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    Cappadocia Guide » Nevşehir » 
Nevşehir

Writer: Yavuz İşçen
January 2009/Ankara

 
The ancient name of Nevşehir is mentioned as ‘Nyssa’ (Nysa) in various centers however the territory of the ancient city Nyssa has not been defined clearly yet. Some of the researchers believe in that Nyssa was situated in Nar borough which is nearby Nevşehir. On the other hand, some researches say that as it was mentioned in Ramsay, Nevşehir was established on to ancient city ‘Soandos’ or very close to Soandos.
Muşkara was the name of today’s Nevşehir in Ottoman times. Muşkara, which was the birthplace of Damat İbrahim Pasha, a symbol of the Lale Era, first started as a village of Ürgüp (which was a borough of Niğde) then became a district of Niğde and finally in 1954 became a province. In 1725 under his order, the name of Muşkara, which was a village of Ürgüp, was changed to Nevşehir meaning new city.

Damat İbrahim Pasha Mosque Complex
Built between 1726-1727 under Damat İbrahim Pasha’s direction, it consists of Kurşunlu Mosque, madrasah, library, sıbyan mektebi (junior school), imaret (kitchens for madrasah students) and Turkish bath.

Nevşehir Castle
It is thought that it has been built during Seljuk period to control the caravans to Baghdad. It is known that the Castle was renovated by Damat İbrahim Pasha during Ottoman Empire. During the Republic era between 1966 and 1979, the Castle was restorated.

Nevşehir Museum
On 1967, Nevşehir Museum was located in madrasah building of Damat İbrahim Pasha Mosque Complex and after 1987 the Museum was moved to its own building.

Çat
Çat Valley

The Valley, situated in Çat borough and 7 km northwest of Nevşehir, is one of the trekking routes of Cappadocia. You may reach to the Valley if you follow the Nevşehir-Gülşehir road and turn left after 6 km. During the trekking in Fırınasma Valley you may visit Fırınasma Church from 11th century. In Güvercinlik Valley there is a dovecotes carved into the walls of the valley.

Çat Valley Dovecotes
The dovecotes of Güvercinlik Valley of Çat Valley are room like carved into the rocks. They have a plan of 6-7 floors building. The inside area of the cotes range from 5 to 10 m2.

Göre
Old Göre Settlement

Göre borough is located on the 4th km of Nevşehir-Niğde road. On 1985, the borough was moved to another place and the area was launched as a devastated area because of the risk of falling down stones from the basaltic rock, located upon the borough and called as ‘citadel’ by the locals.

Göreme
Korama is known as the oldest name of Göreme. The Avcılar Village (Göreme of today) that we know Matiana / Maçcan as its older name, was located around 1 km north-west of Korama. According to Bilge Umar, Matiana means ‘Country of Ma (Mother Goddess) Adorer. Matiana was a patriarchate center binded to Viranşehir (Mokisos) in 11-13th centuries. During and after Ottoman State period the village had grown and developed. The name of the village was Maçcan when the first municipality of the village was established in 1930. Maçcan is the name of Saint Hieron’s mother as it is said. Saint Hieron is one of the local saints of the region. The name Maçcan first became Avcılar later years, and was changed to Göreme in 1975.

Churches and structures inside the Göreme Open Air Museum
Today, Göreme Open Air Museum is one of the most popular visiting sites in Cappadocia. It is useful to know that a Cappadocia tour without visiting the museum will be seriously incomplete. The open air museum is on the crossroad to Ortahisar around 1 km outside of Göreme.  Here, structures combined to form a group are collected under museum compound. Primary visiting buildings and structures at the museum are Rahibeler Monastery, Saint Basileos Chapel, Elmalı Church, Saint Barbara Chapel, Yılanlı Church, Pantry-Kitchen-Dining Hall, Karanlık (Dark) Church, Saint Catherine Chapel, and Çarıklı Church.
 
Churches around Göreme Open Air Museum
There are many churches around the Göreme Open Air Museum. The most commonly known structures are Tokalı Church, Saint Eusthatios Church, Saint Daniel Chapel, Meryem Ana (The Virgin Mary) Church, Kılıçlar Church, El Nazar Church, Saklı Church and Aynalı Church.

