Places to Visit in Yozgat

Yozgat is a city waiting to be discovered as one of the hidden treasures of Central Anatolia. It offers an unforgettable experience to its visitors with its historical texture, natural beauty and cultural richness. This fascinating city located in the middle of the steppe offers a travel route that appeals to every taste from its hot springs to ancient cities, from its lush parks to its delicious local cuisine. For those looking for places to visit in Yozgat, this city, which hides a different story and beauty in every corner, is like an open-air museum. Now, let's explore the unique atmosphere of Yozgat!

Historical places

Having hosted many civilizations throughout its thousands of years of history, from the Hittites to the Romans, from the Byzantines to the Seljuks and the Ottomans, Yozgat stands out with its historical riches. This city, which contains many historical structures from ancient cities to magnificent mosques, from historical bridges to mansions, carries the traces of time to the present day. Get ready to be enchanted by the magic of the past in the enchanting atmosphere of Yozgat! Under this heading, we will explore the must-see historical places in Yozgat.

Tavium Ancient City

Located in Büyüknefes Village, 40 kilometers from Yozgat city center, the ancient city of Tavium fascinates history enthusiasts as one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia. Hittite, Phrygian, Galatian, RomeThis ancient city, which hosted the Byzantine and Seljuk civilizations, is also known as the capital of the Trocm tribe and an important trade center of the period. The columns, statues, tombstones, inscriptions, temples, baths, city walls and historical gates that you will encounter while walking on the streets of Tavium reveal a story that goes back thousands of years. Each ruin is like a time capsule that takes its visitors to the depths of history.

Kerkenes Ruins

Kerkenes Ruins is a unique ancient city waiting for its visitors, like a treasure lost in the depths of history. In the heart of Anatolia, in Yozgat query This ancient settlement, also known as the Lost City of Pteria, is located in one of the quiet and mysterious corners of Central Anatolia. Visiting the Kerkenes Ruins means embarking on a unique journey in the footsteps of the past. This ancient city, which hosted many great civilizations such as the Hittites, Persians, Lydians and Romans, hides a different story in every stone and wall. With its ruins spread over a wide area, walking paths and natural beauties, Kerkenes is like an open-air museum where history and nature are intertwined.

Büyüknefes Village Fountain

Büyüknefes Village Fountain is one of the important structures reflecting the rich history and cultural heritage of Yozgat. The fountain, which was built using reused stone blocks, regular cut stone and roughly cut stone, also has a trough made of cut stone. The fountain section of the structure, which extends in the east-west direction, has a triangular pediment. On this pediment, there is a hawk or eagle figure with wings half-open, claws visible from the front and feathers depicted with detailed lines. Just above the figure, a rosette relief stands out, which highlights the fountain's feature of being an ancient work.

Sarikaya Hot Springs

The Sarıkaya Thermal Springs of Yozgat stand out as one of the most popular health tourism destinations in Turkey. The Sarıkaya district, located in the north of Yozgat, is a region famous for its healing thermal springs. These thermal springs are fed by natural hot water sources from underground and are known for their positive effects on health. Sarıkaya Thermal Springs are visited by both local and foreign tourists every year. It is said that the thermal waters are good for many health problems, especially rheumatism and skin disorders. At the same time, the rich mineral structure of these waters further strengthens their therapeutic effects.

Sarikaya Roman Bath

The Sarıkaya Roman Bath is the only thermal bath built by the Roman Empire in the 2nd century and is the best preserved thermal bath in Anatolia. This historical bath stands out not only for its architecture but also for the health and beauty benefits of the geothermal water it offers. There is also a legendary story in the past of the Sarıkaya Roman Bath. According to legend, the daughter of the Roman Emperor contracted rheumatism and no treatment could cure her. As a last resort, the king sent his daughter to the hot water springs. The princess entered the mud with her friends and recovered over time. Her father named the place where his daughter regained her health and had a marble pool built. For this reason, the bath is also called the “King’s Daughter Bath”.

Kazankaya Canyon

Kazankaya Canyon starts from the Aydıncık district of Yozgat. ÇorumA magnificent natural wonder that extends to the İncesu village of 10 kilometers. The Çekerek River passing through the canyon gives life to the region, while the rocks rising on both sides reveal the fascinating views of nature. However, Kazankaya Canyon attracts attention not only with its natural beauties, but also with the historical riches it contains. On the rocks of the canyon, there are remains of Hittite walls, old staircases, mysterious caves and a relief of the goddess of fertility Kybele. The Kybele relief is located in a niche overlooking the canyon and adds a mystical atmosphere to the region.

