Discover Sivas
History, culture and student life in the heart of Türkiye.
Sivas is a historic city in central Türkiye where Seljuk architecture, the heritage of the Turkish National Struggle, local traditions and contemporary student life come together.
During your Erasmus+ mobility, the city offers a comfortable environment for discovering Turkish culture, meeting local people and experiencing life beyond the University campus.
Welcome to Sivas
Sivas offers incoming participants the opportunity to experience a city shaped by centuries of Anatolian history while remaining connected to a large and active university community.
Located in central Türkiye, Sivas has been an important settlement throughout different historical periods. The city centre brings together examples of Seljuk, Ottoman and Republican-era architecture, particularly around the Historic City Square.
Today, Sivas combines its historic identity with modern urban services, cultural facilities, shopping areas, cafés, restaurants, parks and a large student population.
Sivas Cumhuriyet University is located close to the city centre, allowing incoming Erasmus+ participants to combine campus life with easy access to the social and cultural environment of the city.
Places to See in Sivas
Some of the city’s best-known historical monuments are concentrated around the Historic City Square and can be explored together on foot.
SELJUK HERITAGE
Çifte Minareli Medrese
One of the best-known landmarks of Sivas, recognised by its monumental portal and twin minarets and forming part of the historic architectural ensemble in the city centre.
Photo: Maurice Flesier · CC BY-SA 4.0
13TH CENTURY
Buruciye Medrese
Built in the 13th century, Buruciye Medrese is distinguished by its stone craftsmanship and is one of the prominent examples of Seljuk architecture in Sivas.
Photo: Dosseman · CC BY-SA 4.0
SELJUK ARCHITECTURE
Gök Medrese
Gök Medrese is another major monument reflecting the rich Seljuk architectural heritage of Sivas and is known for its highly decorated monumental entrance.
Photo: Dosseman · CC BY-SA 4.0
REPUBLICAN HISTORY
Atatürk & Congress Museum
The historic building associated with the Sivas Congress became one of the symbolic locations of Türkiye’s National Struggle and today operates as a museum.
Photo: Haluk Comertel · CC BY 3.0Centuries of Architecture in One Place
Sivas Historic City Square brings together important buildings from different periods. Çifte Minareli Medrese, Buruciye Medrese, Şifaiye Medrese, Kale Mosque, historic government buildings and the Atatürk and Congress Museum form a distinctive architectural ensemble.
Living in Sivas
Incoming students can easily combine university life with everyday activities in the city.
Meet, Eat & Socialise
The city centre includes cafés, restaurants and social spaces where students can spend time outside the campus.
Everyday Needs
Shopping streets, supermarkets, local stores and commercial areas provide easy access to everyday needs.
Parks & Public Spaces
Parks, squares and recreational areas provide places to relax and experience everyday life in Sivas.
Museums & Events
Museums, cultural centres, theatres and local events provide opportunities to discover the city’s cultural identity.
Experience the City Beyond Campus
Your Erasmus+ experience is also an opportunity to become familiar with everyday life in Türkiye. Explore local neighbourhoods, shops and cafés, experience local cuisine and take part in the city’s cultural life.
ESN Cumhuriyet activities also provide opportunities to meet local students and discover Sivas together.
Photo: Pivox / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Local Cuisine
Sivas has a distinctive regional cuisine shaped by the culinary traditions of Central Anatolia.
Sivas Köftesi
One of the city’s best-known registered local specialities and a popular choice for visitors.
Madımak
A traditional regional dish prepared using the locally valued madımak plant.
Hıngel
A traditional dough-based dish that forms part of the local culinary culture.
Peskütan Soup
A traditional soup prepared with peskütan, grains and regional ingredients.
Prepare for the Weather
Sivas has a continental climate, so the experience can differ significantly depending on your mobility semester.
Temperatures gradually fall as the semester progresses. Layered clothing becomes increasingly useful.
A warm winter coat, waterproof footwear, gloves and suitable winter clothing are strongly recommended.
Spring becomes progressively milder, although cool and rainy days can still occur.
Summer days can be warm, with cooler conditions after sunset compared with many coastal cities.
Campus & City
The University campus and the city centre are connected by public transportation, making it practical to move between academic and city life.
Getting Around Sivas
For current information about municipal buses, student transportation cards, airport transfers, railway services and inter-city travel, use the Incoming Transportation Guide.
Photo Gallery
Selected photographs showing the city and its historic architectural heritage.
SIVAS
City View
HISTORIC CENTRE
Çifte Minareli Medrese
SELJUK HERITAGE
Buruciye Medrese
ARCHITECTURE
Gök Medrese
REPUBLICAN HISTORY
Atatürk & Congress Museum
Photographs are hosted by Wikimedia Commons. Individual photographs remain subject to the licence stated on their respective source pages.
Official Sivas Resources
Incoming Resources
Make the city part of your Erasmus+ experience
Explore its history, taste local cuisine, meet the community and discover Sivas beyond the University campus.
