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Arasta Bazaar’s row of shops was built to provide rent for the upkeep of the mosque. Some 20 years ago the Arasta had turned into horse stables but is nicely restored. I would advise you to follow the bazaar, or have a drink and a bite first, to the KUCUK AYA SOFYA.
After you’ve passed through the bazaar, at the end you’ll go into the Kucuk Aya Sofya Caddesi. It hardly can’t miss for the Kucuk Aya Sofya Caddesi is nearly straight opposite the end of the bazaar. It will take about 5 to 10 minutes before you reach the mosque it’s on your left hand at the end of the Kucuk Aya Sofya Caddesi.
Kayseri, one of the oldest cities in Anatolia, has a 6000 year history. Because of its geographical position, it always kept its necessity. It is located on the Silky Way.
Kayseri is situated at the side of the mountain and when you first visit Kayseri, you will see this beautiful sight. In the inner city you will be amazed by the minarets and mosques. It is 2 hours away from Ankara, Turkey’s capital city. The city is full of Turkish Baths, fountains, tombs, inns and mosques. It is an ancient place and a good tourist center. In Kayseri you can taste the wonderful cuisine including pastirma, which is beef with a spicy paste. During the history, Kayseri was known as a trade center and nowadays, it is becoming industrialized. It draws people’s attention because of its historical and natural places.
Sultan Sazligi ( Sultan Reedy), which is a bird zoo that has more than 301 kinds of birds, is in Kayseri. Aladaglar National Park is also in Kayseri and it has lots of visitors every year. Famous Kapuzbasi Waterfalls, Hacer forests, and Yedigoller (sevenlakes) are different kinds of natural places in Kayseri. With famous carpets and kilims which have Anatolian motifs on them. With its big mosques, caravanserays, domes, 6000 year old history, natural resources, and delicious cuisine, Kayseri is one of the most famous cities in Anatolia.
A. HISTORY
If we look at the historical works, we’ll understand that first settlement in Kayseri was built in B.C 3000. It is one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia. We learn lots of special information about the settlers from the archeological excavations in Kultepe Tumulus. The
literary which came to Anatolia in B.C 2000 was found in the same area. After the Malazgirt Victory of Seljuklu (1071), Bizantians failed and lots of Turkish principalities developed in the Anatolia.In 1169, Kayseri became a part of Anatolian Seljuklu.
In 1330, it became a part of a Turkish principality. Then in 1463, it became a part of the Ottoman Empire.
After the years of national struggle, Kayseri became a city in 1924.
HISTORICAL BUILDINGS
1. MOSQUES
a. Hunat Mosque
It was built in 1238 by I. Alaaddin Keykubat (king of Seljuklu). It is wooden.
b. Haci Kilic Mosque
It was built in 1249 by II. Giyaseddin Keyhusrev.
c. Kursunlu Mosque
It was built in the 16. century by Haci Ahmet Pasha.
d. Ulu Mosque ( The Big Mosque)
It was built in 1142 by Melik Mehmet Gazi.
2. DOMES
a. Ali Cafer Dome
It was built after 13. century and it is located in Melikgazi.
b. Double Dome
It was built in 1247 by I. Alaaddin Keykubat.
c. Circle Dome
It was built by Sah Cihan Princess.
The military museum (Askeri Muzesi) is at the Cumhuriyet Caddesi, from Taksim Square the distance is about a kilometre.
You’ll first pass some airline offices, hotels and the War Academy. The museum is on the premises of the War Academy, don’t be confused (we were the first time) the War Academy is not the place to be. Walk on a hundred meters and you’ll find the Military Museum (Askeri Muzesi) on you right.
The first you will notice is the big gun in front of the museum. It’s one of the two German Krupps 28 cm guns that were used during the defence of the Dardanelles in 1915.
***For gun lovers it’s a model SKL/40, calibre 283 mm, model 1901.
The museum consists of two parts, you’ll enter the new part. The old (smaller) part was the War Academy in Ottoman times. Ataturk once was a student here, his study results are on display.
The museum accommodates a fine collection of military related objects, weapons, guns, uniforms, vehicles, uniforms, paintings, banners, etc. really worth a visit.
An event that no visitor to this museum should miss is a concert by the Mether. It will make an unforgettable impression.