Churches and other structures at the town center and periphery
This building group is located in an easy walking distance from the Göreme town center. Most of the components are located in the Orta Neighborhood: Roman Grave, Durmuş Kadir Church, Yusuf Koç Church, Bezirhane (Linseed oil house) Church, Saint Hieron Chapel, Mesevli Church (Saint Sergios Church.

Zemi Deresi (Brook) Valley
It is one of the known trekking courses of the Cappadocia. There is an entrance to the Zemi Valley from the Babaccık area on the 10th km of the asphalt paved road from Ürgüp to Nevşehir. In this point, there is a signboard showing the entrance to the valley. The valley starts here and extends to the Göreme-Ortahisar asphalt paved road. Karabulut (Dark Cloud) Church and Sarnıç (Cistern) Church can be seen in the valley.

Bağlıdere Valley
It is one of the most known and frequently visited valleys of the Göreme. It is also known as ‘Love Valley’ probably because it sounds more charming.

Nar
Nar Bezirhanesi (Linseed Oil House)

It is located in Nar borough. Since it is not open to the tourism, it can be seen by getting permission from the Municipality.

Kaymaklı
Kaymaklı Underground City

Kaymaklı borough is situated on 20th km of Nevşehir-Niğde road. The center of Kaymaklı, whose ancient name as ‘Enegüp’ hosts the biggest and the most visited underground city of Cappadocia.

Uçhisar
Uçhisar Castle

Uçhisar, is located 7 km east of Nevşehir. When the subject is Uçhisar, the first thing comes to mind is Uçhisar Castle. This giant rock mass with 50 m height has the ability to show itself to us from a far distance. It is not known who was the first constructors of the Castle.

Derebağ Church
It is located on Tekelli Quarter of Uçhisar. The Church has been constructed with monastery plan and might be dated to 11 or 12th century.

Güvercinlik Valley
The Güvercinlik Valley, located on the east of Uçhisar, is one of the important trekking routes of Cappadocia. The Valley got its name from the dovecotes it has. The total length of the Valley is 4 km.

Acıgöl
Acıgöl Underground City

The underground city is located in the center of the district and only some parts of the underground city were cleaned and opened to public.

İğdeli Fountain
It is located 7 km west of Acıgöl district of Nevşehir and on Nevşehir-Aksaray road. The 1300 m high mound is also located north of the İğdeli Fountain.

Topada Hittite Inscriptive Rocky Monument
Topada Inscriptive Rocky Monument is located in the territory of Ağıllı Village which is on the south of Acıgöl district. Ağıllı Village is 8 km far away from Acıgöl. The Monument belongs to Tabal Kingdom of Neo Hittite period. The inscription consists of a text with 8 lines written in Hittite hieroglyph on a flatten surface of a rock.

Tatlarin Underground City
It is located in Tatlarin Village, 10 km north of Acıgöl district. The city is on the hill which is called ‘castle’ by the locals and on 1991 a small part of the city was open to public.

Tatlarin Church
There are also churches and various buildings located on the hill where the underground city is and most of them are largely damaged. But among these Tatlarin Church is worth to see.

Avanos
Assyrian traders during the Period of Assyrian Commercial Colonies (BC 1900 - 1800) had written that in order to reach to Acemhöyük from Kültepe for four days they passed through the city called ‘Nenessa’. During the Roman period, the same city used to be called ‘Venessa’. Actually, all these names were used for one of our district which is well known to us. Yes, as you guess we are talking about Avanos. Later years, new findings were not late for being added to this dazzling depth. Archaeological excavations in district’s Topaklı and Zank Höyük areas bring history of the area back to the Bronze Age, which is 5000 years before.
Strabon in his Geography mentions that Venessa, in political and religious terms is the third important center of the Cappadocia Kingdom (BC 332-AC 17) after Kayseri and Kemerhisar (Tyana). Avanos partially kept its importance during Byzantium period. Later, it had gradually regressed. During the Ottoman period, after the second half of the 18th century, we see that Avanos restarted its progress. Avanos which was a village during the Ottoman period is known that had 56 houses in 1750. Avanos was observed that after these years it had shown a progress. It is believed that Kurena Arif Bey of Avanos who served Sultan Abdülhamid II in the palace, contributed to this progress. It is recorded in a document of the year 1900 that there were 808 houses in Avanos. You can see some of these houses by a short trip at Avanos streets. Especially, Dr Hacı Nuri Bey mansion, Tevfik Körükçü mansion, Ahmet Benzer house, Mustafa Erdil house, Hikmet Çingi house are worth to see.

