Yozgat

Yozgat is a city in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. It is the seat of Yozgat Province and Yozgat District.^[2] Its population is 92,775 (2025).^[1]

The city developed as the principal centre of the historic Bozok region during the Ottoman period under the patronage of the influential Çapanoğlu family, who established Yozgat as an important administrative and commercial centre in Central Anatolia. Today, the city serves as a regional hub for agriculture, education, and public administration and is known for landmarks such as the Çapanoğlu Mosque, one of the earliest examples of Ottoman Baroque architecture in Anatolia.^[3]

Yozgat borders eight other provinces in central Turkey, Çorum (northwest), Amasya (north), Tokat (northeast), Sivas (east), Kayseri (southeast), Nevşehir (south), Kırşehir (southwest), and Kırıkkale (west).

According to local folk etymology, one explanation for the name Yozgat is that it derives from “Yüz Kat” (“hundred floors”), referring to the stepped elevation of the terrain from Saray Köyü toward the city centre; however, this interpretation is considered a popular legend rather than a verified linguistic origin.^[4]

The modern city of Yozgat originated as a small settlement known as Bozok, named after the Bozok branch of the Oghuz Turks who settled in the region during the Seljuk Empire, Sultanate of Rum, and later the Ottoman period. Ottoman sources record the city's name as Yozğad (Ottoman Turkish: یوزغاد), from which the modern form Yozgat is derived.^[5] In some European maps and geographical works of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the city's name was rendered as Jozgad.^[6] Among the local Greek-speaking population, the city was known as Γιωσγάτη (Giosgáti) or Γιοασγάτη (Gioasgáti).^[7][8] the Greek-speaking population also referred to Yozgat as 'Bozouki'."^[9] The city is known in Armenian as Եօզղաթ (Eōzġatʻ), with historical variants including Եօզկաթ (Eōzkatʻ), also rendered as Եոզղաթ (Yozghat) and Եոզղատ (Yozghad).^[10][11]

Although the surrounding area had been inhabited since antiquity, the town itself did not emerge as a significant urban centre until the eighteenth century. Its growth was closely associated with the rise of the Çapanoğlu family, a powerful local dynasty that established Yozgat as the administrative and economic centre of the Bozok region. The construction of major public buildings, including the Çapanoğlu Mosque in 1779, contributed to the town's development. Following the establishment of the Turkish Republic, the name Bozok was officially changed to Yozgat in 1927.^[12][13][14]

The area in and around Yozgat has been inhabited since prehistoric times and formed part of the ancient cultural landscape of Central Anatolia. During the Bronze Age, it was located within the lands of the Hatti and later became an important part of the Hittite Empire, one of the major powers of the ancient Near East. Archaeological research at sites such as Uşaklı Höyük, Alişar Höyük and Kerkenes Dağ has demonstrated that the region was a significant centre of settlement and political activity during the second millennium BC.^[15]

Following the collapse of the Hittite Empire, the region came under the influence of the Phrygians, Medes and Achaemenid Persians. After the conquests of Alexander the Great in the fourth century BC, it formed part of the Hellenistic world before being incorporated into the Roman Empire. The ancient city of Tavium, located near modern Büyüknefes, became one of the principal settlements of the Galatian tribe of the Trocmi and later flourished as a Roman regional centre.^[16]

Under Byzantine rule, the region remained an important part of Central Anatolia and contained numerous settlements, fortifications and religious sites. Not much is known about the settlement in what is now the modern city of Yozgat during this period. Following the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, the area gradually came under Turkish control and was incorporated into the Seljuk Sultanate of Rum. The modern city of Yozgat developed much later, emerging as a settlement known as Bozok during the Ottoman period and growing rapidly under the patronage of the Çapanoğlu family in the eighteenth century.^[17][18]

The Ottoman Empire annexed Yozgat in 1398. At around 1911, it was the chief town of a sanjak of the same name in the Ankara Vilayet. There was a trade in yellow madder (Stil de grain yellow) and mohair. The sanjak was very fertile, and contained good breeding-grounds in which cattle, horses and even camels were reared for the local agriculture and foreign trade. Yozgat was the site of a prisoner of war camp in the First World War, holding British and Empire officers captured at the Siege of Kut,^[19] including E. H. Jones and C. W. Hill, whose escape attempts were recounted in the book The Road to En-dor.^[20]

According to the Address-Based Population Registration System (ADNKS) of the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), the population of Yozgat city was 92,643 in 2022.^[21] The population of the city has remained relatively stable in recent decades, with limited growth compared to major urban centres in Turkey.

