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Province · Anatólia Central
Yozgat
Yozgat has the Yozgat Çamlığı National Park, Turkey’s first national park, the ruins of Kerkenes and the Roman bath of Sarıkaya, fed by thermal water.
In the photo: Yozgat Çamlığı National Park
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 Yozgat
Yozgat lies in central Anatolia, between Ankara and Sivas, in a region of agricultural plateaus. The capital grew in the 18th century around the Çapanoğlu family, who left the Çapanoğlu Mosque, and it preserves manor houses such as the Nizamoğlu Konağı, which houses an ethnography museum.
Next to the town, the Yozgat Çamlığı National Park, established in 1958, was Turkey’s first national park: a black pine wood amid the steppe, with trails and picnic areas.
Near Sorgun, atop Mount Kerkenes, are the ruins of a large Iron Age city linked to the Phrygians, with walls stretching for several kilometers. In Sarıkaya, the Roman bath Basilica Therma, also called Kral Kızı Hamamı (Bath of the King’s Daughter), has ancient pools fed by thermal water.
On the table, arabaşı, a spicy chicken soup served with a firm dough that is dipped into the broth, is the dish of winter evenings.
When to go
May to September is usually the best time for the national park and for Kerkenes, with mild days and cool nights. Winter tends to be cold, with snow, and it’s when arabaşı appears most on tables.
Getting there
The high-speed train between Ankara and Sivas stops at Yozgat, about an hour from Ankara; the station is outside the center, with buses and taxis to the town. The most used airports are Ankara (ESB) and Kayseri (ASR). There are buses to Ankara, Kayseri and Sivas, and a car is most practical for Kerkenes and Sarıkaya.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Yozgat
Is Yozgat a day trip from Ankara?
Yes, by high-speed train, in about an hour each way. One day is enough for the city and the national park; Kerkenes and Sarıkaya require a car.
What to see in Kerkenes?
The lines of walls and gates of an ancient city on the mountaintop, with wide views of the plateau. The site is open and has little infrastructure: bring water and wear sturdy footwear.
Why is Yozgat Çamlığı known?
Because it was the first national park established in Turkey, in 1958. The pine wood lies next to the town and is the weekend outing for locals.
What is arabaşı?
It is a chicken soup with chili and tomato, served with a cooked flour dough cooled in a dish. Each piece of dough is dipped into the hot soup. It is a winter dish and one for gatherings of friends.