Akdagmadeni Mushalikale

Akdağmadeni Muşalikalesi is an important structure that stands out among the historical and cultural heritage of Yozgat. Built in the 13th century by Necmeddin Bahramşah, one of the orders of Seljuk Sultan Gıyaseddin Keykavus, this castle is also known as Behramşah Castle among the public. Located on a high hill in the north of the village, Muşalikalesi attracts attention with its walls built with cut stone and rubble. There are three bastions and two tombs in the castle that bear elegant traces of Seljuk architecture. These tombs belong to Muşali – Muşallimoğlu Ali Çelebi and his son Mahmut Çelebi, and there are various tombstones and inscriptions in and around them.

Yozgat Clock Tower

The Yozgat Clock Tower is located in the heart of the city, in Cumhuriyet Square, and was built in 1908 by the famous master Şakir Usta from Yozgat. This seven-story tower with a single balcony is an elegant structure made of yellow cut stone. There is a clock on each side of the tower, and the names of the French manufacturers are written on these clocks. The bells that ring every hour on the tower can be heard from all over the city, and it is stated that the bell weighs approximately 250 kilograms. The Yozgat Clock Tower carries the elegant traces of Ottoman architecture, and is impressive with its arched windows and fine workmanship.

Yozgat Museum

Yozgat Museum is located in a historical mansion built in 1871 in the city center. Once used as a residence, school and warehouse, this structure was purchased by the state in 1979 and opened its doors as a museum in 1985 after extensive restoration. Yozgat Museum offers visitors the opportunity to get to know the history of Yozgat and its surroundings closely with its archaeological and ethnographic riches.

Yozgat Bilal Şahin Complex

The Yozgat Bilal Şahin Social Complex stands out as one of the most modern and impressive structures in the city. The construction of the social complex, located in the Kent Park area, was started in 2010 by philanthropist businessman Bilal Şahin and was completed and opened to the public in 2013. The social complex was designed to host many religious and cultural events and includes various service buildings, a mosque, Quran courses, a reading hall, a fountain, a clock tower and a guesthouse.

Ceska Underground City

Çeşka Underground City stands out as one of the most mysterious and interesting spots in Yozgat. Located on a high hill approximately 3 kilometers north of Kirazlı Pond, this underground city bears traces of the Byzantine period and has three separate entrances. Inside, it is possible to see rock tombs, rooms, galleries and various niches. Çeşka Underground City, preserved as a historical and cultural heritage, offers its visitors a journey through time.

Sorgun Karakız and Kazankaya Hittite Sculpture Workshops

Sorgun Karakız and Kazankaya Hittite Sculpture Workshops are one of the important historical and cultural heritages located in the Sorgun district of Yozgat. These workshops contain sculptures made of basalt stones from the Hittite period, water cisterns and other archaeological artifacts. These works, which bear the traces of Hittite art and civilization, offer visitors the opportunity to get to know the rich culture of ancient times.

Yusuf Karslioglu Mansion

The Yusuf Karslıoğlu Mansion is a must-see for those who want to explore the historical and cultural heritage of Yozgat. Built in 1883, this elegant mansion was purchased by Yusuf Karslıoğlu, who served as the Mayor of Yozgat between 1929 and 1936, and has been known as the Karslıoğlu Mansion ever since. One of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture, the mansion dazzles with its exquisite woodwork, ceiling decorations and details. The mansion has rooms opening to every corner from the octagonal hall; the room in the southwest corner is particularly notable for its ceiling, which is more elaborately crafted than the other rooms and is reserved for important guests.

Yozgat Military Branch

The Yozgat Military Branch, while serving as an official institution, is one of the important structures that bear witness to the city's historical and cultural heritage. Reflecting the Ottoman-Turkish architectural style, this structure draws attention with its aesthetic details that carry traces of the past to the present. In front of the building, there is a meaningful monument depicting Atatürk's arrival in Yozgat and bearing the phrase "Yozgat is one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey".

