Sivas
Sivas is a highland city on Turkey's central Anatolian plateau, historically significant as a Seljuk-era center of learning and later as the site of the 1919 Sivas Congress, a pivotal gathering in the founding of the modern Turkish republic. Its old center holds one of Anatolia's finest concentrations of 13th-century Seljuk architecture: the intricately carved stone portals of the Çifte Minareli Medrese, Gök Medrese, and Buruciye Medrese are considered among the finest examples of Seljuk stonework anywhere, their facades covered in dense geometric and floral relief carving.
Sivas sees far fewer international visitors than Turkey's western cities, giving it an unpolished, lived-in feel where sightseeing mixes naturally with ordinary city life rather than tourist infrastructure. Its high, dry plateau setting also brings a continental climate with cold winters, and it functions as a practical gateway for travelers heading further into eastern Anatolia. The congress building, now a museum on the republic's founding, adds a layer of modern political history to the older Seljuk monuments.
Sivas FAQs
It's known for its exceptional collection of 13th-century Seljuk stone-carved medreses and mosques, and as the site of the 1919 Sivas Congress in Turkey's founding history.
No, Sivas receives relatively few international tourists compared to western Turkey, giving it a more authentic, everyday city atmosphere alongside its historic monuments.
The Çifte Minareli Medrese, Gök Medrese, Buruciye Medrese, and the Sivas Congress museum are the main highlights of the old center.
Sivas has its own airport with domestic flights, and is also reachable by train and long-distance bus, making it a common stop for travelers heading into eastern Anatolia.
Yes, its high plateau setting gives it a continental climate with cold, snowy winters, so it's generally best visited in the warmer months.
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