6 places to visit in the Akkışla district of Kayseri: Akkışla Plateaus, Uğurlu Castle and Tabal Ruins. Plan your trip to Akkışla with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Akkışla is a district of Kayseri province. It has an area of 371 km², an altitude of 1,354 m and a population of 5,440. It gained district status in 1987. Akkışla was previously within the boundaries of Sivas province and, until 1987, was registered as attached to various districts.

Origin of the Name

The settlement’s former name was Kuzugüdenli, and it is recorded under this name in an official publication of 1928. The district took its present name by combining Ak, because of the whiteness of the rocks to its north, and Kışla, because the area is suitable for animals to stay outdoors in the winter months.

Geography

The district has an area of 371 km² and an average elevation of 1,369 metres above sea level. Its terrain is generally mountainous and rugged.

Economy

The district’s economy is based mainly on agriculture and livestock farming. Main crops include wheat, barley and forage plants, while small and large livestock are also important sources of income. In the Gömürgen and Ganişeyh neighbourhoods, kilims, saddlebags, prayer rugs and carpets are woven using root dyes.

Historical and Cultural Sites

Uğurlu Castle was built on a rocky hill for defensive purposes. The Tabal Ruins, near Kululu Neighbourhood, are an important settlement site from the Late Hittite period.

History and Culture

Akkışla was registered as a district of Kayseri on 19 June 1987. The settlement’s former name was Kuzugüdenli, and it is recorded under this name in an official publication of 1928.

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Places to Visit in Akkışla

  • 1 Historic
  • 2 Ancient City
  • 3 Nature
Nature

Akkışla Plateaus

The natural highland areas of Akkışla district. Sarıağıl Plateau, Berçin Plateau and Üsküdar Plateau are the main natural areas where summer highland pasture life continues.

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Historic

Uğurlu Castle

A castle located near Uğurlu Neighbourhood, built on a rocky hill for defensive purposes.

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Ancient City

Tabal Ruins

The Tabal Ruins near Kululu Neighbourhood are an important settlement site from the Late Hittite period.

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Ancient City

Avanoğlu Hill Tumulus

Located between Gömürgen and Ganişeyh neighbourhoods, one of the district's important archaeological burial structures.

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Nature

Sarıağıl, Berçin and Üsküdar Plateaus

Plateaus within the district boundaries; the main natural areas where summer highland pasture life continues.

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Nature

Kesdoğan Picnic Area

One of the main natural areas used for day-trip rest and recreation.

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Places to Visit Around Kayseri Province

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While you are in Akkışla, you can also see the highlights of Kayseri province. These places are in other districts.

  • Mount Erciyes and Ski Resort — An extinct volcano 25 km south of the city and, at 3,916 metres, the highest mountain in Central Anatolia; its ski resort, between 2,150 and 3,400 metres, is one of the largest in Türkiye.
  • Kültepe (Kaniş-Karum) — The ancient city of Kaniş, 20 km north-east of the city, where Assyrian merchants had their trading colony in the early 2nd millennium BC; the cuneiform tablets found here are the earliest known written documents in Anatolia.
  • Gevher Nesibe Hospital (Darüşşifa) — The "Twin Madrasa" (Çifte Medrese), consisting of a hospital and a medical madrasa, built in 1206 at the bequest of Gevher Nesibe, daughter of the Seljuk Sultan Kılıçarslan II; it is counted among the world's first centres of medical education and healthcare.
  • Hunat Hatun Complex — A complex of mosque, madrasa, hammam and tomb built in 1238 by Mahperi Hunat Hatun, wife of Alaeddin Keykubad I; it is one of the first large complexes in Anatolia built by a woman.
  • Kayseri Castle — A castle of black basalt in the city centre, begun in the Roman period and repaired under the Seljuks and Ottomans; inside are the Fatih Mosque and a bazaar.
  • Döner Tomb — A twelve-sided tomb (kümbet) on the Talas road, built in 1276 for Şah Cihan Hatun, daughter of Alaeddin Keykubad I; its reliefs include human-headed lions, a double-headed eagle and tree-of-life motifs.

Practical Information for Visiting Akkışla

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Summer months
Places to visit
6 places

What to Eat in Akkışla

Food guide →
  • Kayseri Mantısı

    Small pieces of dough filled with minced meat, boiled and served with yoghurt and garlic sauce.

  • Tarhana Çorbası (tarhana soup)

    Tarhana, prepared with yoghurt, wheat and vegetables, is an essential soup on winter tables. Tarhana prepared in autumn is dried to be eaten over the winter.

  • Yoğurt

    The Akkışla Yoghurt and Kilim Festival is traditionally held at Üsküdar Plateau.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Akkışla

  • Village Life Culture

    Akkışla is a small district that maintains traditional Central Anatolian village life. This tradition is passed down from generation to generation as an important element of the local community's cultural identity.

Local Products

  • Akkışla Gilaburusu (Akkışla guelder rose) — Akkışla Gilaburusu was registered as a protected designation of origin on 12 February 2021 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 669). Product group: processed and unprocessed fruits, vegetables and mushrooms. Registered by: Akkışla Municipality.
  • Akkışla Honey — Flower honey obtained from Akkışla's highland areas, known for its natural character.

Economy

The economy of Akkışla is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Small and large livestock are important sources of livelihood. Beekeeping and forestry are also carried out in the district.

How to Get to Akkışla

Akkışla is 90 km from Kayseri. Minibus services run from Kayseri.

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Akkışla: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Akkışla?

The highlights of Akkışla are 6 places: Akkışla Plateaus, Uğurlu Castle, Tabal Ruins, Avanoğlu Hill Tumulus, Sarıağıl, Berçin and Üsküdar Plateaus, and Kesdoğan Picnic Area.

What is there to eat in Akkışla?

Kayseri Mantısı, Tarhana Çorbası and Yoğurt are the standout dishes on Akkışla's tables.

What is Akkışla famous for?

Akkışla is known for Akkışla Gilaburusu and its village life culture. Gilaburusu is registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected designation of origin product.

How do I get to Akkışla?

Akkışla is 90 km from Kayseri. Minibus services run from Kayseri.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Akkışla?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: summer months.

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