Yozgat has experienced net out-migration since the late 20th century, as many residents have moved to larger cities such as Ankara, Istanbul, and Kayseri in search of employment and educational opportunities. As a result, the city’s population structure reflects a balance between urban residents and a surrounding rural population dependent on agriculture.^[22]

The population is predominantly Turkish-speaking, and the city functions as the administrative centre of Yozgat Province, serving surrounding districts and rural settlements.^[23]

The population of Yozgat city (Merkez) has shown gradual growth in the early twenty-first century, reflecting urban consolidation within the provincial centre.

^[24]

Yozgat is located in Central Anatolia and is connected to other regions of Turkey primarily by road and rail. The city lies along the Ankara–Sivas highway corridor, providing road access to Ankara, Sivas, Kayseri, and surrounding provinces. Intercity bus services operate regularly between Yozgat and major Turkish cities, and the Yozgat Bus Terminal is located close to the city centre.^[25]

Rail transport in the region is served by the Ankara–Kayseri railway line, which passes through Yozgat Province. Stations within the province include Yerköy, Şefaatli, and Yenifakılı. In addition, the Ankara–Sivas high-speed railway line passes through Yozgat, providing faster connections to Ankara and eastern Anatolia via nearby stations such as Yerköy and Yozgat.^[26]

Air transportation in Yozgat is expected to be served by the under-construction Yozgat Hattuşaş Airport, located near the Deremumlu–Fakıbeyli area approximately 15 km from the city centre. Construction of the airport began in 2018 and is intended to improve air connectivity for Yozgat and neighbouring provinces. As of 2025, construction was ongoing, with the airport planned to become operational in 2026.^[27][28]

The nearest airports to Yozgat are Ankara Esenboğa Airport, Kayseri Airport, and Sivas Nuri Demirağ Airport, all located within approximately 2–3 hours’ driving distance from the city.^[29]

The main higher education institution in Yozgat is Yozgat Bozok University, established in 2006. The university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across faculties including engineering, education, theology, health sciences, and economics. It serves as a regional academic centre for Yozgat Province and surrounding areas.^[30]

In addition to the university, Yozgat has a range of public and private primary and secondary schools administered by the Turkish Ministry of National Education. The city functions as an educational hub for surrounding rural districts, with students commuting from nearby towns and villages.^[31]

Vocational and technical education is also available in the city through several high schools and training centres, supporting local employment needs in fields such as agriculture, construction, and services.

In 2022, Yozgat joined the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC), a UNESCO initiative that recognizes cities committed to promoting lifelong learning and educational opportunities for all residents. The city was admitted in recognition of its efforts in vocational education, social inclusion, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.^[32]

The economy of Yozgat is primarily based on agriculture and livestock farming, reflecting the province’s largely rural character. Major agricultural products include cereals such as wheat and barley, as well as sugar beet, chickpeas, and various forage crops. Livestock breeding, particularly sheep and cattle, also plays an important role in the local economy.^[33]

Industrial activity in the city is relatively limited compared to larger urban centres in Turkey, but includes small and medium-sized enterprises operating in food processing, construction materials, and textiles. Organized industrial zones have been developed in Yozgat in recent years to encourage investment and employment.^[34]

Agricultural production in the surrounding districts has historically centred on cereals and livestock, with irrigated farming becoming more widespread in recent decades through small-scale irrigation projects in valley areas. While traditional farming remains dominant outside the urban core, seasonal migration to larger cities has contributed to a shift away from full-time agricultural employment.^[35]

Grapes are among the agricultural products grown in Yozgat Province, reflecting the region’s suitability for dry farming in parts of Central Anatolia. Locally produced grapes are used both for fresh consumption and for traditional food products such as molasses (pekmez), which is commonly prepared in rural households.^[36]