Çadırhöyük and Peyniryemez Village

Çadırhöyük is a mound located in the Sorgun district of Yozgat and attracts attention with its historical and cultural richness. Located in the Esenli-Gelingüllü Dam Basin, this mound, approximately 32 meters high and 220 meters in diameter, contains traces of many different civilizations. Archaeological excavations carried out in Çadırhöyük have unearthed artifacts from a wide range of history, from the Chalcolithic period to the Early Bronze Age, Proto-Hittite, Hittite Imperial, Phrygian, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. Among these artifacts, various objects such as crosses, bronze needles, weights, spindle whorls, terracotta vessels and processed bones provide important clues about how life was lived here in the past.

Akdağmadeni Old Prison – Tiftik Han

Akdağmadeni Old Prison, also known as Tiftik Han, is a striking two-story rectangular structure built of marble cut stones. This building, which has both a front and a rear entrance, has a lion relief carved in profile and the inscriptions “Maşallah” and “Subhanallah” on the front entrance door. The triangular pediment and flower motifs above the door also add an elegant aesthetic to the building. Inside, there is a courtyard with a portico and various rooms; the date 1316 Hijri (1898-1899) is written on the door of a room on the upper floor. The roof of the building is completely covered with tiles, giving the building a unique character.

Şefaatli Train Station Building

Şefaatli Train Station Building is one of the important structures of Yozgat that is still actively used and stands out with its historical value. Opened in 1925 and located in Şefaatli district, this station has an elegant structure reflecting the architectural features of the Ottoman period. Built as a basement, ground floor and one floor, the building has two entrances, a waiting room and station chief sections on the east and west sides. The roof of the station, which draws attention with its pointed arches and rectangular windows, is covered with tile covering, which was common in the architecture of that period.

Nizamoglu Mansion

Nizamoğlu Mansion stands out as one of the structures that best reflects the historical and cultural heritage of Yozgat. Built in 1871, this mansion has two floors, a hipped roof and a large garden, and contains the characteristic features of Ottoman architecture. There are many rooms, a sofa, a porch, a kitchen, a pantry and a closet on the street-facing facade and inside. Some of the rooms have striking woodwork and wall paintings, which increase the aesthetic value of the mansion.

Tomb of Chandir Shah Sultan Hatun

The Çandır Şah Sultan Hatun Tomb is a historically and architecturally valuable work located in the Çandır district of Yozgat. The tomb was built between 1499 and 1500 in memory of Şah Sultan Hatun, the wife of Şahruh Bey, son of Alaüddevle Bey, ruler of the Dulkadirli Principality. Built for Sultan Hatun, who passed away in 1492, this tomb is considered one of the most important examples of iwan tombs in Anatolia.

Tuzla Bridge

Tuzla Bridge, an important part of Yozgat's cultural heritage, continues to fascinate its visitors with both its historical texture and the natural beauty around it. While walking on the bridge, you can admire the architecture of this unique structure while listening to the cool and clear waters of the Delice River flowing under it, the shade of the surrounding green trees and the chirping of the birds. In addition, the bridge offers a magnificent view for photography enthusiasts.

Martyrs' Monument by Pulling

It is a monument of great historical importance located in the Çekerek district of Yozgat. Built on the spot where Major Ali Galip Bey and his six fellow officers, who were assigned to suppress the Aynacıoğulları rebellion during the War of Independence, were martyred, this monument was erected to keep their memory alive. Each block of the monument, which consists of seven blocks rising in a triangular green area, bears the name of a martyr. The monument is surrounded by short iron railings, which gives the monument a more organized and protected appearance.

Religious Buildings

Çapanoğlu Mosque

Çapanoğlu Mosque stands out as one of the most magnificent and historical structures of Yozgat. Built in 1779 by Çapanoğlu Mustafa Bey, the governor of Bozok Sanjak during the Ottoman period, this mosque is the first example of Turkish baroque architecture in Anatolia. Europe It is one of the rare examples reflecting the influence of the Çapanoğlu Mosque. Çapanoğlu Mosque consists of two sections, inner and outer. The inner mosque is made of cut stone and covered with a large dome. The outer mosque is added to the north of the inner mosque and has a more ornate and colorful structure. The mosque is surrounded by courtyard walls and on the eastern side of the courtyard there is a tomb belonging to the Çapanoğlu Family; there are 18 sarcophagi in this tomb.

