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9 places to visit in the Develi district of Kayseri: Sultan Sazlığı Bird Paradise, Southern Slope of Mount Erciyes and Öksüt Castle. Plan your trip to Develi with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Develi is the largest settlement in Kayseri province after the provincial centre, located in the Central Kızılırmak section of the Central Anatolia Region. Its former name is Everek. It has an area of 1,892 km², an altitude of 1,255 m and a population of 67,818.

History

The historical name of the town is Everek, which appears in Armenian as Averak (ruins). According to historical sources, traces of cultures from the years 2500–2000 BC have been found in Develi. It is known that the Develioğulları tribe, one of the Oghuz tribes, settled in the region when the Turks entered Anatolia in 1071. Incorporated into Ottoman territory during the reign of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, the district took an active part in the War of Independence on the front where important battles took place, such as the Haçin front.

Geography

The average elevation of Develi town centre is 1,251 metres above sea level. Within the district boundaries are Mount Erciyes, Karasivri Mountain, Büyük Kartın (Peri Kartın), Göktepe (Yeşil Hill), Sümengen (Süvegen) and Bakır Mountain.

Climate

The district has a continental climate. Summers are hot and dry, and winters are cold with snowfall. The average annual rainfall is 366.6 mm.

Economy

Agriculture and livestock farming are among the district’s main sources of income, and the construction sector also plays an important role. Grain is sown on 49,500 ha of the district’s farmland (wheat, barley, rye, chickpeas, lentils and beans). The district has 55,000 head of large livestock and 62,000 head of small livestock. The Öksüt gold mine, established in Öksüt village in 2013, has become an important source of livelihood for the district and its neighbours.

History and Culture

Develi’s historical name is Everek. The Develioğulları tribe settled in the region when it entered Anatolia in 1071. After the Seljuks, Develi joined the Karamanid Principality and passed under Ottoman administration in 1474. Develi has been seeking provincial status since 1957.

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Places to Visit in Develi

  • 2 Historic
  • 2 Ancient City
  • 1 Religious
  • 4 Nature

Historic Sites 2

Historic

Öksüt Castle

A historic castle in Develi.

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Historic

Çomaklı Underground City

An underground city counted among the historic monuments of Develi.

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Ancient Cities 2

Ancient City

Gereme Ruins

Historic ruins in Develi.

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Ancient City

İmamkulu Rock Relief

A rock relief at the Şimşekkaya site in İmamkulu village.

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Religious Buildings 1

Religious

Sivasi Hatun Mosque

A mosque counted among the historic monuments of Develi.

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Natural Wonders 4

Nature

Sultan Sazlığı Bird Paradise

An important natural area for bird life within the boundaries of Develi district.

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Nature

Southern Slope of Mount Erciyes

The southern slope of Mount Erciyes, within the boundaries of Develi district.

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Nature

Mount Erciyes

One of the mountains within the district boundaries.

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Nature

Sultan Sazlığı

A reedbed within the district boundaries, together with Kurbağa Lake.

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Places to Visit Around Kayseri Province

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While you are in Develi, 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 Develi

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Spring (for bird watching, March–May)
Places to visit
9 places

What to Eat in Develi

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  • Develi Cıvıklısı (minced meat and pepper dish)

    Cıvıklı, prepared with minced meat, onion and pepper, is one of Develi's distinctive flavours.

  • Kayseri Mantısı

    Small pieces of dough filled with minced meat, boiled and served with yoghurt and garlic sauce. Being prepared with fresh, natural ingredients makes this dish a healthy choice.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Develi

  • Sultan Sazlığı Nature Heritage

    Sultan Sazlığı is one of Türkiye's most important bird paradises. It is an important destination for international birdwatchers.

Local Products

  • Develi Cıvıklısı (minced meat and pepper dish) — Develi Cıvıklısı was registered as a protected geographical indication on 26 March 2009 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 110). Product group: dishes and soups. Registered by: Develi Municipality.
  • Develi Gaceri — Develi Gaceri was registered as a protected geographical indication on 22 June 2022 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 1155). Product group: other products. Registered by: Develi Municipality and Kayseri University.

Economy

Develi's economy is based on agriculture and livestock farming. Grain, sugar beet and potatoes are the main agricultural products.

How to Get to Develi

Develi is 70 km from Kayseri. Bus services run from Kayseri.

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Develi: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Develi?

The highlights of Develi are 9 places: Sultan Sazlığı Bird Paradise, the Southern Slope of Mount Erciyes, Öksüt Castle, Gereme Ruins, Sivasi Hatun Mosque, Çomaklı Underground City, Mount Erciyes, Sultan Sazlığı and İmamkulu Rock Relief.

What is there to eat in Develi?

Develi Cıvıklısı and Kayseri Mantısı are the standout dishes on Develi's tables.

What is Develi famous for?

Develi is known for Develi Cıvıklısı and the Sultan Sazlığı Nature Heritage. Develi Cıvıklısı is registered with TÜRKPATENT as a protected geographical indication product.

How do I get to Develi?

Develi is 70 km from Kayseri. Bus services run from Kayseri.

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

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring (for bird watching, March–May).

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