Hüma Hatun Street is a historic bazaar street in Divriği district of Sivas, operated solely by women artisans. Twelve shops sell Divriği pilaf, basil sherbet, and handmade products.
Hüma Hatun Street is a small street within the old bazaar structure of Divriği. But it holds a first in Turkey. Opened with restoration completed in 2019, all 12 shops on the street are operated by women artisans. It is named in memory of Hüma Hatun, who lived in Divriği in the 1800s; the shops, restored by a foundation, include a pilaf seller, soup kitchen, dry food seller, dessert shop, bakery, and souvenir shops.
The project, initiated by the street's founder Meral Avcı Delipınar, established the first women's Ahi artisan organization in Turkey. According to visitors, on Mondays, the women artisans open their shops by reciting the Ahi oath. This ceremony is considered one of the most unique aspects of the street. There is a name frequently mentioned in comments: Zeliha Hanım's pilaf, served with compote, and visitors find its price reasonable. Basil sherbet is also among the recommended items.
The street is not very large; it can be explored on foot in 20-30 minutes. But according to travelers, its real value lies in conversation: the women artisans, while drinking tea, love to tell the story of the street's establishment, which turns the visit from a simple shopping trip into a local experience. One comment complained that prices were inflated like in tourist areas. It's useful to ask for prices before shopping.
Related discoveries: Places to visit in Sivas, Historical Places, Historical places in Sivas, Hafik Lake.
Guide's Note
Best Time to Visit
The street is open all year, but since Divriği winters are harsh, spring-autumn offers a more comfortable trip. On Mondays, the women artisans open their shops by reciting the Ahi oath, which is a unique ceremony to the street. Some may want to time their visit to coincide with this day. Going before noon is better for fresh hot food options and for chatting with the artisans.
How to Get There
Hüma Hatun Street is located in Mercantepe neighborhood, on Ticaret Street, in Divriği town center. Being close to Divriği Grand Mosque, it can be easily visited along with the mosque. From Sivas city center to Divriği, it takes approximately 3 hours by private car, and regular bus services are also available. Once you arrive at the town center, it is possible to reach the street on foot.
What to Eat, What to Buy
The street's artisans sell products harvested from their own fields and gardens. Divriği pilaf is the most mentioned delicacy; it is served with compote. Basil sherbet, gözleme, meatballs, and breakfast options also vary among the shops. Dry food, wild fig jam, handmade desserts, and souvenirs are also available on the street's shelves. One comment mentioned that wild fig jam must be bought.
Exploring Divriği
The street is within walking distance of Divriği Grand Mosque and Hospital. Divriği Castle, Castle Mosque, and Sitti Melik Tomb are also among the places to visit on the same day. It makes sense to plan Hüma Hatun Street as a lunch break after visiting other historical sites in the district; this way, you get to explore other places without getting tired and on a full stomach.
How Much Time to Allocate
The street itself is small and can be explored on foot in 20-30 minutes. However, when conversation with artisans and a meal break are added, this time can extend to 1-1.5 hours. It is sufficient to include it in a half-day trip plan along with other historical structures of Divriği.
Things to Pay Attention To
Some visitors note that prices on the street are sometimes at tourist area standards. Asking for prices beforehand when buying food or souvenirs helps to avoid surprises. Since the street is small, exploring with a wheelchair or stroller might be challenging; the ground and shop entrances have an old texture.
Photo Spots
The street's restored traditional facades, shop windows with wooden shutters, and narrow street texture are suitable for photography. Photos of women artisans working in their traditional clothes are among the frequently shared images on social media.
FAQ
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