The management of iron, lead, copper
and chrome reserves in the Toros and
Aladağlar are continuing in a tunnel
and open management way. The reserves,
which have the annual management
capacity of 2-3 million tons, are
a great contribution to the economy
of the country. As the opening of the
mine season, the transportation work
done by 500 TIRs and Lorries contribute
greatly to the economy of the
district. %30 of the residents of the district
earns money via this sector
27 Nisan 2009 Pazartesi
26 Nisan 2009 Pazar
History of Yahyalı
Yahyalı has been a culturally rich district from
prehistoric times until so far. It is surrounded
by Yeşilhisar and Develi in the north, Adana
in the south, Niğde in the west and has hosted
various cultures and ethnic groups such as
Phrygians, Romans, Byzantinians and Armenians.
It has preserved its role as a culture carrier
role for centuries. That’s why the archeological
value of the district is very important.
Some pre-historical village settlements, dating
5-6000 years back, have been found within the
borders of the district. Data from the mounds
settled on an important pass route, on the
Middle Toros Mountain and in the plateau
Çukurova and Middle Anatolia, present some
important information about the socio economic
and socio cultural structure of the early
residents of Yahyalı. Some cultural materials
obtained from the mounds such as the equipments,
baked pots, crocks, potteries, bone materials,
flint stones and obsidian equipments
are covered with relatively rich alluvium soil,
especially in the plateaus in the narrow area between
the Ağcaşar, Kuzuoluk, Taşhan villages.
It is known that Erciyes Mountain
(3917m), which has erupted starting
from the third Geological time
(Cenozoic- 65-1.6 million years) to
recent periods, has changed the structure
of the plateaus around. However,
Erciyes Mountain, which has affected
the geographical structures around
Nevşehir, affected the south less. This
effect is the main factor to model the
placement of the mounds.
In terms of geography, Yahyalı
changed hands between Hittites and
North Kizzuwatnalılar constantly
and is weak for Middle and Late
Bronze age. Researches show that
there is neither small nor big settlements
belonging to theoretically
organized sultanates in 2000 b.c..
However, researches show that Kizzuwatha’s
need for iron seems to
have been supplied by Phrygians
and Muskis in the Iron Age. The
settlements with fortifications, castles
and strongholds fit to the settlement
models of Iron Age. Kale
location in the Süleymanfakılı village
is one of the centers to belong
to this age.
When the Persian king “Anşantı Kyros”
passed through Anatolia to conquer
Sardeis in 547/46b.c., he started
the reign of Akhaemenid reign, which
would last for about 200 years. Soon,
Derios 1 (522-486 b.c.) split Anatolia
into different parts of taxes and set up
“general governorships”. We do not
have enough information about Yahyalı
and surroundings which were under
the rule of Cappadocia satrapship during
the reign of Akhaemenid period in
the antique ages. Similarly, during the
researches, we did not come across with
foundlings belonging to Hellenistic period.
However, the foundlings of Rome
Empire Period, Byzantine Empire and
Middle Age settlements, graveyards
and materials have been recorded.
The proofs especially found in Çamlıca
(Faraşa), a prominent mining centre in
the Middle Age, are worth noticing.
The investigation area covers about a
20km2 area continuing along Zamantı
River in the 28km southeast of Yahyalı.
This area is in the west of East Toros,
parallel to Aladağlar and in the southwest
of Attepe (Mansurlu-Adana),
famous for economical hydrothermal
iron deposits. This area is also called as
“Zamantı Zn-Pb” band. The mining
activities based on iron started from
the Bronze Age and continued until the
reign of Hittite, Byzantine, Seljuks and
Ottoman Empire. “Amutun”, meaning
iron in Akkadian (the first Empire in the
world), means “KU.AN” in Sumerian.
“AN.BAR” in Hittite means low-adding
iron. High quality iron means AN.BAR.
SIG in Hittite. During our researches in
places called “işlik” (workshops) within
the village and surroundings, we have
come across with ruins of melting pots
and baked soil melting pots made of
luppe (melted iron), mine dross (scoria)
and stone.
