Sivas is a mountainous province located in central Anatolia and boasts a rich history that dates back to ancient times. Over the centuries, many tribes sought shelter in this rugged landscape, leaving behind a wealth of monuments and landmarks that are now considered significant cultural heritage sites.
In the past, Sivas played a crucial role as a junction point in the Persia and Baghdad caravan routes. It was also the capital of the Turkish Danismend Emirates from 1142 to 1171 and later became a center of learning and scholarship under Seljuk rule.
One of the most notable Seljuk works is the Izzeddin Keykavus Sifahanesi, a hospital constructed in 1217 by order of the Seljuk Sultan. The building's exquisite decoration with painted tiles is a testament to the Seljuk's artistic achievements. Other historical monuments in Sivas include the Gök Medrese and Buruciye Medrese, both built in 1271, the Ulu Mosque of Danismend Emirate, and the Cifte Minareli Medresesi, built around 1301 and adorned with delicate calligraphy.
Sivas played a pivotal role in Turkish history during the early days of the National Congress, and the Congress and War Exhibition Center now houses evidence and documentation of this historic meeting, as well as local arts.
Visitors to Sivas should also make time to visit the ancient town of Divrigi, located 165 kilometers (103 miles) southeast of Sivas. Once a Byzantine site, it became a Turkish site in 1154 and grew to become an important city in the 12th and 13th centuries. The Ulu Mosque in Divrigi, with its Baroque-style stonework portals, has been declared an eminent cultural heritage site by UNESCO and is just one of many remains from this fascinating period.