Public sector employment and services also constitute a significant part of the local economy, with education, healthcare, and government institutions serving as major sources of employment in the provincial capital.^[37]

Tourism in Yozgat is primarily based on its historical sites, natural landscapes, and thermal resources. The province contains several archaeological locations of interest, including Pteria and Kerkenes Dağ, Uşaklı Höyük (Zippalanda), Corniaspa, and the remains of the ancient city of Tavium, which attract researchers and visitors interested in Central Anatolia’s ancient history.^[38]

The Sarıkaya district is known for its Roman-era thermal bath, often referred to as the Sarıkaya Roma Hamamı, which is part of the UNESCO Tentative List and is considered one of the most significant examples of Roman thermal architecture in Anatolia.^[39]

Natural areas such as Çamlık National Park, located near the city centre, provide recreational spaces for residents and visitors. Established as Turkey’s first national park, it is a popular destination for picnics, walking, and outdoor activities.^[40]

Tourism in the city remains relatively limited compared to major Turkish destinations, but it has been developing gradually through investments in infrastructure and the promotion of cultural heritage sites.

Yozgat’s cultural life reflects the traditions of Central Anatolia, particularly those associated with the historical Bozok region. Folk music, including songs performed with the bağlama, remains an important element of local cultural expression. Traditional dances such as the halay are also commonly performed at weddings and local celebrations.^[41]

Cultural events and festivals are held periodically in the city, often organised by local authorities and universities, including Yozgat Bozok University, which contributes to the city’s cultural and academic life.^[42]

Local cuisine includes dishes typical of Central Anatolian cuisine, such as testi kebabı, keşkek, and arabaşı çorbası (arabaşı soup). Yozgat is particularly known for Yozgat Tandır Kebabı, a traditional lamb dish slow-cooked in a stone oven, which is regarded as one of the region's signature dishes. Another local specialty is Parmak Çöreği ("finger-shaped bread"), a traditional pastry and baked bread product associated with the region. Agricultural products from the surrounding countryside also play an important role in everyday food culture.^[43]

Madımak yemeği, prepared from the wild edible herb Polygonum cognatum (madımak), is a traditional dish widely consumed in Yozgat and other parts of Central Anatolia, where it is typically cooked with bulgur, onions, and seasonings.^[44]

Another traditional dessert associated with Yozgat is İncir Uyutması, also known as fig pudding, a milk-based sweet prepared from dried figs and milk, which is left to thicken naturally during a resting process from which it takes its name.^[45]

Grapes have long formed part of Yozgat's rural culture and culinary traditions. Vineyards are cultivated in various parts of the province, particularly in districts such as Çekerek and Sorgun, where grape growing remains a traditional agricultural activity. Grapes are consumed fresh and are also processed into products such as pekmez (grape molasses), which is traditionally prepared during the autumn grape harvest using methods passed down through generations. The production of grape-based products continues to be associated with village life and seasonal traditions in many parts of the province.^[46][47]

Grape leaves (asma yaprağı) are commonly used in Yozgat cuisine, particularly in the preparation of stuffed vine leaves (yaprak sarma), a traditional dish widely consumed throughout Central Anatolia. The dish is typically prepared with rice, herbs and spices, and is frequently served during family gatherings, religious holidays and local celebrations.^[48]

The main sights of the city of Yozgat are the Yozgat Clock Tower built in 1908 and the Çapanoğlu Mosque built by the Çapanoğlu family, who are the founders of Yozgat. Yozgat Pine Grove National Park is an area of 264 ha (2.64 km²) in which different types of pine trees grow, some up to 500 years old.

The first surveys were started in the year 1993. Since then archaeologists have uncovered countless artifacts belonging to 5 different ancient civilizations from the area and as well as artifacts that belong to 5 different eras – Bronze Age, Hellenistic, Hittite, Copper and Upper Byzantine eras.