Important grave types of Cappadoccia,
the tumulus and rock graves,
found on the steeps and high peaks
and slopes of the limestone hills gave
us some important information about
burying death rituals and grave architecture
of late Hellenistic (b.c.
160/59-30) and Roman Empire. The
steeps and high peaks and slopes of
limestone can be found easily everywhere
in the district. Especially the
big graveyards found in Taşhan village,
Göynük-Küçükoğlakçı plateau,
Oğlakçı area and Yedikear area helped
to determine the architectural development
stages of Roman era
prehistoric times until so far. It is surrounded
by Yeşilhisar and Develi in the north, Adana
in the south, Niğde in the west and has hosted
various cultures and ethnic groups such as
Phrygians, Romans, Byzantinians and Armenians.
It has preserved its role as a culture carrier
role for centuries. That’s why the archeological
value of the district is very important.
Some pre-historical village settlements, dating
5-6000 years back, have been found within the
borders of the district. Data from the mounds
settled on an important pass route, on the
Middle Toros Mountain and in the plateau
Çukurova and Middle Anatolia, present some
important information about the socio economic
and socio cultural structure of the early
residents of Yahyalı. Some cultural materials
obtained from the mounds such as the equipments,
baked pots, crocks, potteries, bone materials,
flint stones and obsidian equipments
are covered with relatively rich alluvium soil,
especially in the plateaus in the narrow area between
the Ağcaşar, Kuzuoluk, Taşhan villages.
It is known that Erciyes Mountain
(3917m), which has erupted starting
from the third Geological time
(Cenozoic- 65-1.6 million years) to
recent periods, has changed the structure
of the plateaus around. However,
Erciyes Mountain, which has affected
the geographical structures around
Nevşehir, affected the south less. This
effect is the main factor to model the
placement of the mounds.
In terms of geography, Yahyalı
changed hands between Hittites and
North Kizzuwatnalılar constantly
and is weak for Middle and Late
Bronze age. Researches show that
there is neither small nor big settlements
belonging to theoretically
organized sultanates in 2000 b.c..
However, researches show that Kizzuwatha’s
need for iron seems to
have been supplied by Phrygians
and Muskis in the Iron Age. The
settlements with fortifications, castles
and strongholds fit to the settlement
models of Iron Age. Kale
location in the Süleymanfakılı village
is one of the centers to belong
to this age.
When the Persian king “Anşantı Kyros”
passed through Anatolia to conquer
Sardeis in 547/46b.c., he started
the reign of Akhaemenid reign, which
would last for about 200 years. Soon,
Derios 1 (522-486 b.c.) split Anatolia
into different parts of taxes and set up
“general governorships”. We do not
have enough information about Yahyalı
and surroundings which were under
the rule of Cappadocia satrapship during
the reign of Akhaemenid period in
the antique ages. Similarly, during the
researches, we did not come across with
foundlings belonging to Hellenistic period.
However, the foundlings of Rome
Empire Period, Byzantine Empire and
Middle Age settlements, graveyards
and materials have been recorded.
The proofs especially found in Çamlıca
(Faraşa), a prominent mining centre in
the Middle Age, are worth noticing.
The investigation area covers about a
20km2 area continuing along Zamantı
River in the 28km southeast of Yahyalı.
This area is in the west of East Toros,
parallel to Aladağlar and in the southwest
of Attepe (Mansurlu-Adana),
famous for economical hydrothermal
iron deposits. This area is also called as
“Zamantı Zn-Pb” band. The mining
activities based on iron started from
the Bronze Age and continued until the
reign of Hittite, Byzantine, Seljuks and
Ottoman Empire. “Amutun”, meaning
iron in Akkadian (the first Empire in the
world), means “KU.AN” in Sumerian.
“AN.BAR” in Hittite means low-adding
iron. High quality iron means AN.BAR.
SIG in Hittite. During our researches in
places called “işlik” (workshops) within
the village and surroundings, we have
come across with ruins of melting pots
and baked soil melting pots made of
luppe (melted iron), mine dross (scoria)
and stone.
Important grave types of Cappadoccia,
the tumulus and rock graves,
found on the steeps and high peaks
and slopes of the limestone hills gave
us some important information about
burying death rituals and grave architecture
of late Hellenistic (b.c.
