Sivas / Türkiye
Sivas
Explore the Timeless Highlands of Sivas
Located in the heart of central Anatolia, Sivas Province is a land of sweeping plains, rugged mountains, and rich historical heritage. The city of Sivas, its vibrant capital, has long stood at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, including the famed Silk Road, and today serves as a gateway to the region’s unique blend of Seljuk architecture, Ottoman relics, and natural wonders. The province is dotted with ancient mosques, caravanserais, and thermal springs, all set against a dramatic Anatolian landscape. Sivas is renowned for its deep-rooted folk traditions, vibrant music, and renowned local cuisine. The province’s rural villages preserve time-honored customs, while the city itself is lively with markets, festivals, and a palpable sense of history. Whether you’re exploring the UNESCO-listed Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital or hiking the Yıldız Mountains, Sivas offers a captivating journey through Anatolia’s past and present.
Safety
Sivas is generally considered very safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming local population. Standard precautions should be taken in busy urban areas, especially in markets and during festivals. Emergency services are accessible, and the region is well-regarded for its hospitality.
Visas
Entry requirements follow Turkish national regulations. Most visitors from Europe, North America, and many other countries can enter visa-free or obtain an e-visa online.
Customs regulations
Respect for elders and traditional hospitality are integral to Sivas culture. It’s customary to remove shoes before entering homes and to accept tea or food when offered. Modest attire is appreciated, particularly in rural or religious settings.
Prices
Sivas is generally affordable compared to Turkey’s major tourist centers, with modest accommodation, inexpensive food, and low entrance fees at most attractions. Budget travelers will find excellent value, while mid-range and luxury options are limited but comfortable.
People and nationalities
Sivas is home to a mix of urban and rural populations, predominantly ethnic Turks, with vibrant folk traditions and music. The people are known for their hospitality, strong sense of community, and pride in their local heritage. Family gatherings, tea houses, and traditional crafts remain central to daily life.
Weather
Sivas has a continental climate, with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit is between May and October, when temperatures are moderate and ideal for sightseeing or outdoor activities. Winter months can be quite harsh, especially in the highlands, with heavy snowfall.
Health
Sivas has several hospitals and clinics, especially in the city center, and pharmacies are widely available. Basic health care is accessible, but travel insurance is recommended.
Food
Sivas Kebabı
A local specialty, this kebab features marinated lamb or beef cooked on skewers over an open fire, often served with flatbread and grilled vegetables.
Hingel
A type of dumpling filled with minced meat, potatoes, or cheese, typically served with yogurt and garlic sauce—a nod to the region’s Circassian heritage.
Madımak
Made from the local madımak herb sautéed with onions and sometimes minced meat, this dish is a springtime favorite among locals.
Katmer
A flaky pastry layered with butter and sometimes filled with sugar, nuts, or tahini, enjoyed as a sweet or savory snack.
Divriği Pilavı
A rich rice pilaf from the Divriği district, made with lamb, chickpeas, butter, and spices, and often served at special occasions.
Transport
Intercity Trains
Sivas is a major railway hub with frequent trains to Ankara, Istanbul, and eastern Turkey, including high-speed rail connections.
Bus Network
A comprehensive bus network connects Sivas city with its districts and neighboring provinces, offering affordable and reliable service.
Car Rental
Renting a car is the best way to explore remote villages, natural attractions, and off-the-beaten-path sites at your own pace.
Sivas Nuri Demirağ Airport
Located near the city, the airport offers domestic flights to major Turkish cities, providing a quick entry point to the region.
Regions
Adana
Province
Adıyaman
Province
Afyonkarahisar
Province
Ağrı
Province
Aksaray
Province
Amasya
Province
Ankara
Province
Antalya
Province
Ardahan
Province
Artvin
Province
Aydin
Province
Balıkesir
Province
Bartın
Province
Batman
Province
Bayburt
Province
Bilecik
Province
Bingöl
Province
Bitlis
Province
Bolu
Province
Burdur
Province
Bursa
Province
Çanakkale
Province
Çankırı
Province
Çorum
Province
Denizli
Province
Diyarbakır
Province
Düzce
Province
Edirne
Province
Elazığ
Province
Erzincan
Province
Erzurum
Province
Eskişehir
Province
Gaziantep
Province
Giresun
Province
Gümüşhane
Province
Hakkâri
Province
Hatay
Province
Iğdır
Province
Isparta
Province
İstanbul
Province
İzmir
Province
Kahramanmaraş
Province
Karabük
Province
Karaman
Province
Kars
Province
Kastamonu
Province
Kayseri
Province
Kilis
Province
Kırıkkale
Province
Kırklareli
Province
Kırşehir
Province
Kocaeli
Province
Konya
Province
Kütahya
Province
Malatya
Province
Manisa
Province
Mardin
Province
Mersin
Province
Muğla
Province
Muş
Province
Nevşehir
Province
Niğde
Province
Ordu
Province
Osmaniye
Province
Rize
Province
Sakarya
Province
Samsun
Province
Şanlıurfa
Province
Siirt
Province
Sinop
Province
Şırnak
Province
Sivas
Province
Tekirdağ
Province
Tokat
Province
Trabzon
Province
Tunceli
Province
Uşak
Province
Van
Province
Yalova
Province
Yozgat
Province
Zonguldak
Province
Marmara Bölgesi
Ege Bölgesi
Akdeniz Bölgesi
İç Anadolu Bölgesi
Karadeniz Bölgesi
Doğu Anadolu Bölgesi
Güneydoğu Anadolu Bölgesi
What to visit?
History
Sivas region is inhabited by Hittites, becoming a significant center for early Anatolian civilizations.
After the Battle of Manzikert, Sivas comes under Seljuk rule and becomes an important administrative and cultural hub.
Construction of the Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital, later designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sivas is captured by Timur (Tamerlane), leading to widespread destruction before Ottoman rule is established.
Sivas becomes a key provincial center under the Ottoman Empire, serving as a strategic location in eastern Anatolia.
The Sivas Congress is held, playing a pivotal role in the Turkish War of Independence and laying foundations for the modern Turkish Republic.
The tragic Sivas Massacre occurs at the Madımak Hotel, marking a significant event in recent Turkish history.
Activities
Visit the Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital
Marvel at the intricate stonework and historical significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, a masterpiece of medieval Anatolian architecture.
Explore Sivas City Center
Stroll through Ottoman-era streets, visit the Sivas Congress and Ethnography Museum, and experience bustling local markets.
Relax in Hot Springs
Unwind at the Sıcak Çermik and Soğuk Çermik thermal springs, popular for their therapeutic waters and scenic settings.
Hiking in the Yıldız Mountains
Enjoy scenic trails, wildflowers, and panoramic views in the Yıldız Mountains, ideal for trekking and nature photography.
Attend Traditional Folk Festivals
Experience live performances of Sivas folk music and dance, especially during annual cultural and harvest festivals.