Clay Ateliers
As if the famous saying “Even a blind knows the way of Avanos, it is evident by clay and pot fractures on the ground” is a nice summary of how the pottery in Avanos is deep-rooted. If there is one thing comes to mind first when one says Avanos, is the clay ateliers that is called ‘çanakhane’ (pot house) by local people.

Alaaddin Mosque
It is in the center of Avanos, and constructed by Seljuks in the beginning of the 13th century.

Dereyamanlı Church
The church is one of the oldest churches in Cappadocia region. It is located 1 km west of the town center. There are several crosses built as relief on the walls of the square structure.

Saruhan Caravanserai
The caravanserai at 5 km southeast of Avanos was constructed in 1249 during Seljuk period by Sultan İzzettin Keykavus II.

Roman Sarcophagus
The Roman Sarcophagus that was unveiled in Kızılyar area on the way to Saruhan Caravanserai at southeast of Avanos in 1971, is made of marble. It is important as it is the only sarcophagus found in the region. Art works and Medusa heads on the sarcophagus exhibited at Nevşehir Museum are eye catching.

Çeç Tumulus
Çeç tumulus is the highest and most gripping one among the tumuli in Nevşehir region. It’s 30 m in height and located about 10 km south of Avanos. It can be easily seen from Avanos.

Zank Höyük
It is located on 1250 m high altitude and 4 km north of Sarılar borough of Avanos district of Nevşehir. The mound is nearly 30 m high and 300 m wide.

Belha Monastery
It is located at the front of a hill facing a stream at southeast of Özkonak town of Avanos district. The monastery is a group of buildings. Today, the front is completely collapsed, rooms and columns are demolished.
 
Özkonak Underground City
It is estimated that this underground city which was discovered in 1972 in Özkonak town at 14 km north of Avanos, is a four storey city. 

Çavuşin Village
The village tied to Avanos central district is located at Avanos-Göreme road and 7 km far from Avanos. The original village was evacuated due to a land slide force 1950, and moved to recent area.

Nikeforos Fokas Church
The church also known as Çavuşin or Güvercinlik Church is located just side of the main road. The church was carved into a rock as two storey. Monks’ rooms are in downstairs.

Vaftizci Yahya Church (Church of Saint John the Baptist)
It is located at a high point in Çavuşin Village. A part of its yard is damaged.

Güllüdere Valley
There is a long valley known as Meskendir Valley between Çavuşin Village and Ortahisar town. Meskendir Valley is a composition of valleys in a sense, and is one of the important trekking courses of the Cappadocia. Three big parallel valleys from Boztepe side (1325 m) are extended to cut the Meskendir Valley in a vertical angle. These valleys, starting from Çavuşin side, are called Güllüdere II, Güllüdere I and Kızılçukur Valleys.
Güllüdere II and I valleys are special trekking courses, and they house many churches. These churches are respectively Üç Haçlı (Three Cross), Ayvalı, Haçlı (Crossed), Yovakim and Anna churches.

Paşabağları
Turn left at Zelve turnout at 5th km after Avanos exit on Avanos - Göreme road, and forward 1 km, you reach Paşabağları.
Saint Simeon Monk Cell: The cell carved into a three headed fairy chimney consists of two parts.

Zelve Open Air Museum
If you continue 1 more km after Paşabağları road you will drop in front of the Zelve Open Air Museum. Zelve Open Air Museum is one of the most popular visiting sites with its natural formations, impressive landscape and historical structures. Around 15 churches without frescoes built during Iconoclasm period take place at the museum site.

Dervent Valley Scenery Terrace
This terrace is on the road of Avanos-Ürgüp and 5 km far from Avanos. The area of scenery terrace is in the Ürgüp-Avanos district border. Animal like formations in the valley of interesting view of fairy chimneys are amazing. The camel like rock just by side of the road became a symbol of the area, so to speak.

Derinkuyu
Derinkuyu, whose ancient name was Melegobia/Melengübü, is located 29 km south of Nevşehir. You may reach to Derinkuyu as you follow Nevşehir-Niğde road. The city, which does not have any river or lake, provides its drinking water from draw wells of 60-70 m depth and its name comes from these draw wells. Beside the Derinkuyu Underground City, in the city center there are two splendid churches of 19th century and rock engraved monastery. Saint Theodoros Trion Church, Taksiarhon Church (Baş Melekler Church) and Aya Maryeros Monastery can be seen in the town center.