160/59-30) and Roman Empire. The
steeps and high peaks and slopes of
limestone can be found easily everywhere
in the district. Especially the
big graveyards found in Taşhan village,
Göynük-Küçükoğlakçı plateau,
Oğlakçı area and Yedikear area helped
to determine the architectural development
stages of Roman era
Sultan Reedy Bird Paradise
Sultansazlığı (Sultan reedy), a limited bird paradise
among the bird paradises in Turkey, together
with Yay lake, a fresh water eco-system, has 17.200
hectare area and has been an important value
for tourism and environmental aspects recently.
Sultansazlığı is located in the middle of Erciyes
Mountain, Aladağ Nature Park and Cappadocia
National Park and is combined with the unique
characteristics of the areas. Thus, this fact increases
the value of Sultansazlığı.
Sultansazlığı has an altitude of 1072m and depth
of 1,5 m max. It is 23 km from Yahyalı. Yay gölü,
which is in the borders of Yahyalı, Develi and
Yeşilhisar, has a fresh water eco-system and is a
paradise for plants and animals. The place is called
as “a bird paradise” because 600000 red winged flamingoes
along with about 125000 birds of various
kinds live in Sultansazlığı. Forest Administration
Directorship is serving for Sultansazlığı.
among the bird paradises in Turkey, together
with Yay lake, a fresh water eco-system, has 17.200
hectare area and has been an important value
for tourism and environmental aspects recently.
Sultansazlığı is located in the middle of Erciyes
Mountain, Aladağ Nature Park and Cappadocia
National Park and is combined with the unique
characteristics of the areas. Thus, this fact increases
the value of Sultansazlığı.
Sultansazlığı has an altitude of 1072m and depth
of 1,5 m max. It is 23 km from Yahyalı. Yay gölü,
which is in the borders of Yahyalı, Develi and
Yeşilhisar, has a fresh water eco-system and is a
paradise for plants and animals. The place is called
as “a bird paradise” because 600000 red winged flamingoes
along with about 125000 birds of various
kinds live in Sultansazlığı. Forest Administration
Directorship is serving for Sultansazlığı.
25 Nisan 2009 Cumartesi
Zamantı Valley
The length of the Zamantı river within
the borders of the district is 50 km.
The area between Yeşilköy village and
Büyükçakır village is a unique place for
rafting. It has been stated that there are
various tracks on Zamantı river, difficulty
level ranging from 4,5 and 6.
Plus, there is a 10 km trekking area surrounded
by high rocks within Zamantı
valley. At least fifteen flowing waterfalls
are formed from the banks of the river
in April and May but later they dry
out.
In an outdoor, sports, adventure and
hobby magazine, an article about
Zamantı valley was published. There,
it was written “we are five adventurists
on an untouched, sometimes calm and
sometimes rough Zamantı river…a
brand new chance for rafting. We feel
like we are not only rafting but also
walking around in Sadabad (a special
place of entertainment among trees
and flowers in ancient Ottoman Empire).”
They wanted to emphasize the
convenience of the Zamantı valley for
rafting.
the borders of the district is 50 km.
The area between Yeşilköy village and
Büyükçakır village is a unique place for
rafting. It has been stated that there are
various tracks on Zamantı river, difficulty
level ranging from 4,5 and 6.
Plus, there is a 10 km trekking area surrounded
by high rocks within Zamantı
valley. At least fifteen flowing waterfalls
are formed from the banks of the river
in April and May but later they dry
out.
In an outdoor, sports, adventure and
hobby magazine, an article about
Zamantı valley was published. There,
it was written “we are five adventurists
on an untouched, sometimes calm and
sometimes rough Zamantı river…a
brand new chance for rafting. We feel
like we are not only rafting but also
walking around in Sadabad (a special
place of entertainment among trees
and flowers in ancient Ottoman Empire).”
They wanted to emphasize the
convenience of the Zamantı valley for
rafting.
Hacer Forests
It is the best post forest of Turkey. Not
only being a way in and out to Yedi
göller, but also the presence of wild
life and a helicopter landing runway
make Hacer forest an important place.
