Thermal springs dot this central Turkish city, where ancient Hittite ruins and winding alleyways lead to historic mosques and churches among mountain landscapes.
Kırşehir lies in central Turkey’s Anatolian region, where ancient roads meet modern life. Visit the 4th-century Kırşehir Castle, walk through the stone arches of the 13th-century Kesikköprü Bridge, or study zodiac carvings at the Cacabey Mosque, built as an astronomical observatory under the Seljuks. The city holds the tomb of Aşık Pasha, a Sufi poet whose writings shaped Turkish literature, and the Ahi Evran Mosque, where Turkey’s artisan guilds began. Nearby, sunflower fields stretch toward villages like Seyfe, near the calculated geographic center of Earth’s landmasses. Explore the Mucur Underground City to see tunnels and rooms carved by early inhabitants, or trace Hittite carvings at Hashöyük, a site occupied since 3000 BC.
Travel Routes to Kırşehir
Fly into Nevşehir Kapadokya Airport, 90 kilometers southeast of Kırşehir, with direct flights from Istanbul and Ankara. From the airport, take a taxi or bus for the 1.5-hour drive through flat plains dotted with sunflowers. Intercity buses from Ankara’s main terminal run regularly, taking three hours via the D260 highway. If you drive from Ankara, follow the D260 southeast for 145 kilometers, passing through small towns and fields. Once in Kırşehir, most attractions are within walking distance, but rent a car to reach nearby archaeological sites like Kaman Kalehöyük.
Top Places to Visit in Kırşehir
Begin your visit at the Cacabey Mosque, where Seljuk astronomers once studied the stars. Look for zodiac symbols carved into its stone walls and the original observatory dome. The Ahi Evran Mosque, built in the 15th century, honors the founder of Turkey’s artisan guilds, with a tomb visited by craftspeople. A short walk away, the Aşık Pasha Mausoleum displays Ottoman calligraphy and geometric stone patterns. Climb the hill to Kırşehir Castle for views of the city, and examine its mix of Byzantine brickwork and Ottoman repairs. Cross the 13-arch Kesikköprü Bridge over the Kızılırmak River, once a key stop on Silk Road trade routes.
History and Traditions
Pottery fragments from Hashöyük show people lived here as early as 3000 BC. Hittite carvings near Kaman depict rituals, while the 10th-century Üçayak Church reveals Byzantine stonework and shared worship spaces. In the 13th century, the Ahi brotherhood transformed Kırşehir into a center for trade and religious teaching, led by Ahi Evran. The city lost provincial status in 1954 after political disputes but regained it in 1957. Today, annual festivals celebrate the Ahi legacy, with craft demonstrations and poetry readings honoring Aşık Pasha.
What to Eat in Kırşehir
Local dishes rely on sunflower oil produced in nearby villages. Order mantı, tiny meat-filled dumplings served with garlic yogurt and paprika butter. Try keşkek, a slow-cooked stew of wheat and lamb, often prepared for weddings. For a smoky flavor, sample tandır kebabı, lamb roasted in a clay oven until tender. Meze platters include wild thyme, walnuts, and honey drizzled over thick yogurt. Bakeries sell flatbread baked in stone ovens, perfect for dipping into soups or olive oil.
Ideal Seasons for a Visit
April to June brings mild weather, ideal for walking to Seyfe Lake to spot flamingos and other migratory birds. September and October offer cooler days and golden fields as farmers harvest sunflowers. Summer temperatures often reach 35°C, so visit outdoor sites like Kesikköprü Bridge early in the morning. Winter cold and occasional snow create a stark atmosphere at the Terme thermal springs, where warm baths stay open even in January.
Nearby Destinations
Drive 20 kilometers south to Kaman Kalehöyük, where archaeologists have uncovered Hittite homes and tools. The Çiçekdağı Forest, 50 kilometers northeast, has hiking trails under oak trees and picnic spots near streams. Visit Hirfanlı Dam Lake, 70 kilometers west, to rent a boat or eat grilled fish at lakeside restaurants. For a full-day trip, head southeast to Cappadocia’s rock-cut churches and fairy chimneys, a 90-minute drive from Kırşehir.
Tips for Your Stay
Kırşehir Province includes rural districts like Akpınar, where villagers still practice traditional farming. Taxis and local buses connect the city center to Terme hot springs and other outskirts. Choose from family-run guesthouses or mid-range hotels near the Ahi Evran Mosque. Learn basic Turkish phrases like “Merhaba” (Hello) and “Teşekkür ederim” (Thank you), as English is rarely spoken outside hotels. Check local event listings for the Ahi Evran Festival in October or sunflower harvest celebrations in August.
