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9 places to visit in the central district of Kırşehir: Cacabey Madrasa, Ahi Evran Complex and Tomb and Kırşehir Castle. Plan your trip with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Kırşehir lies in the middle of Central Anatolia, on the steppe plateau north of the Kızılırmak (Red River). In antiquity the city was known as Makissos or Mokissos.

Seljuk Period and Historic Monuments

Kırşehir’s golden age was the Seljuk period. Along with other Seljuk madrasas, the Cacabey Madrasa was added to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites in 2014.

Culture and Arts

Every year the city hosts Ahilik Week and events commemorating Neşet Ertaş.

Climate

Kırşehir has a continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and hot, dry summers.

History and Culture

Ahi Evran was the founder of the Ahilik organisation. The Ahi Evran Tomb was added to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites in 2014.

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Places to Visit in Kırşehir Central District

  • 2 Historic
  • 2 Religious
  • 2 Museum
  • 1 Attraction
  • 2 Cultural

Historic Sites 2

Historic

Kırşehir Castle

The castle on the hill in the city centre has been in use since the Hittite period and was rebuilt in the Roman, Byzantine and Seljuk periods. Part of the castle walls and towers still stand.

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Historic

Aşıkpaşa Tomb

The tomb of Aşık Paşa, a Sufi mystic poet who lived in the 14th century, is a fine example of Seljuk architecture. Aşık Paşa, known for his work Garipname, is one of the important names in Turkish literature.

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Religious Buildings 2

Religious

Ahi Evran Complex and Tomb

The tomb and complex in Kırşehir built for Ahi Evran, founder of the Ahilik guild organisation, where he is buried.

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Religious

Ahi Evran Zaviye

A zaviye (lodge) where Ahi Evran's tomb is located, believed to have been founded in the 14th century.

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Museums 2

Museum

Ahilik Museum

Located within the Ahi Evran Complex, this museum tells the story of the Ahilik organisation and the history of craftsmen's guilds.

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Museum

Kırşehir Museum

A mixed museum with archaeology, ethnography and coin sections.

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Attractions 1

Attraction

Terme Hot Springs

Located in the city centre, this is one of Kırşehir's important geothermal sites.

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Cultural Venues 2

Cultural

Cacabey Madrasa

Built in 1272 by Cacabey, governor of Kırşehir, the madrasa was also used as an observatory for teaching astronomy.

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Cultural

Neşet Ertaş Gönül Sultanları Cultural House

A cultural house on Atatürk Avenue, restored in memory of Neşet Ertaş.

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What to Eat in Kırşehir Central District

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  • Kırşehir Mantısı

    Mantı made with a thin dough filled with minced meat and shaped into small parcels, served with yoghurt and a butter sauce. Kırşehir mantısı is known for its thin dough.

  • Arabaşı

    A traditional soup made with chicken broth, flour and butter, an essential part of Kırşehir's winter tables. It is served with red pepper and butter poured over it.

  • Kırşehir Lokumu

    Kırşehir lokumu, made using traditional methods, is famous in pistachio and walnut varieties. It is the best-known sweet treat in the city.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Kırşehir Central District

  • Ahilik Tradition

    Kırşehir was the centre of the Ahilik organisation, and the network of craftsmen and tradesmen established here by Ahi Evran formed the foundation of the Ottoman economic system. Ahilik Week celebrations are held every year.

  • Neşet Ertaş and the Bozlak Tradition

    Kırşehir is the home town of Neşet Ertaş, one of the most important names in Turkish folk music. The bozlak form is the strongest representative of the sorrowful, long-song tradition of Central Anatolia.

Local Products

  • Kırşehir Halısı — Traditional hand-woven carpets with geometric patterns and vivid colours, Kırşehir's most important handicraft. It is listed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
  • Kırşehir Lokumu — Lokum produced using a century-old tradition, in pistachio and walnut varieties, is Kırşehir's geographically indicated product.

Economy

Kırşehir Merkez is the administrative, commercial and educational centre of the province. Kırşehir Ahi Evran University contributes to the education and service sectors. Agriculture produces wheat, barley and sugar beet. Carpet weaving continues as a traditional craft. The area has potential for thermal tourism.

How to Get to Kırşehir Central District

Kırşehir is 185 km from Ankara and 95 km from Nevşehir. It is connected by road to Ankara, Kayseri and Nevşehir. Intercity bus services run regularly. The nearest airport is Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport.

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Kırşehir Central District: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Kırşehir Merkez?

The 9 highlights of Kırşehir Merkez are: Cacabey Madrasa, Ahi Evran Complex and Tomb, Kırşehir Castle, Aşıkpaşa Tomb, Neşet Ertaş Gönül Sultanları Cultural House, Ahi Evran Zaviye, Terme Hot Springs, Ahilik Museum and Kırşehir Museum.

What should I eat in Kırşehir Merkez?

Kırşehir Mantısı, Arabaşı and Kırşehir Lokumu are the standout flavours on Kırşehir Merkez's tables.

What is Kırşehir Merkez famous for?

Kırşehir Merkez is known for Kırşehir Halısı (carpets) and the Ahilik Tradition. Traditional hand-woven carpets with geometric patterns and vivid colours are Kırşehir's most important handicraft. It is listed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

How do I get to Kırşehir Merkez?

Kırşehir is 185 km from Ankara and 95 km from Nevşehir. It is connected by road to Ankara, Kayseri and Nevşehir. Intercity bus services run regularly. The nearest airport is Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport.

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