Hacer forest, the best and known geography
and landscape of Aladağlar National
Park: Yedi göller, Hacer mountain pass,
which is in the middle of Kapuzbaşı waterfalls
and connects both of the areas, is
in the Ulupınar village of our district. It
has an altitude of 2200m and some wild
goats live in the rocks around (above
3000m altitude). The most important
water fountain of the four fountains is
in the center of the forest and is called
Soğuk Pınar (cold fountain).
It is also a camping place. The flora of
the Hacer forest is composed of fir, oak,
cedar, juniper, hornbeam, black pine
and poplar trees. Along with the caves in
Hacer forest to be discovered, the most
important structure to know is the Toprak
Taş mağarası (soil rock cave), which
is also used as a natural fridge by the villagers
of Ulupınar village. Hacer forest is
like a necklace worn by Alacadağlar with
its tourism, cave trekking and natural
beauties.
only being a way in and out to Yedi
göller, but also the presence of wild
life and a helicopter landing runway
make Hacer forest an important place.
Hacer forest, the best and known geography
and landscape of Aladağlar National
Park: Yedi göller, Hacer mountain pass,
which is in the middle of Kapuzbaşı waterfalls
and connects both of the areas, is
in the Ulupınar village of our district. It
has an altitude of 2200m and some wild
goats live in the rocks around (above
3000m altitude). The most important
water fountain of the four fountains is
in the center of the forest and is called
Soğuk Pınar (cold fountain).
It is also a camping place. The flora of
the Hacer forest is composed of fir, oak,
cedar, juniper, hornbeam, black pine
and poplar trees. Along with the caves in
Hacer forest to be discovered, the most
important structure to know is the Toprak
Taş mağarası (soil rock cave), which
is also used as a natural fridge by the villagers
of Ulupınar village. Hacer forest is
like a necklace worn by Alacadağlar with
its tourism, cave trekking and natural
beauties.
Kapuzbaşı Waterfalls
Kapuzbaşı waterfall, the second highest
waterfall of the world, charms people. As
for the altitude, except for the Victoria waterfall
(1000m), Kapuzbaşı waterfall has an
altitude of 700m, higher than Niagara waterfall
in the U.S.A. (55m), İmatra waterfall
in Finland (25m), Tortum waterfall in Erzurum
(50m), Düden (25m) and Manavgat
(5m) in Antalya.
Kapuzbaşı waterfall is fed from the snow
and the glaciers on the top of Aladağlar
and, welcomes its visitors by the icy cold
water in the summer. Yeşilköy waterfall is
located on the banks of Zamantı river and
at the head of the natural bridge covering
the river at 20 meters.
Water coming out loudly from various tiny
and huge holes on the slopes of the valley
in a springing manner, pours into Suarısı
brook and mixes into Zamantı river.
There are five big, two small total seven waterfalls,
ranging from 30-70 altitude. Each
of them is powerful enough to feed the
brook. Besides, 7 km away from the district,
Derebağ waterfall is also a magnificent natural
beauty. The area is 165 km away from
the city center of Kayseri and the widening
of the stabilized part of the 62 km route
between Yahyalı and Kapuzbaşı has been
finished. Asphalting has started. The scene
of the road, which is mostly through the
forest, is truly charming. It relaxes people.
Kapuzbaşı waterfalls are within the borders
of Alacadağlar National Park. The waterfall
is one of the best stops in the trekking area
in Alacadağlar. The groups which complete
the pass of Alacadağlar between Adana and
Kayseri in five days camp near Kapuzbaşı
waterfalls on the fourth day. It is advisable
to go to the area in summer.
waterfall of the world, charms people. As
for the altitude, except for the Victoria waterfall
(1000m), Kapuzbaşı waterfall has an
altitude of 700m, higher than Niagara waterfall
in the U.S.A. (55m), İmatra waterfall
in Finland (25m), Tortum waterfall in Erzurum
(50m), Düden (25m) and Manavgat
(5m) in Antalya.
Kapuzbaşı waterfall is fed from the snow
and the glaciers on the top of Aladağlar
and, welcomes its visitors by the icy cold
water in the summer. Yeşilköy waterfall is
located on the banks of Zamantı river and
at the head of the natural bridge covering
the river at 20 meters.
