Sivas

Sivas is a city and the administrative capital of Sivas Province in central Turkey. Located in the Central Anatolia Region, it has historically been a crossroads of trade routes and cultures, with a long urban tradition dating back to ancient times. The city serves as an educational and commercial center for a large surrounding area and hosts Cumhuriyet University, a major regional university.

Historically, the area has seen influences from several civilizations, including the Hittites, Persians, Romans, and Seljuks, before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire. Sivas played a notable role in the Turkish independence movement, with the Sivas Congress in 1919 contributing to the development of the national movement. In 1993, the Madımak Hotel in Sivas was the site of a deadly arson attack known as the Sivas Massacre, an event that drew international attention and remains a significant reference in Turkish political memory.

The economy of Sivas is dominated by agriculture, including grain production and livestock, complemented by light industry and services. The surrounding province is also known for mining and traditional crafts. In addition to its educational institutions, the city and region preserve historic architecture and cultural sites, including the Divriği region’s Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital (Divriği Ulu Camii ve Darüşşifası), a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Divriği district.

Sivas has a continental climate with cold, snowy winters and hot summers. It is connected by road and rail to Ankara and other major cities, and is served by Sivas Nuri Demirağ Airport, which provides domestic and limited international links.