Sivas is a historic city in Central Anatolia, Turkey, renowned for its magnificent Seljuk-era architecture and its pivotal role in Turkish national history. Home to the Sivas Congress of 1919 — a critical event in the founding of the Turkish Republic — the city preserves some of the finest medieval Islamic monuments in Anatolia. The Buruciye, Çifte Minareli, Gök, and Şifaiye madrasas cluster in the city centre, while Divriği's UNESCO-listed Great Mosque lies within the province. At 1,285 metres elevation on the Central Anatolian plateau, Sivas offers an authentic, crowd-free alternative to Turkey's tourist-heavy western cities.
Sivas is a conservative Central Anatolian city with low levels of violent crime against tourists. Petty crime (pickpocketing, bag-snatching) is uncommon but not unknown in busy market areas. The historic centre is well-lit and populated in the evenings. Female solo travellers should expect occasional unwanted attention in isolated areas and dress modestly near mosques and in rural villages. Political sensitivity around the 1993 Sivas massacre anniversary (July 2) warrants awareness but does not impact tourist safety.
Current safety advisory
High — Sivas Is Generally Safe For Independent Travellers
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) in separate locations.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides.
Trust your instincts — if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself from it.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
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- Hospitals
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- Sivas Numune Hastanesi (General Hospital), Hastane Cad., Sivas: +90 346 212 1212. 24-hour emergency care. Standards adequate for most conditions; serious cases may be transferred to Ankara.
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- Pharmacies
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- Pharmacies (eczane) are widespread in the city centre; most are open 08:30–19:00. On-duty (nöbetçi) pharmacy listings posted on pharmacy doors and at ego.gov.tr.
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- Water
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- Tap water is treated and technically potable, but most locals and visitors drink bottled water. 1.5-litre bottles cost 15–25 TRY (~$0.45–$0.75 USD) at supermarkets.
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- Altitude
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- Sivas sits at 1,285 metres — mild altitude effects possible for some travellers in the first 24 hours. Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity on the first day.
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- Sun
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- High elevation increases UV exposure; use SPF 30+ sunscreen and wear a hat in summer.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
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