KIRŞEHİR

Kırşehir was settled by the Hittites, Phrygians, Romans, Seljuks and Ottomans during its 5000 years of history owing to its important location between east and west.

Founded in the ancient times, in the Middle Ages the city became the centre of the Ahi Brotherhood, a Muslim sect whose moral and social tenets played an important role in the spiritual and political life at the towns of Anatolia. Founded by Ahi Evran in Kırşehir, Ahi Brotherhood, was the organized brotherhood of trade and craft guilds, sowing the seeds of love in the hearts of people everywhere in Anatolia.

Kırşehir owes much to the Anatolian Seljuks: After the 11th century, the city gained great importance in science and the fine arts in particular. Among Kırşehir’s many fine Seljuk buildings are the Cacabey Astrological Observatory Madrasah of 1272 (then used as a mosque), the Alaeddin Mosque of 1230 and the Ahi Evran Mosque, near the tomb of the founder of the Ahi sect. Out of town on the road to Kayseri is the attractive Aşık Paşa Mausoleum which was built during the period of Mongol rule in 1333.

A major archaeological centre at Kalehöyük in the county of Kaman in Kırşehir province is still being excavated. The Kaman Kalehöyük Museum, designed after the mound seen in the local excavations, attracts a large number of local and foreign tourists and houses objects mostly from Kalehöyük. Near Kalehöyük, at a location of Hatti and Hittite settlements, is one of Turkey’s largest parks, the Mikasanomiya Gift of the Nature. The city also offers much natural beauty, including beautiful Lake Seyfe an important area for birds. Declared a Natural Conservation Area, the lake is situated in the county of Mucur, and is home to many bird species including flamingos. Another gift of the nature to Kırşehir is the thermal springs, where visitors can enjoy the hot, healing waters. Japanese Garden with 16,500 trees of 33 different species.

Üçayak is a historical place of worship, important to Christianity. The underground cities of MucurKepez, and Dulkadirli are impressive in their extent and layout, and were all used as shelters for lengthy periods. Having undergone restoration works, they are now open to visitors.

Gift of the Nature

The city also offers much natural beauty, including beautiful Lake Seyfe an important area for birds. Declared a Natural Conservation Area, the lake is situated in the county of Mucur, and is home to many bird species including flamingos. Another gift of the nature to Kırşehir is the thermal springs, where visitors can enjoy the hot, healing waters.