KAYSERİ

Kayseri is a city located in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. It has a long history, having been home to several civilizations over the centuries. The city is situated at the foot of Mount Erciyes and covers an area of 17,170 square kilometres. According to the 2021 data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, the city's population is approximately 1.4 million, making it the 14th most populous province in Turkey. Kayseri is divided into 16 districts, including Melikgazi, Bünyan, Akkışla, Develi, Hacılar, Kocasinan, and İncesu. It is the third-largest city in the Central Anatolia region after Ankara and Konya. The city has a rich cultural and historical heritage, having been ruled by the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman Empires. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and historical monuments. During the Ottoman period, the city was known as "Kayser", and some Ottoman Sultans used the title "Kayser-i Rum". This name came from the Byzantine title of "Caesar", and over time it became Turkish and took its current form. In 1924, Kayseri gained the status of a province, and in 1988 it became a metropolitan city. Since the establishment of the Republic, the city has made significant progress in industry, trade, and education. It is a major contributor to the country's economy, particularly in the food sector, where it ranks first in Turkey to produce pastrami and sausage. Kayseri is also a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and historical monuments.