Derinkuyu Underground City
The Underground City, located in Derinkuyu district center, can be accepted the most attractive underground complex of Cappadocia. Today only 10% of the city is open to visitors and with its 85 m depth and 8 floors it is really fascinating.

Özlüce Underground City
It is located in Özlüce Village, whose ancient name was Zile and 6 km west of Kaymaklı borough.

Dolay Inn
It is located in Til Village of Derinkuyu. The Inn has been constructed during Seljuk period and at that time it was on the caravan road of Konya to Kayseri.

Doğala Inn
It is s Seljuk style inn situated in Doğala Village of Derinkuyu.

Gülşehir
Gülşehir, one of the oldest settlements of Cappadocia is situated on the southern side of Kızılırmak River. It is 20 km far away from Nevşehir. Karavezir Mosque Complex, Karavezir Mosque, Karavezir Madrasah, Karavezir Bath and Gülşehir Fountains can be seen in the town center.

Saint Jean Church
Saint Jean Church, one of the most spectacular churches of Cappadocia, is located on Nevşehir-Gülşehir road, on the left of the Gülşehir entrance. The 500 meter long road, which separates from the main road by a yellow signboard, will take you to the car park in front of the church.

Açık Saray (Open Palace) Ruins
It is located 3 km far away from Gülşehir and on the left side of Nevşehir-Gülşehir road. Here we come across with a wide spread structure ensemble. All of these structures are called as ‘Açık Saray’.

Civelek Cave
It is located in Civelek Village which is 5 km bird eye northeast of Gülşehir district. The Cave is 2 km north of the Village and on a limestone hill known as Gürlek Hill. Due to the foundlings from Neolithic period to Pre Bronze Age, it is understood that the Cave has been used by the people as a cult place instead of a settlement area.

Gökçetoprak Inscriptive Rocky Monument
It is nearby Gökçetoprak Village which is 25 km north west of Acıgöl district. The Monument, which the locals of Gökçetoprak calls ‘scriptive stone’, is situated 2.5 km south of the Village and it has grave hollows on it.

Gökçetoprak Zeus Relief
The rock, located in Gökçetoprak Village was flattened and a relief has been done on it. Today, there is a house upon the rock where the relief has been situated.

Hacıbektaş
Hacıbektaş district is on 48th km of Nevşehir-Kırşehir road. During Anatolian Seljuk period, its name was Hacim Village and famous for raising up horses for sultans of Seljuks. On 13th century, Hacı Bektaş Veli, famous Turkish philosopher, moved here from Horasan and after his moving, the area became important and was developed. 

Hacı Bektaş Veli
He was born in 1209 in Nişabur city of Horasan and died in 1270 in Hacıbektaş. He was coeval of Mevlana. His grave is in Hacı Bektaş Veli Tomb of Hacıbektaş district. The period that Hacı Bektaş Veli came to Anatolia befitted with the period on which Seljukian political unification started to collapse. During that period, Hacı Bektaş Veli traveled to each village of Anatolia and endeavored alot for Anatolians’ becoming Turkish and Muslim. His philosophy was established on tolerance and human love and in a short period he was accepted by the public. After 100-150 years later his death, his doctrine was systematized by Balım Sultan and these conceptions became the roots of a religious order, called as ‘Bektaşilik’. Many thinkers and troubadours from this religious order came up during the time and among these Pir Sultan Abdal is the most well known one. 

Hacı Bektaş Veli Mosque Complex
The Mosque Complex was constructed at the beginning of 13th century during Seljuk period. In the following centuries, various addings were done and the Mosque Complex reached out its shape of today. Now, the Mosque Complex serves as Hacı Bektaş Veli Museum. 

Hacı Bektaş Museum
The Museum was opened to visitors on 1964 after renovations; at the beginning the pieces from the locale were exhibited. On 1988, Archeological and Ethnographic Museum was opened on 1988 and some of the pieces from Hacı Bektaş Museum was transfered to the new Museum. Today, in the Museum, you may only see work of art of Hacı Bektaş Veli.

