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Situated at an altitude of 1275 m, Sivas is the highest city of the Central Anatolian Region, and the most mountainous one
with the numerous peaks. This uneven land has been the shelter of many tribes, from the earliest ages to more recent periods
from which remain many notable monuments. Sivas being at the junction point of the Persia and Baghdad caravan routes, was
once a busy commercial center. During the interval between 1142 and 1171, it was the capital of the Turkish Danismend Emirs.
Later, under the rule of the Seljuks, it became a cultural center, with importance given to learning and scholarship; and
many related buildings were constructed the remains of some, can still be seen today. One of the outstanding numerous
Seljuk works of art and architecture is Izzeddin Keykavus Sifahanesi, which was "a house of recovery" in those
times; in other words "a hospital". It was built in 1217 by the order of the Seljuk Sultan, and its decoration
with painted tiles is beautiful. Gok Medresse and Buruciye Medresse, both built in 1271, constitute the best examples of
wonderful Seljuk artistic works, while the Ulu Mosque of the Danismend Emirate is another fine historical monument,
reflecting a different style. The Cifte Minareli Medresse of the same year, is also noteworthy with its twin minarets
rising elegantly on both sides of its ornate portal. Throughout the long history of the city, the role played by Sivas,
during the War of Independence is important in that the National Congress took the decision to fight for the liberalization
of Türkiye, here, in 1919. The school building used then; is now the Ataturk and Congress Museum; and here, the relevant
documents of the congress and war, are on display, together with ethnographical finds and local handicrafts. 165 km
southeast of Sivas, is Divrigi, an ancient town, which was once a Byzantine site. By the 12th and 13th
centuries, it was the capital of Turkish Mengucek Emirs, and the remains of Ulu Mosque of 1229 and a citadel remain from
the period. The Baroque style portal of this magnificent mosque is a real masterpiece of stonework, and this monumental
building has been declared by UNESCO to be one of the eminent cultural heritages of the world. Besides its historical
treasures, the city possesses several other specialties, one of which is Balikli Kaplica, an interesting spa of the town
Kangal. It is a thermal spring, filled with tiny fish living in the hot waters, which provides a different type of cure
for skin complaints.
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