There is detailed information about Kayseri province, places to visit, information about Cappadocia areas.
Kayseri Province Information
Due to its proximity to Cappadocia, Kayseri is frequently used as an airport for travel. It is a place you can explore on its own. If you have the opportunity during your Cappadocia trip, you can allocate a few days to visit Kayseri. Besides exploring the city center and tasting its delicious cuisine, you can also take the time to visit the charming canyons in its districts.
Kayseri Population and Area
Kayseri is known as the 8th largest city in Turkey. Established on an area of approximately 17 thousand square kilometers, the city is situated at an altitude of over 1000 meters. In terms of population, it ranks as the 14th largest city.
The city is highly developed in terms of industry, with 16 districts. The concentration of industrial activities has led to an increase in migration rates to the city.
Situated at the foothills of the Taurus Mountains, Kayseri shares its borders with Sivas, Nevşehir, Niğde, Yozgat, Adana, and Kahramanmaraş. It is located in the Central Anatolia region, and the Kızılırmak River passes through its boundaries.
Where Does the Name Kayseri Come From?
Like many cities in Turkey, Kayseri has different stories regarding the origin of its name. However, research suggests a possibility of it coming from Latin and Greek. Yet, through interactions during the spread of Islam in Anatolia, the name was influenced by Arabic and took its current form.
Especially during the Byzantine and Roman periods, the title "kaisar," known as a leadership title, started being used as "Kayser-i" influenced by Arabic. This title was also frequently used for Ottoman rulers.
History of Kayseri
When you look at the history of Kayseri, you can see that it has hosted numerous civilizations for thousands of years. The city's known history dates back to around 4000 BCE. It is known that the Hittites lived in the region 6000 years ago. Excavations in the city have revealed important tablets containing information about the trade between the Hittites and Assyrians during this period.
The Byzantines, one of the civilizations that lived in Kayseri and contributed significantly to the region's architecture, left their mark on the city. Approximately 2000 years ago, during the Byzantine era in Kayseri, the city witnessed many wars. Although the Islamic armies frequently took control of Kayseri, it was not completely taken from the Byzantines until 1071.
Kayseri Transportation
Kayseri, being located on the route of many cities, also boasts rich transportation options. You can use your own vehicle to travel to the city. Bus services are frequent, and you can reach Kayseri directly from almost any city. The airport provides flight options for thousands of domestic and international passengers every year. Additionally, there are railway connections, and Kayseri is one of the stops on the popular train route, the Eastern Express, in recent years.
Kayseri Economy
Kayseri's economy is primarily based on industry. The city has three different industrial zones with around 4,000 establishments, providing employment for a significant number of workers. It is also rich in mineral resources, with many people in rural areas relying on mining for their livelihoods. Forestry plays a significant role in the city's economy as well.
Being a city rich in land area, half of Kayseri's territory is utilized for agricultural purposes. However, the region faces challenges in achieving desired yields due to the lack of sufficient irrigation activities, despite mainly cultivating cereals and legumes. Additionally, livestock activities in the region surpass the national average, with a climate particularly suitable for small-scale animal husbandry.