Surface excavations and surveys were also undertaken on the Kerkenes plateau by Dr. Geoffery Summers, a British archaeologist. The plateau is believed to be the home to the lost city of Pteria. The search for this lost city as well as other old world constructions began in 2013, and it plans to go on till the month of August as well. The expedition covers an area which is surrounded by walls and is known to date back to almost 2600 years.

According to historical reports, Pteria was destroyed, burned and abandoned during the Battle of Pteria between the Lydians and the Medes. This battle ended during a solar eclipse on 28 May 585 BC, and it was understood to be an omen that the gods wanted the fighting to stop.

Another excavation site in the region that deserves to be mentioned is in Kuşaklu Tumulus. A team headed by Dr. Stefania Mazzoni has been working at the site since the year 2008, and it is believed that the Hittite civilization as well as the city of Zippalandawas once existed in the region. As a part of these excavations a 2000-year-old Roman bath that was said to be used to heal people from their wounds has been discovered. Traces of the Roman, Seljuq, Byzantine and Ottoman eras have also been found in the region.

With so much of history yet to be uncovered from a single city, archaeologists remain hopeful of unearthing many more wonders of the ancient world in the next few months. It has already been proved that the area was home to numerous civilizations that date all the way back to the Roman era. Archaeologists remain hopeful of managing to unearth many more old world structures and secrets as time passes by.

After the old administrative center of the region, Tavium (Büyüknefes), became ruined, a new centre was created by Çapanoğlu, the founder of a powerful derebey family and called Bozok.^[49]

Corniaspa, a Roman and Byzantine settlement situated on the route between Tavium and Sebasteia, is thought to have been located near modern Yozgat.^[50]

Yozgat is situated within the Bozok Plateau, a highland region characterized by steppe vegetation and relatively limited forest cover. The surrounding landscape has historically supported dry farming practices, particularly cereal cultivation and livestock grazing.^[51]

Çamlık National Park, located near the city centre, represents one of the earliest national parks in Turkey and preserves remnants of natural pine forest within the central Anatolian steppe environment.^[52]

The town is located at an elevation of 4,380 ft (1,335 m), situated 105 mi (170 km) east of Ankara, near the head of a narrow valley through which the Ankara–Sivas road runs. Like much of the Anatolian Plateau, the lands around Yozgat have been deforested over thousands of years of human habitation. This makes the climate and weather harsh, in summers and winters. However, Turkey has taken great steps to reforest at least some of the region.

Yozgat has a continental climate (Köppen: Dsb, Trewartha: Dc) with cold, snowy winters and warm, dry summers. Hottest month averages at 26 °C (79 °F) during the day. Winter temperatures can drop as low as −20 °C (−4.0 °F) at the height of the season.

The city's football team Yozgatspor plays in the Turkish Regional Amateur League.

• Agah Efendi (1832–1885), journalist, publisher of the first Turkish newspaper
• Nasuh Akar (1925–1984), Olympic gold medalist wrestler
• Celal Atik (1918–1979), Olympic gold medalist wrestler
• Bekir Bozdağ (1965), Deputy prime minister
• Cemil Çiçek (1946), Speaker of Turkish Grand National Assembly
• Aylin Daşdelen (1982), European champion female weightlifter
• John Ilhan (1965–2007), Turkish-Australian businessman
• Lütfullah Kayalar (1952), former Minister of Finance
• Soner Özbilen (1947), folk singer
• Bozoklu Mustafa Pasha (1693–1694), Ottoman Grand Vizier
• Yusuf Izzet Pasha (1876–1922), Ottoman and Turkish general
• Ahmet Şâhin (born 1935), writer^[55]
• Mehmet Topuz (1983), footballer
• Mehmet Nidâ Tüfekçi (1929–1993), folk singer
• Mehmet Yıldız (1981), footballer
• Nubar Ozanyan (1956–2017), Turkish-born Armenian communist
• Hayko Cepkin (1978), Rock Singer
• İhsan Oktay Anar (1960), Author
• Rıza Kayaalp (1989), wrestler

Yozgat is twinned with:

• Murrhardt, Germany^[56]
• Osh, Kyrgyzstan^[57]
• Ilijaš, Bosnia and Herzegovina^[58]