Sivas, an important
commercial center stood, during the Middle Ages, at the junction of the
caravan routes to Persia and Baghdad.Between 1142 and 1171, it was the
capital of the Danismend Emirs and a vitally important urban center during
Seijuk rule. The remaining architectural monuments reflect Sivas's former
prominent position. The Ulu Mosque dates from the Danismend Emirate, but
the Seljuk buildings:the 13th century Izzeddin Keykavus Sifahanesi - a
hospital and a medical school, the beautifully decorated Gok Medrese, the
twin minarets of the Cifte Minare Medrese as well as the Buruciye Medrese
all testify to the exciting aesthetic of the Seljuk period.
In 1919, the decision to liberate Turkey from the occupying foreign powers
was made by the National Congress which had convened in Sivas. Today, the
19th century building where the congress was held has been restored as the
Ataturk and Congress Museum, with a display about the War of Independence
as well as an ethnography exhibit. In the Buruciye Medrese, the Museum of
Archaeology and Stoneworks displays finds from local digs and Islamic
tombstones with reliefs. The 19th century Akaylar Mansion House Museum is
now an ethnography museum.In town, there are excellent Sivas carpets for
sale; the city has long had a reputation for fine weaving. And in
Sivrialan Village, the Asik Veysel Museum commemorates the famous Turkish
poet (1884-1973) who was born here and who lived and died here.
Kangal, 68 km
south of Sivas, is the home of Turkey's most famous breed of dog - the
Kangal ("dog of the Galatians", 3rd century B.C). Used as sheep dogs,
these golden-haired animals have also proven themselves in police and
security work.Twelve kilometers northeast of Kangal is the famous spa,
Balikli Kaplica. The 36-degree Celsius waters contain bicarbonate, calcium,
and magnesium, and spring from the earth accompanied by scores of tiny
fish that are said to aid in the cure of skin complaints. In Sivas
province are the famous spas Sicak Cermik (warm spas) and Soguk Cermik (cold
spas).