Sorgun Salih Pasha Mosque

Sorgun Salih Pasha Mosque is an important structure in the Sorgun district of Yozgat and is considered a historical heritage. Built in 1813 by the order of Salih Pasha, this mosque is located in a lush green area next to the Sorgun Stream. The mosque, which was rebuilt in 1955 with the exception of the western wall, remaining faithful to its original form, has a square base, two minarets and a domed structure. The simple and bright atmosphere of the interior is one of the striking features of the mosque. The walls of the mosque, whose mihrab and pulpit were renewed during the recent restoration work, are illuminated by windows arranged in two floors. The dome in the center sits on large round arches made of reinforced concrete.

Sheikh Haji Ahmet Efendi Mosque

For those who want to explore the historical and cultural heritage of Yozgat, the Şeyh Hacı Ahmet Efendi Mosque is a must-visit. Built in 1859 by Şeyh Hacı Ahmet Efendi, this mosque is located on Şeyhzade Street in the Taşköprü District and its construction inscription was written by him himself.

Sergeant Major Mosque

Sergeant Major Mosque is an important historical structure built in Yozgat in 1800-1801 by Halil Ağa, the Chief Sergeant of Çapanoğlu Süleyman Bey. The mosque, which was built with a mixture of stone and brick on a rectangular plan close to a square, is covered with a hipped roof. There is a round-bodied minaret in the northwest of the mosque. In its courtyard, there is Halil Ağa's yellow stone grave and a fountain.

Fatih Mosque (Greek Orthodox Church)

Located in the center of Yozgat and carrying both historical and cultural value, Fatih Mosque was originally built as a church by the Greeks in the 19th century. Converted into a mosque in 1996, this structure still preserves the original features of Greek architecture today. The mosque, which has a three-nave, barrel-vaulted interior, has a round apse to the east and small rooms on the sides of the apse. There is a U-shaped gallery to the west. The three-part narthex under the gallery is covered with glass, and a bell tower rises to the northwest. On the south facade, a marble mihrab niche draws attention.

Tomb of Şemunel Gazi

Akçakale is a village in the Kadişehri district of Yozgat, drawing attention with its historical and natural beauties. The most famous point of this cute village is the Şemunel Gazi Tomb, located on a rocky hill in the north. The tomb belongs to Şemunel Gazi, one of the important warriors of Islam, and has a spiritual value in the area. Right next to the tomb, there is a cave that reaches the underground water source and is descended by stairs. This cave has been used for military purposes since ancient times and is still visited and respected by the local people today.

Istanbulluoglu Mosque

İstanbulluoğlu Mosque is a structure located in the center of Akdağmadeni district of Yozgat and attracts attention with its historical texture. Originally built in 1907 by the Greeks during the Ottoman period as the Hagios Georgios Church, this structure was later converted into a mosque and gained a new identity. The round-arched narthex at the entrance of the rectangular-planned three-nave church made of cut stone was closed during the conversion into a mosque. The bell tower above the narthex was converted into a minaret. The interior is covered with a vaulted ceiling and there is a three-part apse on the rear facade; in the middle of the apse is a mihrab.

Tokmak Hasan Pasha Mosque

Paşaköy Town is a settlement in the Şefaatli district of Yozgat, known for its historical and cultural richness. One of the most important structures of the town, Tokmak Hasan Paşa Mosque, was built in 1773 by Tokmak Hasan Paşa, who was working for Çapanoğlu Süleyman Bey. The mosque, which was built with a masonry system, draws attention with its single-story and hipped roof structure. The mosque, which has a rectangular plan in the north-south direction, has rows of windows on both the lower and upper parts. The walls are covered with whitewash over plaster. The spiral and single-balcony minaret of the mosque was added later.

Tokmak Hasan Pasha Mosque was registered and protected by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2005. This mosque, which has great historical and architectural importance, is a must-see structure during your visit to Paşaköy Town.

Akdagmadeni Church

If you want to discover the historical and cultural heritage of Yozgat, you should definitely visit the church in Akdağmadeni district. Built in 1862 and taken under protection, this church is one of the most important structures in the region. The church, whose front facade is made of cut stone and side facades are made of marble stones, attracts attention with its elegant and solid architecture. There are Greek inscriptions on the round arched entrance door, which reinforces the historical importance of the structure.

