KAYSERÝ
  HISTORY
The ancient civilisation of the region dates back to the 4th millennium BC with the oldest remains at Kultepe, 20 miles from the city. Kanis was the capital of the kingdom and one of the most powerful in Anatolia. Kayseri was originally called Mazaka, which was significant under the rule of the Phrygians, and then renamed Caesarea in 17AD in honour of Emperor Tiberius, and was the capital of the Roman province of Cappadocia. The city became a prominent cultural, artistic and trading centre from the 4th century, although it had a vulnerable

defence, and in the 7th century was invaded by the Arabs. The Seljuks took over in the late 11th century led by Kilic Aslan II, and then had a succession of rulers from crusaders, Mongols, Turkish chiefs and eventually Beyazit I in 1397. It became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1515, under Selim the Grim.