Sivas
Introduction
Located in central Turkey, Sivas serves as the seat of both the Sivas Province and the Sivas District.
Before you go
Prepare for a landscape shaped by centuries of conquest and transition. You will find traces of Roman history from when the city was known as Sebaste, followed by the enduring architectural legacy of the Seljuk period. The region later saw Ottoman rule and a period of occupation by Tamerlane before transitioning into the modern republican era where pivotal political leadership was established.
Pack for a high-altitude climate characterized by hot, dry summers and bitterly cold, snowy winters. Because summer nights can remain chilly when the breeze picks up, you should bring cold-weather clothing regardless of the season. The local economy is rooted in agriculture, specifically the cultivation of hardy wheat varieties.
Getting there
You can reach the city by air via Sivas Nuri Demirağ Airport, which offers flights from Istanbul and Izmir and provides car hire services upon your arrival. For those traveling by rail, high-speed YHT trains connect Sivas to Ankara and Istanbul, while regional trains provide connections toward Malatya, Erzincan, and the Black Sea coast. You can also board conventional trains from Ankara that offer couchettes and sleeping cars for longer journeys. The historic railway station, modernized in recent years, serves as a hub for both high-speed and traditional rail lines.
Alternatively, you can travel by bus to reach the modern and spacious Sivas Intercity bus station located just off the main highway. Direct buses run from Istanbul, with additional connections available from Ankara that continue toward eastern destinations such as Erzurum, Elazığ, and Van.
Getting around
You can navigate the city using a network of town buses that connect major hubs like the Sivas Train Station and the Coach Station. Depending on your destination, specific routes offer access to local landmarks; for instance, certain lines pass over historical bridges such as Eğriköprü or Kesikköprü, while others provide direct routes to the Tomb of Abdulvahhabi Gazi or Cumhuriyet University.
- Routes 1-A, 1-B, 1-D, 2-A, and 2-B serve the Sivas Train Station.
- Most bus lines travel to the Coach Station, with the exception of routes 6-A, 6-B, 6-C, 11-B, and 11-C.
- Routes 6-B, 6-C, and 11-B pass the Sivas Police Headquarter.
Where to stay
You can find a variety of accommodations depending on your preferred atmosphere and proximity to local landmarks. For those staying in the town centre, you can choose between a pleasant, clean option near the Buruciye medressah or a smart and welcoming stay in a busier area. If you prefer a unique experience, you can stay in an atmospheric hotel situated within a 16th-century caravanserai and covered market.
Depending on your travel needs, other options are available throughout the region:
- A mid-range choice is located toward the railway station.
- A smart hotel with positive reviews sits at the south edge of town, with a similar option nearby.
- For those traveling by vehicle, a clean and comfortable chain hotel is situated on the main highway outside of town.
- If you prefer a spa experience, you can visit a council-run geothermal spa hotel located west of the city to bathe in sulfur-rich water.
Food & drink
Savor a variety of regional specialties while exploring the local culinary scene. You can sample Sivas Köfte, which has a texture similar to pork sausage, or try other traditional dishes such as Sivas döner, Sivas kebap, sübüra, hurma, and yumurta erişte. For a different flavor profile, look for pezük pickle.
When you are looking for a drink, several establishments are located just east of Meydan where you can find a selection of local spots to relax.
What to see and do
Explore the architectural heritage of Sivas by visiting its three famous madrasas, which were constructed by rival patrons in the late 13th century to outdo one another in splendor. You can visit the Buruciye Medrese, a Seljuk-style school where students once studied physics, chemistry, and astronomy; the Çifte Minareli Medrese, known for its monumental gatehouse and twin minarets; and the Gök Medrese, named for its celestial tilework. For an even older example of Seljuk style, visit the Şifaiye Medrese, which originally housed a hospital and medical school. You can also find spiritual solace at the simple, elegant Kale Mosque or visit the historic Sivas Grand Mosque.
Wander through the city center to reach Cumhuriyet Square, located in the heart of town, or explore the local history at the Sivas City Museum housed in a former governor's residence. Nearby, you can find the Sivas Castle nestled beneath shrubs on a hilltop park. For a deeper look into the region's past, visit the Atatürk ve Kongre Müzesi, located in a former high school that houses ethnography and archaeology collections, or explore the Archaeological Museum and the nearby Industry School Museum to see fossils and artifacts from the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman eras. If you prefer to relax, experience a traditional bath at the Kurşunlu Hammam.
Three days in Sivas
Day one, you arrive in the city and settle into your surroundings. You can explore the historical layers of the region, beginning with the Roman remains of Sebaste before moving on to the Seljuk and Ottoman architecture that defines the local landscape.
Day two, you travel through the heart of the district. You visit the tomb of Abdulvahhabi Gazi and take in the atmosphere of the historic sites that have stood for centuries.
Day three, you prepare to depart from Sivas. Depending on your next destination, you can make your way toward other regions or begin your journey back toward major hubs like Ankara or Istanbul.