Water coming out loudly from various tiny
and huge holes on the slopes of the valley
in a springing manner, pours into Suarısı
brook and mixes into Zamantı river.
There are five big, two small total seven waterfalls,
ranging from 30-70 altitude. Each
of them is powerful enough to feed the
brook. Besides, 7 km away from the district,
Derebağ waterfall is also a magnificent natural
beauty. The area is 165 km away from
the city center of Kayseri and the widening
of the stabilized part of the 62 km route
between Yahyalı and Kapuzbaşı has been
finished. Asphalting has started. The scene
of the road, which is mostly through the
forest, is truly charming. It relaxes people.
Kapuzbaşı waterfalls are within the borders
of Alacadağlar National Park. The waterfall
is one of the best stops in the trekking area
in Alacadağlar. The groups which complete
the pass of Alacadağlar between Adana and
Kayseri in five days camp near Kapuzbaşı
waterfalls on the fourth day. It is advisable
to go to the area in summer.
Seven Lakes
They are in a valley of 3500-3756 meters altitude. Lakes
are formed because of melting snow. Water of 7 of them
never diminishes. Depth of one of them is 80 m. As there
are 7 lakes which do not dry, the place is called seven lakes
(yedi göller).
Besides, it has been stated that Kapuzbaşı waterfalls are
fed with the snow water. Along with Hacer forest and
Kapuzbaşı waterfalls, Yedi göller forms the highest and
widest plateau of Aladağlar in Toros Aladağlar National
Park.
Due to the physical geography, it is one of the most important
trekking areas in Turkey. Yedi göller, which has a
3100 m base height, leans to Kapuzbaşı waterfalls through
Hacer valley and Hacer mountain pass.
Yedi göller is in Yahyalı, a district of Kayseri, and is one of
the most beautiful landscape areas in Turkey. It presents a
unique scene in July with its peaks, mountain glaciers, high
mountain plants, wild life, glaciers and glacier rocks.
The numbers of the lakes go up to 80 in the first week of
July. As the snow melt and diminish, second flowers of
spring bloom in autumn. And then the snow melt and
Alacadağlar (Mottled Mountains) become Karadağlar
(black mountains). You can reach Yedi göller, which is 60-
70 km from Yahyalı district, on foot for a 6-7 hour trip
from Ulupınar village, Hacer forest.
All of the lakes are fed by glacier and snow water. This
magnificent piece of nature has a great potential for transhumance,
glacier or rock climbing, trekking, paragliding,
camping, balloon activities and tourism economy.
Kızılkaya (3725m) Direktaş(3510m)
Engin Tepe (3723m) Vayvay Tepe (3565m)
Akın Tepe(3610m) Emler Tepe (3623m)
Tosun Tepe (3612m)
are formed because of melting snow. Water of 7 of them
never diminishes. Depth of one of them is 80 m. As there
are 7 lakes which do not dry, the place is called seven lakes
(yedi göller).
Besides, it has been stated that Kapuzbaşı waterfalls are
fed with the snow water. Along with Hacer forest and
Kapuzbaşı waterfalls, Yedi göller forms the highest and
widest plateau of Aladağlar in Toros Aladağlar National
Park.
Due to the physical geography, it is one of the most important
trekking areas in Turkey. Yedi göller, which has a
3100 m base height, leans to Kapuzbaşı waterfalls through
Hacer valley and Hacer mountain pass.
Yedi göller is in Yahyalı, a district of Kayseri, and is one of
the most beautiful landscape areas in Turkey. It presents a
unique scene in July with its peaks, mountain glaciers, high
mountain plants, wild life, glaciers and glacier rocks.
The numbers of the lakes go up to 80 in the first week of
July. As the snow melt and diminish, second flowers of
spring bloom in autumn. And then the snow melt and
Alacadağlar (Mottled Mountains) become Karadağlar
(black mountains). You can reach Yedi göller, which is 60-
70 km from Yahyalı district, on foot for a 6-7 hour trip
from Ulupınar village, Hacer forest.
