Kayseri, Historic city in Central Anatolia, Turkey
Kayseri is a big city in Kayseri Province in Central Anatolia, Turkey, spreading at the foot of Mount Erciyes. The settlement sits at roughly 1,050 meters above sea level and is dominated by the 3,916-meter peak of the dormant volcano, which shapes both climate and surroundings.
The settlement grew from ancient Mazaca and became Caesarea in Roman times, before serving as a trade center between Assyrians and Hittites around 2000 BCE. In the 13th century, the Seljuk dynasty built an architectural center with mosques, madrasas, and bathhouses.
The name Kayseri comes from Caesarea, a Roman title that still echoes in the modern Turkish cityscape. Many residents work in furniture and carpet trade, and the markets remain busy on weekdays with stalls selling spices, fabrics, and fresh food.
Erkilet International Airport links the area with national and international destinations, while buses and trams form a working public transport network. Many sights lie within walking distance in the center, and the elevation brings cooler temperatures in summer.
The Archaeological Museum displays the Hercules Sarcophagus from 150 to 160 AD with detailed stone reliefs of the Twelve Labors of Hercules. In the stonemason workshops around the old town, craftsmen continue working with techniques passed down for centuries.
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