Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source 12 places to visit in the Melikgazi district of Kayseri: Hunat Hatun Complex, Kayseri Castle and Gevher Nesibe Medical Museum. Plan your trip to Melikgazi with local food, practical tips and transport information.
With a population of around 600,000, Melikgazi is the most populous district of Kayseri. The district has been a centre of the city’s important cultural, industrial and trade activities throughout history.
Melikgazi has a castle built in the Byzantine period and expanded by the Seljuks. The district contains the 13th-century Seljuk Hatun Complex, mosques, a madrasa, hammams and a clock tower.
Melikgazi, with a population close to 600,000, is Kayseri’s most populous district. Melikgazi has a castle built in the Byzantine period and expanded by the Seljuks. The oldest settlement area around Kayseri is Kaniş Mound. By 1085, Kayseri was regarded as a Turkish and Muslim city. Döner Kümbet is named after its twelve-sided body. The Ağırnas Underground City contains places of worship from the Christian period.
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Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source The inner castle, built in the time of the Roman Emperor Gordian (3rd century), and the outer castle, added in the Seljuk period, stand in the centre of the city. Shopping centres and museums are located inside the castle.
View on mapThe darüşşifa (hospital) built in 1206 by Gevher Nesibe Sultan, sister of the Seljuk Sultan Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev II, is considered one of the world's first medical schools.
View on mapA Seljuk tomb known for its twelve-sided body and stonework, located on Talas Street.
View on mapA region intertwined with history, with settlements, churches and monasteries carved into the valleys; Tavlusun has listed churches and mosques.
View on mapAn underground city, parts of which date from before the common era, known for its places of worship from the Christian period.
View on mapBuilt between 1134 and 1142 using the brick technique that the Seljuks first used in Anatolia.
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Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source The tomb of Seyyid Burhaneddin, teacher of Mevlânâ, is one of the most visited tombs in Kayseri.
View on mapThe mosque section of a complex built in the Danishmendid period; the inscription on its portal gives the date 1211.
View on mapA Seljuk-period mosque with three entrance portals, commissioned by Lala Musluhiddin Paşa.
View on mapThe building of Ahi Evran, founder of the Ahi organisation (Ahilik), is now used as the Museum of Craftsmen and Tradesmen.
View on mapThe ski centre on Mount Erciyes, at 3,917 metres, is one of Türkiye's largest ski centres, with 150 km of pistes. Skiing is possible between November and May.
View on mapWhile you are in Melikgazi, you can also see the highlights of Kayseri province. These places are in other districts.
Small pieces of dough filled with minced meat, boiled and served with yoghurt and garlic sauce. It is a product with a geographical indication.
Kayseri pastırma is prepared by salting and drying beef and then coating it with fenugreek paste (çemen). It is a world-famous delicatessen product.
Kayseri sucuk is made by kneading veal with spices, stuffing it into casings and drying it. It is a product with a geographical indication.
Melikgazi houses some of the most important works of the Anatolian Seljuk period. Hunat Hatun Complex, Gevher Nesibe Darüşşifası and Kayseri Castle are symbols of this period.
Kayseri has been known for its trade culture for centuries. The Covered Bazaar and historic hans carry traces of this tradition.
Melikgazi is the most populous district of Kayseri. Industry, trade and services are the main economic activities. Erciyes University lies within the district boundaries. Erciyes Ski Centre provides income from winter tourism.
Melikgazi is Kayseri's central district. It is 15 km from Kayseri Erkilet Airport. An intercity bus terminal and a tram line are available.
The highlights of Melikgazi are 12 places: Hunat Hatun Complex, Kayseri Castle, Gevher Nesibe Medical Museum, Erciyes Ski Centre, Döner Kümbet (Şah Cihan Hatun Tomb), Seyyid Burhaneddin Tomb, Germir-Tavlusun and Derevenk Valley, Ağırnas Underground City, Gülük Mosque, Ahi Evran Lodge / Museum of Craftsmen and Tradesmen, Lale Mosque and Grand Mosque (Camii Kebir).
Kayseri Mantısı, Pastırma and Sucuk are the standout flavours on Melikgazi's tables.
Melikgazi is known for Kayseri Pastırması and its Seljuk Heritage. Kayseri pastırma, coated with fenugreek paste, is a product with a geographical indication and is known worldwide.
Melikgazi is Kayseri's central district. It is 15 km from Kayseri Erkilet Airport. An intercity bus terminal and a tram line are available.
Suggested visit length: 2–3 days. Best time to visit: winter (for skiing), spring and autumn (for city sightseeing).