Archeological and Ethnography Museum
It was opened to public on 1988. Here you may see the foundlings of the excavations, done between the years of 1967 and 1976 in Sulucakarahöyük. Among them there are pieces from Old Bronze Age, Assyrian Commercial Colonies Era, Hittites and Phrygians. Tel: +90 (384) 441 30 22

Sulucakarahöyük
It is accepted that Hacı Bektaş Veli had a journey from Horasan to Anatolia in a pigeon shape and the place he landed off is Sulucakarahöyük where he gathered his first followers. The mound is located in Hacıbektaş district of Nevşehir and 1250 m high.

Karaburna Inscriptive Rocky Monument
It is situated near Karaburna borough, 12 km southwest of Hacıbektaş district of Nevşehir. The Monument is on the east faced rocky area of the hill which is on north west of the borough and called as ‘castle’.

Kozaklı
Kozaklı Spas

Kozaklı is one of the important spas of Nevşehir. It is known that the spa is good for many illnesses and it helped Kozaklı to become an important tourism center.

Ürgüp
If we tell you Ürgüp is one of the most touristical areas of Cappadocia, no one can tell use that we are exaggerating. At the first sight, the urbanization of Ürgüp may cause difficulties in understanding the historical and geographical characteristics of Cappadocia but in Ürgüp you may feel yourself having reaching with whole Cappadocia. Ürgüp is known by the ancient city Tomissos which has been surrounded Ürgüp. Today’s Ürgüp was called Osiana (Assiana) and Hagios Prokopios during Byzantine period, during Seljuk period it was called Başhisar and during Ottoman Empire it was called Burgut. It is known that before 1924 population exchange (between turkey and Greece), Ürgüp had a high population of Greeks. 
Ürgüp is located 20 km to Nevşehir city center and today it stands out with shopping, food and entertainment firms which are in race with each other.

Temenni Hill and Tombs
The rock mass just in the middle of Ürgüp with its more than 50 m height, immediately takes the attraction of the visitors. Temenni means to wish, to desire in today’s Turkish. The two important graveyard of Temenni Hill remained from Ottoman period. These graveyards were built up during Ottoman period, in the name of Seljuk Sultans of Kılıçaslan IV and Alaaddin Keykubat III, whose known that died in Ürgüp. The dommed structure in the middle of the Hill is the Tomb of Alaaddin Keykubat III and the other one is the Tomb of Kılıçaslan IV.

Altıkapılı Tomb
It is a Seljukian structure dated 13th century and located in the schoolyard of Ürgüp High School in the center.

Saint Yuannis
St. Yuannis was held prisoner by Turks, in Prut war between Ottoman Empire and Russia, in 1711. He came to Ürgüp after he had been sold in slave bazaar and worked as a stableman for Ömer Ağa who was the owner of a house in Kayakapı Mahallesi of Ürgüp. His deep philosophical personality that has a historical background, made him a holy person in the sight of Muslims. Later on, this thought became stronger after some of his prophecies had come true. Greeks in Ürgüp, also, appreciated his gift so Yuannis became a Saint both for Muslims and Christians. 

Saint Yuannis Church
Yuannis was buried in Greek cemetery in Ürgüp. Afterwards, a small tomb was built on his grave. Later on, it was decided to take down this cemetery and build a big church on the area where the tomb was laying. This church, which was called as St. Yuannis Church, was opened in 1892 with difficulties. The most glorious architectural monument of the region, St. Yuannis Church, was abandoned by Greeks at the end of the 1924 exile.

Ürgüp Museum
It is located on the opposite of Ürgüp Municipality. The Museum was opened to public on 1971 and foundlings around Ürgüp are being exhibited in the Museum.
Tel: +90 (384) 215 39 72 

Avla Mountain
It is located 8 km southeast of Ürgüp district. The altitude of the mountain is 1325 m and situated 2 km northwest of Karlık Village. Ashlar tools found from Paleolithic Era.

Mazı Underground City
It is located in Mazı Village which is 18 km south of Ürgüp.

Mazı Village Rock Graves
The Village was named Mataza during the ancient period and located in a valley. You may see many rock graves from Roman period engraved into the rocky walls of the valley as well as on the plain platform you may see the graves from Byzantine period.

Saint Theodore Church
It is located in Yeşilöz Village on the southeast of Ürgüp and 16 km far away from Ürgüp. The Church was built on 11th or 13th century and its frescoes are highly protected.
 
