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4 places to visit in the Sarız district of Kayseri: Sarız Plateaus, Sarız Castle and Sarız Stream. Plan your trip to Sarız with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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The district’s history is said to go back to ancient times, to the 700s BC.

History

The district remained under Cilicia, the Byzantine Empire and the Dulkadiroğulları Principality. It was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in 1515, during the reign of Yavuz Sultan Selim. A municipal organisation was established in 1914, and in 1946 Sarız, a sub-district (bucak) attached to Pınarbaşı district, became a district.

Geographical Structure

Sarız district is 128 km east of the provincial centre. Geographically, it lies where the Central Anatolia, Eastern Anatolia and Mediterranean regions meet. The district is bounded to the west by the Tahtalı Mountains, to the east by the Binboğa Mountains, and to the north by the Soğanlı, Koçdağı and Maşat mountains. Sarız has a continental climate, with very cold, rainy and harsh winters.

History and Culture

Sarız’s history goes back to the 700s BC. The municipal organisation in Sarız was established on 30 July 1914. Sarız has a cosmopolitan population made up of Turkmen, Kurdish, Zaza and Circassian communities. The Armenian population that once lived in the region has entirely emigrated. Sarız’s root-dyed kilims have gained fame in Türkiye as hand-woven products.

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Places to Visit in Sarız

  • 1 Historic
  • 3 Nature
Nature

Sarız Plateaus

The highland plateaus in the upper parts of Sarız, preferred in the summer months for their cool air and natural beauty.

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Historic

Sarız Castle

Castle ruins near the district centre, dating from the Byzantine period. Shedding light on the region's past through its historic fabric, this structure offers visitors an authentic experience. Loopholes (mazgal) and bastions (burç) that can still be seen on its walls bear traces of defensive architecture.

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Nature

Sarız Stream

A tributary of the Seyhan River and the district's main stream.

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Nature

Tahtalı Mountains

One of the mountain ranges surrounding the west of the district.

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Places to Visit Around Kayseri Province

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While you are in Sarız, 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 Sarız

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

What to Eat in Sarız

Food guide →

  • Kayseri Mantısı

    Small pieces of dough filled with minced meat, boiled and served with yoghurt and garlic sauce. It can be tasted in its most authentic form at local markets and home-style restaurants.

  • Tarhana Çorbası (tarhana soup)

    Tarhana, prepared with yoghurt, wheat and vegetables, is an indispensable soup on winter tables. Dried tarhana, a long-lasting natural food, has been served at tables for centuries.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Sarız

  • Highland Culture

    Sarız is a district that maintains the tradition of seasonal migration to the highlands (yayla göçü). This tradition is passed down from generation to generation as an important element of the local community's cultural identity.

Local Products

  • Sarız Honey — Flower honey obtained from Sarız's highland areas, known for its natural character.

Economy

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

How to Get to Sarız

Sarız is 130 km from Kayseri. Bus services run from Kayseri.

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Sarız: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Sarız?

The highlights of Sarız are 4 places: Sarız Plateaus, Sarız Castle, Sarız Stream and Tahtalı Mountains.

What is there to eat in Sarız?

Kayseri Mantısı and Tarhana Çorbası are the standout dishes on Sarız's tables.

What is Sarız famous for?

Sarız is known for Sarız Honey and its highland culture. Flower honey obtained from Sarız's highland areas is known for its natural character.

How do I get to Sarız?

Sarız is 130 km from Kayseri. Bus services run from Kayseri.

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

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

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