Kirsehir Attractions
Central Anatolia
In a small valley between extensive agricultural land at the southwestern edge of the Bozok plain (Bozok Yaylesi) and 20km/12.5mi from the River Kizilirmak lies the prosperous provincial capital of Kirsehir. Nearby thermal springs have led to the development of tourist spas, e.g. Karakurt (15km/9.5mi) and Terme (12km/7.5mi).
The town acquired its charter in Byzantine times under Justinian and it was originally called Justinianopolis or Mokyssos. The Seljuks recognized its importance as a trading center and it was known as Gülsehir (Rose Town). The name Kirsehir was first encountered in the 14th century when it became a center for the politically influential, religious Ahi brotherhood (Akhiyyet) which grew out of a craft guild. They remained a powerful force until the 18th century.
In a small valley between extensive agricultural land at the southwestern edge of the Bozok plain (Bozok Yaylesi) and 20km/12.5mi from the River Kizilirmak lies the prosperous provincial capital of Kirsehir. Nearby thermal springs have led to the development of tourist spas, e.g. Karakurt (15km/9.5mi) and Terme (12km/7.5mi).
The town acquired its charter in Byzantine times under Justinian and it was originally called Justinianopolis or Mokyssos. The Seljuks recognized its importance as a trading center and it was known as Gülsehir (Rose Town). The name Kirsehir was first encountered in the 14th century when it became a center for the politically influential, religious Ahi brotherhood (Akhiyyet) which grew out of a craft guild. They remained a powerful force until the 18th century.
Camalak, Turkey
(Near Kirsehir)
The Seljuk caravanserai Çamalak Hani is situated in Çamalak some 70km/43mi from Kirsehir on the old caravan route to Zile which crosses the Bozok Yaylasi.
Caravanserais
Two Ottoman caravanserais can be seen in the commercial center of Kirsehir: the Kasaplar Carsisi Hani (meat market) and the Saraçlar Carsisi (leather market).
Hirfanli Baraji
The Kizilirmak dam at Hirfanli 80km/50mi west of Kirsehir was completed in 1959. It required 6,000 million cubic m/212,000 million cubic ft ballast and a surface area of 263sq.km/100sq.miles to create the second-largest artificial lake in Turkey after the GAP Euphrates dam project.
Kesik Köprü Hani
This caravanserai with its handsome portal and tall central aisle stands by the destroyed Seljuk bridge across the River Kizilirmak some 300m/325yds from the northern bank. The site is about 17km/10mi south of Kirsehir and was founded in 1263 by the governor of Kirsehir, Nureddin Cibrail Ben Cece Bey. It is also known as Cacabey Hani.
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Mausoleums
Three mausoleums in Kirsehir are of interest: Beneath the Ahi Avran Türbesi lie the remains of the influential Ahi sect's founder Ahi Avran (1236-1329). The Asik Pasa Veli Türbesi with its splendid portal is a memorial to the 13th century poet (Love Pasha). It is situated in the northeast adjacent to the trunk road. To the southeast of the Nureddin Cacabey Medresesi stands the octagonal Melik Gazi Türbesi with a round conical roof.
Nureddin Cacabey Medresesi
Built in the early 12th century as a Seljuk theological school and observatory, the Nureddin Cacabey Medresesi complex is now surrounded by a wall. It stands on the market-place at the foot of the slope between the town center and trunk road. It was later converted into a mosque.