Osmanpaşa Tomb

In the Osmanpaşa Town of Yozgat’s central district, there is the Osmanpaşa (Emirci Sultan) Tomb, which has high historical and spiritual value. Located right next to the Osmanpaşa Mosque, this tomb contains the tomb of the Sufi Emirci Sultan (Osmanpaşa), who lived in the 13th century and was one of the caliphs of Hoca Ahmet Yesevi. According to legend, Emirci Sultan received the nickname “Emir-i Çin” for killing a dragon in China and then returned to Anatolia to contribute to the spread of Islam. This dervish, who settled in Osmanpaşa Town and gave his name to the town, passed away here. His tomb was built in 1239 or 1240 and contains the coffins of Emirci Sultan as well as some other dervishes.

Gedikhasanlı Şakir Efendi Tomb

Gedikhasanlı Şakir Efendi Tomb is a place of visit with high historical and spiritual value, located in Gedikhasanlı Village of Sorgun district of Yozgat. The tomb is known as the tomb of Mehmet Şakir Suntay, known as Gedikhasanlı Şakir Efendi, an important scholar and educator who lived in the 19th century. Şakir Efendi, who was originally from Kayseri's Cami-i Kebir Neighborhood and settled in Yozgat, was born in Yozgat in 1853 and completed his education in Kayseri, which he started at Osmanpaşa Madrasah. After returning to Yozgat, he served as a teacher at Demirli Madrasah during both the Ottoman and Republican periods, thus gaining an important place in Yozgat culture.

Natural Beauties and Parks

Çamlık National Park

Çamlık National Park is one of the most impressive beauties that Yozgat has to offer to nature lovers. Hidden among lush pine trees, this park is a great escape for those who want to get away from the city and be one with nature. At the entrance of the park, the sweet scent of pine trees welcomes you and allows you to find peace in the arms of nature. This fresh pine scent takes away your stress and revitalizes your mind. While walking in the park, the cheerful chirping of birds is heard like the magical melody of nature, soothing your soul.

Akdagmadeni Kadipinari Plateau

Akdağmadeni Kadıpınarı Plateau is a natural wonder located within the Akdağ Forests, just 2 kilometers away from the Akdağmadeni district. Welcoming its visitors with its rich vegetation consisting of pine, oak and various tree species, this plateau is a perfect getaway for nature lovers with its clean and cool waters and variety of game animals.

Cehirlik Plateau

Cehirlik Yaylası is one of the most impressive natural beauties of Yozgat. Located on the Yozgat-Boğazkale road, just 2 kilometers from the city center, this yayla is famous for both its tulips and its legends. The red wild tulips that bloom in the spring months turn the yayla into a riot of color and offer visitors a fascinating view. According to legend, tulip bulbs are said to have been taken from here to the Netherlands, known today as the “Land of Tulips,” which gives the yayla a special historical and cultural value. katar.

Bozok Plateau

Bozok Plateau is a special region of Yozgat, famous for its natural beauty and waiting to be discovered. Surrounded by valleys formed by the Delice River and Çorum Stream, which are branches of Kızılırmak, this plateau draws attention with its gently undulating plains and lush green nature. Leaning against the Akdağ Mountains to the east, Bozok Plateau is located at an altitude of 1200-1400 meters and descends towards the northwest, extending all the way to the Kızılırmak Plain. When you step onto the plateau, you can breathe in the fresh mountain air and take peaceful walks among the rich vegetation and colorful flowers.

Sebekpinari Plateau

Şebekpınarı Plateau is a corner of heaven in the Aydıncık district of Yozgat, containing the fascinating beauties of nature. Located on the Eymir road, at the foot of the Daşlı Mountains and on the 1700-meter-high Gezbel Hill, this plateau is a natural wonder that has been used as a picnic area for years. Declared as the “Şebek Forest Rest Area” by the General Directorate of National Parks, the plateau has facilities such as landscaping, seating areas and rain shelters. Şebekpınarı Plateau is also known for the waters flowing from the Şebekpınarı, which gave it its name and is said to have healing properties among the public.

Yozgat is a unique destination for travel lovers with its historical riches, natural beauties and cultural heritage. This city, which has a new beauty and story to be discovered in every corner, promises an unforgettable experience to its visitors. By adding Yozgat to your travel route, you can embark on a unique journey in the heart of Anatolia.

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