

The Republic Era and Modernity (from 20th Century)

In the 20th century, urban planning in Sivas reflected the ideas of the new Turkish Republic. Architecture became more functional. A key building of this era became the Sivas Congress Building (now the Atatürk Museum). Originally built as a school in 1892 in a neoclassical style, it acquired historical significance after the congress of 1919, becoming a symbol of the foundation of the modern Turkish state. The construction of the railway and station in the 1930s also contributed to the modern look of the city, strengthening it as an important transport hub.

Distinguished Figures Associated with Sivas

Throughout the centuries, the land of Sivas has been the birthplace and place of activity for many outstanding rulers, thinkers, poets, and saints. Their legacy has left a deep mark on the history and culture not only of the city but of all Anatolia.

• The Forty Martyrs of Sebaste — A group of forty Roman soldiers who suffered martyrdom for the Christian faith in Sebasteia (the ancient name of Sivas) around the year 320. They are among the most revered saints in Christianity, and their story is an integral part of the city's early past.
• Kadi Burhaneddin (1345–1398) — A poet, scholar, and ruler who founded his own state with its capital in Sivas in the late 14th century. His rule occurred during a difficult period after the collapse of Mongol dominion, and he went down in history as a defender of the city and the author of exquisite poems in the Turkic language.
• Pir Sultan Abdal (c. 1480–1550) — A legendary ashik poet and spiritual leader of the Alevis, born in the vicinity of Sivas. In his poems, he expressed ideas of humanism and social justice, criticising the Ottoman authorities. It is believed that he led a popular uprising and was executed in Sivas, becoming a symbol of the struggle for freedom.
• Mkhitar of Sebaste (1676–1749) — A prominent Armenian theologian, writer, and founder of the Mekhitarist Congregation. Born in Sivas (Sebasteia), he dedicated his life to the enlightenment of the Armenian people and the preservation of their cultural heritage. His activities had a huge influence on the development of Armenian literature and science.
• Aşık Veysel Şatıroğlu (1894–1973) — One of the greatest folk poets (ashiks) and singers of Turkey in the 20th century. Born in the village of Şarkışla in Sivas Province, he lost his sight in early childhood, but this did not stop him from becoming a national treasure. His songs about love for the homeland, humanity, and nature still enjoy immense popularity.
• Binali Yıldırım (born 1955) — A modern Turkish statesman and politician. A native of Sivas Province, he has held the highest posts in the country, including the positions of Prime Minister and Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, making him one of the most famous modern figures from this region.