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Near Republic Square (Cumhuriyet Meydanı) in Kayseri’s city center is the pleasant Mimar Sinan Park (Mimar Sinan Parkı). The park is named for the great Ottoman architect, Mimar Sinan, who was originally an Armenian or Greek Christian from Kayseri. A monument to Sinan is at the southern end.
Gevher Nesibe Mosque
The park is full of trees and a beautiful pool with fountains, with the Gevher Nesibe Mosque (Gevher Nesibe Camii) on the west end.
Twin Madrasa
In the middle of the park lies two of the most important structures ever built in Kayseri, the Twin Madrasa (Çifte Medrese). Built in 1206, the complex, also known as the Gevher Nesibe and Gıyasiyye Hospital (Gevher Nesibe ve Gıyasiyye Şifaiyyesi), was a gift to they city by Seljuk sultan Gıyasettin I Keyhüsrev in memory of his sister, Gevher Nesibe Sultan.
The two adjacent buildings (hence the name Twin Madrasa) served the entire community regardless of religion – one as a medical school and research center and the other as a hospital. It continues to serve in a medical capacity to this day as a medical history museum for Erciyes University (Erciyes Üniversitesi). Another former madrasa, the Avgunlu Madrasa (Avgunlu Medrese), sits nearby and serves as a café and book market.
Hacı Kılıç Mosque
On the northeast end of the park is the Hacı Kılıç Mosque (Hacı Kılıç Camii). This Seljuk mosque built in 1249 has, like the majority of Seljuk buildings, some beautiful stonework on the entrance. The prayer hall features several arches.
Roman Tomb
Across the street from the mosque and a block south, you can dig very deep into Kayseri’s history. A fully intact Roman tomb sits along the road.
Kurşunlu Mosque
Just south of the park you’ll find the Kurşunlu Mosque (Kurşunlu Camii), built by favorite son Mimar Sinan in 1576.