All of the lakes are fed by glacier and snow water. This
magnificent piece of nature has a great potential for transhumance,
glacier or rock climbing, trekking, paragliding,
camping, balloon activities and tourism economy.
Kızılkaya (3725m) Direktaş(3510m)
Engin Tepe (3723m) Vayvay Tepe (3565m)
Akın Tepe(3610m) Emler Tepe (3623m)
Tosun Tepe (3612m)
About Yahyalı
According to the epigraph survived in the garden of
Yahyalı Ulu Camii, Yahya Gazi was both the founder
and the person who named the county after.
Danismentogullari Sultanate, set up in 1075, ruled
Sivas, Tokat, Niksar, Kayseri, Zamantı, Develi and
the surroundings. Also some European historians,
along with some Eastern historians state that
Danismentogulları conquered Kayseri and all the
surroundings.
The date of the epigraph in the Dev Ali (Devlibey)
tomb is 1094 and it is certain that Danismentogulları,
which came together with Yahyaogulları, settled
down here before this date. After hero leaders like
Yahya Gazi, Seyid Ali, Benli Gazi and religious leaders
such as Abdal İlyas, Dede Sultan, Akkoca Sultan
and Hoca Ahmet had their contributions to Yahyalı
as well.
Yahyalı is located in 35-36 East meridians, 38-59
North parallels and is surrounded by Feke (Adana)
in the southeast, Develi (Kayseri) in the northeast,
Dündarlı and Sultancaova (Niğde) in the west, Develi
in the north, Yeşilhisar in the northwest and
Aladağ (Adana) in the south. It is 107 km to Kayseri
and has 12 neighborhoods, 28 villages and 1 county.
The city centre is 1604 km2 and the height above
sea level is 1210metres. Yahyalı became a district
in 1954 and is now the second biggest district of
Kayseri. The big savanna, the continuation of Sultan
reed bed in the south of Erciyes Mountain, lies
through the east slopes of Seki Mountain for 7-8
km as a valley and ends in the feet of Çamardı. The
settlement of the district starts from these slopes
and continues towards Erciyes. There are 9 villages
of Yahyalı in this savanna. Some surface structures
like the plateaus in Alacadağlar National Park, with
an altitude of 2500metres, the mountainous areas,
waterfalls, ruins and epigraphs are outdoor museums
of Yahyalı.
Yahyalı Ulu Camii, Yahya Gazi was both the founder
and the person who named the county after.
Danismentogullari Sultanate, set up in 1075, ruled
Sivas, Tokat, Niksar, Kayseri, Zamantı, Develi and
the surroundings. Also some European historians,
along with some Eastern historians state that
Danismentogulları conquered Kayseri and all the
surroundings.
The date of the epigraph in the Dev Ali (Devlibey)
tomb is 1094 and it is certain that Danismentogulları,
which came together with Yahyaogulları, settled
down here before this date. After hero leaders like
Yahya Gazi, Seyid Ali, Benli Gazi and religious leaders
such as Abdal İlyas, Dede Sultan, Akkoca Sultan
and Hoca Ahmet had their contributions to Yahyalı
as well.
Yahyalı is located in 35-36 East meridians, 38-59
North parallels and is surrounded by Feke (Adana)
in the southeast, Develi (Kayseri) in the northeast,
Dündarlı and Sultancaova (Niğde) in the west, Develi
in the north, Yeşilhisar in the northwest and
Aladağ (Adana) in the south. It is 107 km to Kayseri
and has 12 neighborhoods, 28 villages and 1 county.
The city centre is 1604 km2 and the height above
sea level is 1210metres. Yahyalı became a district
in 1954 and is now the second biggest district of
Kayseri. The big savanna, the continuation of Sultan
reed bed in the south of Erciyes Mountain, lies
through the east slopes of Seki Mountain for 7-8
km as a valley and ends in the feet of Çamardı. The
settlement of the district starts from these slopes
and continues towards Erciyes. There are 9 villages
of Yahyalı in this savanna. Some surface structures
like the plateaus in Alacadağlar National Park, with
an altitude of 2500metres, the mountainous areas,
waterfalls, ruins and epigraphs are outdoor museums
of Yahyalı.
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