Kayseri

Quick Facts: Who was Kayseri?

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Kayseri

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Major city in Central Anatolia, Turkey; historical capital of Cappadocia.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Kayseri (Turkish pronunciation: [ˈkajseɾi]) is a large city in Central Anatolia, Turkey, and the capital of Kayseri province. Historically known as Caesarea, it has been the historical capital of Cappadocia since ancient times. The Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality area is composed of five districts: the two central districts of Kocasinan and Melikgazi, and since 2004, also outlying Hacılar, İncesu, and Talas. Kayseri has been selected by TURKSOY as the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World for 2027. As of 31 December 2024, the province had a population of 1,452,458 of whom 1,210,983 lived in the four urban districts (Melikgazi, Kocasinan, Talas, Incesu), excluding İncesu which is not conurbated, meaning it is not contiguous and has a largely non-protected buffer zone.

Career & Major Achievements

Kayseri sits at the foot of Mount Erciyes (Turkish: Erciyes Dağı), a dormant volcano that reaches an altitude of 3,917 metres (12,851 feet), more than 1,500 metres above the city's mean altitude. It contains a number of historic monuments, particularly from the Seljuk period. Tourists often pass through Kayseri en route to the attractions of Cappadocia to the west. Kayseri is known for local dishes such as sucuk, pastırma, and mantı, which are commonly associated with the region. Kayseri is served by Erkilet International Airport and is home to Erciyes University.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Kayseri has been equated with the early Hittite kingdom of Kussara, referenced sporadically in early Assyrian trading records. It was called Mazaka or Mazaca (Armenian: Մաժաք, romanized: Mažak'; according to Armenian tradition, it was founded by and named after Mishak) and was known as such to the geographer Strabo, during whose time it was the capital of the Roman province of Cappadocia, known also as Eusebia at the Argaeus (Εὐσέβεια ἡ πρὸς τῷ Ἀργαίῳ in Greek), after Ariarathes V Eusebes, King of Cappadocia (r. In 14 AD its name was changed by Archelaus (d. 17 AD), the last King of Cappadocia (r. 36 BC–14 AD) and a Roman vassal, to "Caesarea in Cappadocia" (to distinguish it from other cities with the name Caesarea in the Roman Empire) in honour of Caesar Augustus upon his death.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2004: 2004 Milestone — The Kayseri Metropolitan Municipality area is composed of five districts: the two central districts of Kocasinan and Melikgazi, and since 2004, also outlying Hacılar, İncesu, and Talas.
2. 2024: 2024 Milestone — As of 31 December 2024, the province had a population of 1,452,458 of whom 1,210,983 lived in the four urban districts (Melikgazi, Kocasinan, Talas, Incesu), excluding İncesu which is not conurbated, meaning it is not contiguous and has a largely non-protected buffer zone.
3. 2027: 2027 Milestone — Kayseri has been selected by TURKSOY as the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World for 2027.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Kayseri

True or False: “The name Caesarea was officially changed to honor Caesar Augustus in 14 AD.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): Archelaus, the last King of Cappadocia, renamed it 'Caesarea in Cappadocia' to distinguish it from other cities named Caesarea.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Kayseri