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6 places to visit in the Pınarbaşı district of Kayseri: Zamantı River, Pınarbaşı Castle and Pınarbaşı Plateaus. Plan your trip to Pınarbaşı with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Pınarbaşı is one of the districts of Kayseri and is the largest district of Kayseri by area. It lies east of the provincial centre, on the Malatya and Kahramanmaraş road.

History

In the pre-Christian era it was a city-state belonging to the Hittite civilisation. In the Byzantine period, Pınarbaşı was governed by Byzantine lords (tekfurs), who are known to have gone on boat trips with their families. After the Battle of Malazgirt in 1071, it was conquered by Melik Gazi, ruler of the Danishmend state. It came formally under Ottoman rule in 1399, following the break-up of the Kadı Burhaneddin State. In the Ottoman period, Pınarbaşı had no municipal administration until 1863, when one was established.

Geography

The district’s highest mountain is Şirvan Mountain. Its most important watercourse is the Zamantı River and its tributaries. Winters are extremely cold and snowy, with a harsh continental climate.

Economy

The district’s economy rests mainly on agriculture and livestock farming. Thanks to abundant water resources, trout farming has developed. There are 21 businesses operating in the district, and about 40% of Türkiye’s production of young trout takes place in Pınarbaşı.

History and Culture

The district, known as Aziziye, was taken from Sivas in 1926 and attached to Kayseri. At Karakuyu in the district is one of the first known Hittite dams. The Melikgazi tomb to the northwest of Pınarbaşı is thought to belong to Emir Gazi, of the sons of Danişment Gazi, and his family.

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Places to Visit in Pınarbaşı

  • 1 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 4 Nature
Nature

Zamantı River

The district's most important river.

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Historic

Pınarbaşı Castle

The castle ruins on the hill above the district centre date from the Byzantine and Seljuk periods. The merlons and towers that can still be seen on its walls show the features of defensive architecture.

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Nature

Pınarbaşı Plateaus

The plateaus in the higher parts of Pınarbaşı are favoured in summer for their cool air and natural beauty. Local people keep their cultural heritage alive by holding traditional plateau festivals every summer.

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Religious

Melikgazi Tomb

The tomb at the foot of Melikgazi Castle, belonging to Emir Melik Gazi (1104–1134) of the Danishmendids.

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Nature

Uzunyayla

The Uzunyayla plateau, which begins at the district centre and stretches eastward; its eastern part rises to an altitude of 2,000 metres.

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Nature

Zamantı Stream

The district's main watercourse, a tributary of the Seyhan River.

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Places to Visit Around Kayseri Province

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While you are in Pınarbaşı, 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.

What to Eat in Pınarbaşı

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  • Pınarbaşı Uzunyayla Çerkes Peyniri (Circassian-style cheese)

    Pınarbaşı Uzunyayla Çerkes Peyniri was registered as a protected designation of origin on 14 April 2021 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 724). Product group: cheeses. Registered by: Pınarbaşı Municipality.

  • Kayseri Mantısı (Kayseri dumplings)

    Small pieces of dough filled with minced meat, boiled and served with yoghurt and garlic sauce. Because it is prepared with fresh, natural ingredients, the dish is a healthy option.

  • Tarhana Çorbası (dried yoghurt and wheat soup)

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

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Pınarbaşı

  • Plateau Culture

    Pınarbaşı is a district that keeps alive the tradition of migrating to the plateaus. This tradition is passed down from generation to generation as an important element of the local people's cultural identity.

Local Products

  • Pınarbaşı Honey — Flower honey obtained from the plateau areas of Pınarbaşı, known for its natural character.

Economy

The economy of Pınarbaşı is based mainly on agriculture and livestock farming. Cereals and pulses are the main agricultural products.

How to Get to Pınarbaşı

Pınarbaşı is 100 km from Kayseri. Bus services run from Kayseri.

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Pınarbaşı: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Pınarbaşı?

The 6 highlights of Pınarbaşı are the Zamantı River, Pınarbaşı Castle, Pınarbaşı Plateaus, Melikgazi Tomb, Uzunyayla and Zamantı Stream.

What is there to eat in Pınarbaşı?

Pınarbaşı Uzunyayla Çerkes Peyniri, Kayseri Mantısı and Tarhana Çorbası are the standout flavours at Pınarbaşı's tables.

What is Pınarbaşı famous for?

Pınarbaşı is known for its Pınarbaşı Honey and its Plateau Culture. The flower honey obtained from the plateau areas of Pınarbaşı is known for its natural character.

How do I get to Pınarbaşı?

Pınarbaşı is 100 km from Kayseri. Bus services run from Kayseri.

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