Sivas'ta görülmesi gereken ilk 10 yerin listesi şu şekildedir:Divriği Ulu Camii ve Darüşşifası,Çifte Minareli Medrese,Gök Medrese,Şifaiye Medresesi,Buruciye Medresesi,Sivas Atatürk ve Kongre Müzesi,Sivas Ulu Camii,Gökpınar Gölü (Gürün),Taşhan,Tarihi Eğri Köprü...
With its rich historical heritage, unique examples of Seljuk architecture, and captivating natural beauty, Sivas is a city that every culture and history enthusiast should definitely visit. Here are the **top 10 places** you should visit in Sivas, encompassing both the iconic structures in the city center and the world-famous landmarks in the districts:
### 1. Divriği Grand Mosque and Hospital
Although it’s about 2.5 hours from Sivas city center, it’s undoubtedly the first place to see upon arrival. This masterpiece, which was included in the **UNESCO World Heritage List** in 1985, was built during the Mengücek dynasty. The stone carvings on the structure are unparalleled in the world and it is known as the “Alhambra of Anatolia.” The stonework on the doors depicts silhouettes of people praying, depending on the angle of the sun.
### 2. Double Minaret Madrasa
Located in the city center and a symbol of Sivas, this madrasa was built in 1271 by the Ilkhanid Vizier Shamseddin Juvayni. Although only its magnificent stonework facade and two imposing minarets adorned with tiles remain today, its grandeur captivates all who see it.
### 3. Gök Madrasa (Sahabiye Madrasa)
One of the finest examples of Seljuk architecture, the Gök Madrasa takes its name from the deep blue tiles on its minarets. Built in 1271 by Sahip Ata Fahreddin Ali, this structure, with its magnificent marble crown gate and the animal head reliefs on it (rare in Turkish-Islamic art), must be examined closely.
### 4. Şifaiye Madrasa and Hospital
Located directly opposite the Double Minaret Madrasa, this structure was built in 1217 by Seljuk Sultan İzzeddin Keykavus I. It is one of the largest hospitals and medical schools in Anatolia. It also contains the sultan’s tomb, adorned with tiles. Today, there are tea gardens in its courtyard where you can relax.
### 5. Buruciye Madrasa
Situated in the heart of the city square, alongside the Şifaiye and Double Minaret Madrasas, it was built in 1271 during the reign of Seljuk Sultan Gıyaseddin Keyhüsrev III. With its symmetrical stonework and open courtyard architecture, it boasts one of the most perfect Seljuk madrasa plans in Anatolia.
### 6. Sivas Atatürk and Congress Museum
This is the historic high school building where the Sivas Congress (September 4-11, 1919), one of the turning points in the history of the Republic, was held. In this building, where the decision “Mandate and protectorate cannot be accepted” was made, Atatürk’s room during the congress days, the congress hall, historical documents, and ethnographic artifacts from that period are exhibited.
### 7. Sivas Grand Mosque
One of the oldest mosques of the Anatolian Seljuk state, this structure was built in 1196-1197. Its most notable feature, passed down through word of mouth, is that its brick minaret is visibly **leaning** like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. With its wooden-columned prayer hall, it has a very simple and peaceful atmosphere.
### 8. Gökpınar Lake (Gürün)
Located in the Gürün district of Sivas, this natural wonder is practically a natural aquarium. Thanks to its clear and turquoise water, you can clearly see everything on the lakebed. Although its depth reaches 15 meters in some places, the water is like glass due to the bubbling waters from the bottom. You can walk around it or take a boat trip on the lake.
### 9. Taşhan
Bearing traces of 17th-century Ottoman architecture, Taşhan, with its three entrances and two-story open courtyard, is one of the liveliest spots in the city. This inn, where caravans used to stay in the past, is now filled with shops selling handicrafts and souvenirs, and pleasant cafes where you can have a coffee and relax.
### 10. Historic Eğri Bridge
Located on the Kızılırmak River and dating back to the Seljuk period, this bridge gets its name from being built with a distinctly curved angle. The 18-arched structure was designed this way to withstand the river’s strong current. Today it is only open to pedestrians and offers a wonderful view, especially at sunset.
**A little travel tip:** Sivas City Square; This is one of Türkiye’s largest and best-preserved historical open-air squares, where you can see the Twin Minaret, Şifaiye, and Buruciye Madrasahs, the Congress Museum, and the historic governor’s building all at once. You can easily visit almost all the places in the center on foot.