title: Özvatan
text: Özvatan (formerly Çukur and Siricha (Ancient Greek: Σάριχα or Σιριχά) is a municipality and district of Kayseri Province, Turkey. Its area is 270 km2, and its population is 3,819 (2022). It is located in the north east of the province, almost 70 km from Kayseri and 12 km east of Felahiye. It has a harsh climate being too cold in winter and too hot in summer. The mayor is Halit Demir (MHP).
  
  History 
  The oldest ruins in the district are the Harsa and Zırha Castles, which are located on the side of the river Kızılırmak and are thought to belong to Hittites. It is known that mining and trade were engaged in the region during the Hittites period. Around 430 BC, Zırha Castle was added to the territory of Rome, so it is possible to come across traces of Roman Civilization in the region.
  
  Composition
  There are 13 neighbourhoods in Özvatan District:
  
   Alparslan
   Aşağıboğaziçi
   Bahçelievler
   Cumhuriyet
   Güney
   Kale
   Kavaklı
   Kermelik
   Küpeli
   Taşlıkköy
   Tuğlaşah
   Yeni
   Yukarıboğaziçi
  
  References
  
  Populated places in Kayseri Province
  Districts of Kayseri Province
  Metropolitan district municipalities in Turkey