Kurtderesi Necropolis
It is located on the southeast of the district and close to Karlık Village. Here you may see ‘Kurtderesi Necropolis’, rock engraved graves from Roman period. 

Cemil Village Church
The Church which was constructed in 1882 is located in the village. The church has three apses and cradle vault ceiling which was situated on the pillars standing both sides three at a time.

Keşlik Monastery
It is located on the right side of the road. You may reach to the Monastery by a small turnout after passing 2 km from Cemil Village. Here you may see different kinds of structure which might have been part of a monastery. Arkhangelos Church is one of the most attractive structure of the monastery. Stefanos Church was located on a separate rock mass in the Monastery complex.

Taşkınpaşa Mosque Complex
The Mosque Complex, located in Taşkınpaşa Village (Damsa) of Ürgüp, was constructed on 14th century during Karamanoğulları period.

Sobesos Ancient City
It is located in Şahinefendi Village, 20 km far away from Ürgüp. The rescue excavation started on 2002 by Halis Yenipınar, Murat E. Gülyaz and Sultan Tutar from Nevşehir Museum, is still on going. Due to the pieces found till today, it is understood that the city hosted settlements from Neo Roman and Early Byzantine periods. 

Kırkşehitler Church
It is located in Şahinefendi Village, 20 km south of Ürgüp. The frescoes of the Church has been done during Seljuk domination in the region. In the frescoes, the forty martyrs of Sebasteia (Sivas) has been figured. 

Mustafapaşa
Mustafapaşa is located 6 km from Ürgüp, in the middle of Cappadocia. Greek and Turkish people have lived here together since Ottoman Empire period. At those times Greek population was denser. The population exchange in 1924 effected the destiny of Sinasos totally. After the exchange, the Greek population of the area moved to Greek and the Turkish population in Greece moved to here. Thousands of people were teared off their home and memories. The result was of course inevitable, none of them were able to orient themselves with the new environment and the longing became a common feeling during the life time.

Konstantin-Eleni Church
It is on Cumhuriyet Square, next to the Municipality building. It has been built on 1729 during Ottoman Empire and renovated on 1826 during Sultan Ahmet and on 1850 during Sultan Abdülmecit periods.

Mehmet Şakir Pasha Madrasah
The structure located on Sinasos Square is also known as Kervansaray. For many years it has been used as a carpet shop and now it is being used by Cappadocia Vocational Training School (KMYO).

Maraşoğlu Bridge
If you take Zafer Street from Cumhuriyet Square, after a short distance you will see Maraşoğlu Bridge with three divisions

Seyit Mustafa Paşa Fountain
The Fountain was constructed on 1805 but it was named Mustafa Pasha who brought water to the village on 1960.

Old Municipality Building
Today, the Municipality Building is the one standing in the middle of Cumhuriyet Square as an island.

Aşağı Mosque
It is also known as Cami Kebir and was constructed on 1601. It is located just on the opposite of Mehmet Şakirpaşa Madrasah. 

KMYO (Old Sinasos Hotel)
It is the building which was constructed as a residence by Haralambos Sultanidis, one of the rich people of Sinasos during Greek period. Today the residence is being used as Cappadocia Vocational Training School (KMYO).

Saint Nikolas Monastery
The structure is also known as Aya Nikola Monastery and located south of Mustafapaşa and 10 minutes walking distance away.

Saint Vasilyos Church
It is also known as Aya Vassilios or Ayios Vasilios and it is on the north of Mustafapaşa and 20 minutes walking distance far away. You may reach to the Church if you take Sümer Street passing via Hotel Natura.

Sinasos Greek Houses
All of the Greek Houses in Sinasos have courtyards. Mostly there is a barn in the courtyard. Under the courtyard there is fermentatory ‘şırahane’ carved into rock. Şırahane is the place where wine and other alcoholic beverages are produced. Houses are usually two storeyed. Important rooms of the house are on the second floor, kitchen and larder are on the ground floor.

Gibos Valley (Saklı Valley)
As you reach the Valley, you will see Saint Grigorios Church on your left side. The Church was constructed upon the arches and some parts were engraved into the rocks and some parts were built up by cut off stones. After the Church the most interesing part of the Valley starts. Here is known as ‘Hidden Valley (Saklı Valley)’ or ‘Balta’nın Yeri (Place of Balta)’ and it is a private property.

