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Historical places #1 in Sivas

Sivas Cumhuriyet Square

4.6 · 6,297 reviews
Lively and historically significant
Sivas Cumhuriyet Square, Eskikale, Atatürk Blv. No:2, 58070 Sivas Merkez/Sivas, Türkiye
Interesting facts
1

The Çifte Minareli Madrasa is famous for its 1271-dated facade, which is among the tallest and most ornate portals in all of Anatolia.

2

The Şifahiye Madrasa was originally constructed in 1217 as a hospital (darüşşifa) by the Seljuk Sultan Kaykaus I.

3

The Sivas Congress building served as the headquarters for the national movement during the 1919 Sivas Congress.

4

The Bürüciye Madrasa features a distinctive symmetrical design with an open courtyard, housing the tomb of its founder, Muzaffer Bürücerdi.

5

Sivas Cumhuriyet Square is located on a major historical trade route, reflecting its long history as a center of commerce and administration.

6

The stone masonry across the square's structures displays a high level of craftsmanship, particularly in the geometric and calligraphic motifs.

Overview

Sivas Cumhuriyet Square serves as the central urban hub of Sivas, Türkiye, housing multiple significant Seljuk and Ottoman-era architectural monuments. The square is dominated by the 13th-century Bürüciye Madrasa, the Çifte Minareli Madrasa, and the Şifahiye Madrasa. These structures are renowned for their intricate stone carvings and monumental portals typical of the Anatolian Seljuk period. The square also features the Sivas Congress Building, which played a pivotal role in the Turkish War of Independence. A large statue of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk stands at the center, marking the square as a site of historical political significance. The surrounding area integrates preserved historical facades with modern municipal landscaping. It functions as the primary meeting point for city residents and the focal point for public commemorations.

Photo spot

From the center of the square looking toward the double-minaret portal of the Çifte Minareli Madrasa.

Insider tips

Visit the madrasas early in the morning to capture photos of the detailed stone masonry without large crowds.

Walk the perimeter of the square to observe the architectural transition between the medieval madrasas and the early 20th-century republican-era buildings.

Allocate time to enter the congress building, which now serves as a museum dedicated to the independence struggle.

What to avoid

Do not overlook the smaller, less crowded side streets branching off the square, which contain hidden historical artisan workshops.

Etiquette

Modest dress is required when entering the historical madrasas or museum areas; refrain from loud behavior in these preserved historical spaces.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit
Late spring or early autumn to avoid extreme temperatures in the Anatolian plateau.
Address
Sivas Cumhuriyet Square, Eskikale, Atatürk Blv. No:2, 58070 Sivas Merkez/Sivas, Türkiye
39.750, 37.015
Get directions
Details
Architectural StyleAnatolian Seljuk, late Ottoman
Key MonumentsÇifte Minareli Madrasa, Şifahiye Madrasa, Sivas Congress Building

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Late spring or early autumn to avoid extreme temperatures in the Anatolian plateau..

From the center of the square looking toward the double-minaret portal of the Çifte Minareli Madrasa.

Close by you'll find Ulu Mosque, Gök Medrese, Sivas Atatürk ve Kongre Müzesi.