Province · Capadócia

Kırşehir

Kırşehir is the land of bards and the Ahi brotherhoods, with the Cacabey madrasa, an old Seljuk astronomy school, thermal springs and Kaman’s Japanese garden.

In the photo: Cacabey Madrasa (Cacabey Medresesi), Kırşehir

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

The province

Get to know Kırşehir

Kırşehir lies in central Anatolia, between Ankara and Cappadocia, in a region of steppes and wheat fields. It is a small city, off the main tourist routes, connected to folk music and the Ahi, the old craftsmen brotherhoods founded by Ahi Evran, whose mausoleum stands in the city centre.

The Cacabey madrasa, dated 1272, was built by the Seljuks as an astronomy school and now functions as a mosque, featuring a carved stone portal. The city also houses the tomb of the poet Aşık Paşa and is associated with the abdal, bağlama players (the Turkish lute), whose tradition is best known through Neşet Ertaş.

In Kaman, the archaeological site of Kalehöyük has been excavated for decades by a Japanese mission. Beside it, the Kaman-Kalehöyük Archaeological Museum displays occupation layers since the Bronze Age, and a Japanese garden with a pond and bridges commemorates the partnership between the two countries.

The province has thermal springs, such as those at Terme near the provincial capital, and Seyfe Lake, a protected wetland with migratory birds. Kaman’s walnuts are known throughout the country.

When to go

April to June and September to October usually have the most pleasant days. Summer is hot and dry. Winter is typically cold, with snow, and is the most popular season for the thermal springs.

Getting there

The province has no airport. The nearest ones are Nevşehir-Kapadokya (NAV) and Esenboğa (ESB) in Ankara. There are buses from Ankara, Kayseri and Nevşehir to the provincial capital. Kaman lies on the road between Ankara and Kırşehir.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Kırşehir

Can Kırşehir be fitted into a trip to Cappadocia?

Yes, as a stop on the way between Ankara and Cappadocia. Kaman and the provincial capital can be seen in half a day, with lunch in town.

What is Kaman’s Japanese garden?

It is a Japanese-style garden with a pond, bridges and ornamental plants, next to the archaeological museum. It commemorates the collaboration between Turkey and Japan in the excavations at Kalehöyük.

Who was Neşet Ertaş?

He was a singer and bağlama player from the region, one of the most respected names in Turkish folk music. His songs speak of rural life and love, and his tomb is in Kırşehir.

Do Kırşehir’s thermal springs receive visitors from outside?

Yes. There are spa centres and thermal hotels, especially in Terme and in the provincial capital. Rules of use vary from place to place; check before you go.