2025 Sivas Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in October)

Gök Madrasah is located in Sivas, a city in central Turkey. Built in the 13th century, this historic madrasah has an elaborately decorated entrance gate that you can gaze at for hours without getting bored. The blue (gök) tile decorations inside are also the origin of the madrasah's name. The minaret (tower) built next to the entrance is 25 meters high and has a beautiful, imposing appearance. It is about a 15-20 minute walk from the center of the old town, where other tourist sites such as Cifte Minaret are located, but it is well worth the trip. Sivas has become easier to access since the high-speed train from Ankara opened. #Overseas travel

#mytraveldiary I just explored Erzurum—a city where Seljuk architecture, Ottoman legacy, and rugged mountain landscapes collide. At nearly 2,000 meters (6,500 ft) elevation, it’s a place of piercing blue skies, warm hospitality, and deep Turkish identity, perfect for solo travelers craving authenticity and adventure. What Makes Erzurum Special? · Seljuk Splendor: Home to the stunning Çifte Minareli Medrese (Twin Minaret Madrasa) and other masterpieces of early Turkish architecture. · Winter Sports Capital: The nearby Palandöken Ski Resort is one of the best in the world. · Cultural Crossroads: A historic stop on the Silk Road with a rich mix of Turkic, Kurdish, and Caucasian influences. · Local Cuisine: Famous for cağ kebabı (horizontal lamb kebab) and ayran aşı (yogurt soup). Why Erzurum for Solo Travelers? · Safe & Authentic: Far from mass tourism—locals are genuinely curious and kind to visitors. · Compact Historic Center: Key sites are within walking distance. · Gateway to Adventure: Use it as a base for skiing, hiking, or visiting Lake Tortum and Öşvank Monastery. · Budget-Friendly: Accommodation, food, and transport are very affordable. --- My Solo Itinerary Day 1: History & Architecture · Morning: Explored the Çifte Minareli Medrese—marveled at the ornate stone portal and twin minarets. · Afternoon: Visited the Üç Kümbetler (Three Tombs) and Erzurum Castle for panoramic city views. · Evening: Tried cağ kebabı at a local ocakbaşı (grill house) and chatted with friendly locals. Day 2: Culture & Mountains · Morning: Wandered the Rüstem Paşa Bedesten (covered bazaar) for spices, crafts, and antiques. · Afternoon: Took a dolmuş (shared taxi) to Palandöken Ski Resort—hiked or simply enjoyed the alpine scenery (skiing in winter!). · Evening: Visited the Yakutiye Medrese (now a museum) and relaxed with a glass of çay in a traditional çay bahçesi. --- Solo Traveler Tips 1. Dress in Layers: Weather changes quickly—sunny one moment, windy or cold the next. 2. Try Local Specialties: Don’t leave without tasting cağ kebabı, kete (savory pastry), and Erzurum ayranı. 3. Learn Basic Turkish Phrases: “Merhaba,” “Teşekkürler,” “Ne kadar?” (How much?) 4. Stay Central: Choose a hotel near the medrese or castle for easy access to sights. --- Final Thoughts Erzurum surprised me with its dignity, depth, and dramatic setting. As a solo traveler, I felt welcomed and inspired—whether admiring 800-year-old stonework or sharing tea with strangers. This is Turkey at its most raw and real. #SoloTravel #Erzurum #EasternAnatolia #SeljukArchitecture #AdventureTravel --- Interested in day trips to Lake Tortum Waterfall or the ancient Öşvank Monastery? Let me know! 🏔️🕌

Sivas is an important city for Turkish modern history. The most important political party congress has been in the city before the general assembly is found in Ankara.

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Friends who travel to Turkey for the first time rarely pay attention to the "Seljuk" period, and they are tired of hearing about ancient Greece, ancient Rome, Byzantium, and the Ottoman Empire. It's okay, let's talk about something you haven't vomited today. The "Seljuk period" in a broad sense is from AD 1037 to AD 1453, more than 400 years. Why don't they promote it more? Because they always lose in wars, the society is turbulent, and a large empire is finally divided into twenty or thirty small countries, which really can't lose the face of the old earth. Just like talking about ancient China, how about Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing, few people talk about Wei, Jin, and Five Dynasties. However, the more chaotic times, the more likely it is to be a time when artistic masterpieces emerge, and so is Turkey. The early Seljuk architectural decoration is known for its exquisite tiles and plaster sculptures, but after being passed to Anatolia, the craftsmen obviously added the main skill points to stone carving and stone carving, especially the fine carving on giant brick and stone buildings. , It's simply the pinnacle. Many cities in Turkey have preserved Seljuk period buildings, but when you come to Sivas (Sivas), you are in the right place. This is a city that has a great collection of Seljuk heritage buildings: ①Gök Medrese【Figure 1-7】: Blue Seminary, World Heritage Preparatory List, built in the middle of the Seljuk period in 1271 AD, completed in 2023, the animal stars and the tree of life on the outer wall of the main door are almost all 800 years ago. The original, the current seminary has been converted into a museum, free to visit; ②Ulu Cami【Figure 8】: Ulu Mosque, built in the early Seljuk period in 1196 AD, Sivas's oldest building is not one, single-story multi-column rectangular, almost no decorative techniques, the seemingly about to collapse The leaning tower was built in 1213; ③Çifte Minareli Medrese【Figure 9-12】: Twin Tower Seminary, World Heritage Preparatory List, built in 1271 AD, now only the main gate wall and twin towers are left, but you can still see the extremely spectacular stone carving decoration from the leopard in the tube; ④Şifaiye Medresesi【Figure 13-14】: Rehabilitation Seminary, World Heritage Preparatory List, located opposite the Twin Tower Seminary, built in 1217 AD, one of the oldest hospitals, now converted into a restaurant and handicraft market, free to visit; ⑤Buruciye Medresesi【Figure 15-16】: Buruciye Seminary, World Heritage Preparatory List, built in 1271 AD, it is said to be built for the study and teaching of science and technology, the stone carvings on the main gate wall are very detailed, almost all are original genuine products, now here It has been converted into a restaurant and is free to visit. Hey, don't think that you have finished watching Sivas, the next article will show you where the ceiling of Seljuk architectural art is.

#EuropeTravel Visiting the Double Minaret Medres School in Turkey was a wonderful historical experience. Located in the city of Arava in central Turkey, this old school is considered one of the most famous tourist attractions in the region. When I arrived at the Marriage Brick School, I was impressed by the beautiful architecture and intricate details of the building. The school was built in the 13th century AD and is a great example of Seljuk architecture. The building features two double towers at the front end, which are a characteristic of the school and give it its name. I started my visit with an interior tour where I was able to explore the different rooms and winding arcades. I had a sense of ancient history and culture as I walked around the school. The rooms were uniquely designed and filled with inscriptions and decorations reflecting beautiful Seljuk art. My visit to the Marriage Brick School was an opportunity to enjoy the history, culture and art of Turkey. It is a great place for those who love history, architecture and art. This visit will leave you inspired and connected to the country’s rich past and culture.

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