Gomeda Valley (Bey Deresi Valley)
The Valley is also known as Bey Deresi Valley because Bey Stream passes through the Valley. The entrance can be reached from Cumhuriyet Square od Mustafapaşa. Gomeda Valley is a pretty walking route with 1.5 km length.

Cappadocia Doll Museum & Guest House
The Doll Museum located on Gazi Street of Yukarı Quarter, was created on 2006 by Sibel Radiye Gül, the doll artist. Tel: +90 (384) 353 52 21

Ortahisar
Ortahisar, the borough of Ürgüp, is 6 km to Ürgüp and 15 km to Nevşehir. During the latest years, Ortahisar, starts to have its place in Cappadocia tourism. Its famous castles, churches, monasteries, chapels, dovecotes, old mosques, houses and natural beauty valleys are really worth to discover. 

Ortahisar Castle
The Seljuk named the middle Castle as ‘Ortahisar’ and it was one of the three important castles (Başhisar-Ortahisar-Uçhisar) for the protection of Nevşehir. It is known that Ortahisar Castle was used against Arab invasions by the Romans and later on it was used against to Mongol invasions by the Seljuks. 

İshak Castle
İshak Pasha, the grand vizier of Ottoman Sultans, Beyazıt II and Mehmet II (the Conquerer), has seized all of the Castles around the region while he has been ending up the domination of Karamanoğuları in the region (1402-1436). The Ortahisar Castle was also one of them and it is known that İshak Pasha pitched encampment around the Castle which is talked off with the name of İshak Pasha today. On later years, the Castle was named as İshak Castle.

Cambazlı Church
The Church was located on a rocky slope on Balkanderesi locality of Ali Reis quarter which might be reached by following the street down next to Ortahisar Castle. It was constructed as two pillars and three apsises.

Balkanderesi Churches
They were located in the same valley of Cambazlı Church and a bit far away from it. Balkanderesi Churches meets us as a Monastery complex.

Hastane Monastery
The structures spread widely in a rocky area, 1 km northeast of the borough, is a kind of Monastery complex.

Tavşanlı Church
It is located 3 km south of the borough. It may be also reached via İbrahimpaşa Village. It is hard to find the Church without a guide.
 
Pancarlık Church
It is located 4 km southeast of the borough. The Church, known as Saint Theodore Church, was constructed with a flat ceiling, an uncommon style.

Sarıca Church
The most suitable way to reach to the Church is to Ürgüp-Mustafapaşa road and turn right “Pancarlık Valley” signboard is seen. The Church is 500 m ahead as you follow the road.

Kepez Churches
The Churches were carved into the rock cones and can be seen below with a look from Sarıca Church.

Balkan Stream Valley
The Valley roughly lies 6 km along İbrahimpaşa Village and Ortahisar Borough.

İshak Castle-Pancarlık Route
There is a very nice trekking route if you start from İshak Castle of Balkan Stream Valley towards Ürgüp direction and continue till Pancarlık Church.

Kızılçukur Valley
In order to reach to the Valley, you need to take Ürgüp-Nevşehir road and turn right which is the opposite direction of Ortahisar Borough and then follow for 2 km more. This road will take you to the landscape terrace of Kızılçukur Valley. Within the Kızılçukur Valley, you may visit Üzümlü and Direkli Churches. Kızılçukur Valley is the first of the valleys which perpendicularly cross over Meskendir Valley.

Üzümlü Church
It is located at the entrance of Kızılçukur Valley and 1 km inside from the road. You may reach by following the footpaths. Since on the inscription the name of Saint Nichitas was mentioned, the Church is also known as Saint Nichitas Church.

Direkli Church (Pillared Church)
It is located a bit far away from Üzümlü Church in Kızılçukur Valley. It is not really easy to realize it from the outside. At the entrance of the Church there are some kind of drawings belong to dovecote.

Ortahisar Culture&Folk Museum
Murat Sarıkaya and Berrin Yıldız, two young hardworking people who had great interest in Cappadocian folklore, transformed the 1933 tufa building located in Ortahisar square into a museum. The museum gives information about Cappadocia’s general life.
Tel: +90 (384) 343 33 44

Note: This article has been published in “Cappadocia Life and Travel Guide-2010”. It is under protection of the copyrights of the book. No part of this article may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by electronic, mechanical or other means without prior permission from the owner. www.cappadociaexplorer.com

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