Situated at an altitude of 1275 meters (4183 feet) above sea level, Sivas is the highest city of the Central Anatolian Region, and the most mountainous one with numerous peaks. This uneven land has been the shelter of many tribes from the earliest ages to more recent periods, from which remain many notable monuments.
Sivas, being at the junction point of the Persia and Baghdad caravan routes, was once a busy commercial center. During the interval between 1142 and 1171 it was the capital of the Turkish Danismend Emirs. Later, under the rule of the Seljuks, it became a cultural center with importance given to learning and scholarship.
One of the outstanding numerous Seljuk works of art and architecture is Izzeddin Keykavus Sifahanesi, which was "a house of recovery" in those times; in other words "a hospital". It was built in 1217 by the order of the Seljuk Sultan, and its decoration with painted tiles is beautiful.
Throughout the long history of the city, Sivas played an important role during the War of Independence; the National Congress which was held here in 1919 decided to fight for the liberalization of Turkey. The school building used then is now the Ataturk and Congress Museum, in which the relevant documents of the congress and the war are on display together with ethnographical finds and local handicrafts.
The City Museum opened its doors to public in 2021 in the historic building of Sivas Mayorship, and houses a great collection of ethnographical objects from both Ottoman and Republic periods, daily life activites, documents and photos that display great examples of the province' recent history. The Industrial School (Sanayi Mektebi) Museum was also restored and opened in 2021. It was originally built as a school in 1902 by sultan Abdulhamit II, then made a prison in 1961, and finally restored as a museum where old quarters of the prison and several Turkish handicrafts and rugs are on display. It's also used as an art training center for passionates of old Turkish arts. The Archaeological Museum is another museum where you can see objects and findings recovered during the excavations in the area. Another interesting museum in Sivas is the War Horses Museum in Hamidiye district. Besides wax models and characteristics of all kinds of horses from around the world, especially those used at battlefields, you can enjoy a leisure day in its restaurant or cafeteria, bookstore, or equestrian center.
The ancient town of Divrigi is located 165 kilometers (103 miles) southeast of Sivas, it was once a Byzantine site. By the 12th and 13th centuries it was the capital of Turkish Mengucek Emirs, and the remains of Ulu Mosque of 1229 and a citadel remain from the period. The Baroque style portal of this magnificent mosque is a real masterpiece of stonework, and this monumental building has been declared by UNESCO to be one of the eminent cultural heritages of the world.
Famous late Turkish folk poet and minstrel Asik Veysel was born in Sivrialan village of Sivas in 1894. He lost his visual ability at a very young age due to pox but he continued writing and singing until he died in 1973. His house has been restored and opened as a museum in 1982.
Besides its historical treasures, the city possesses several other specialties such as Balikli Kaplica, an interesting spa of the town of Kangal. It is a thermal spring filled with tiny fish living in the hot waters, which provides a different type of cure for skin complaints. It is the first and the most notable center for cure in the world for "Sedef Hastaligi" (psoriasis). Soguk Cermik is another spa center. Hafik, Todurge (Zara), and Gokpinar (Gurun) Lakes are some of the interesting places for picnicking, boating and fishing. Sugul canyon in Gurun district is a very popular place for hikers and nature lovers.
Another special characteristic of this town are the world famous Kangal dogs, located at Kangal town 68 kilometers (42 miles) south of Sivas. These sheep dogs have proven their loyalty and success even in the harshest climates such as in this province, and are confidently used in the area of police and military work.
Sivas is also known for its fine carpets of numerous designs and colors. These locally produced weavings offer a wide variety of choice, and the inherent high quality is not subject to variation.
On March 29, 2006, Total Solar Eclipse was seen from Sivas at 14:06pm local time.