Melis Hotel

Urgup’s Historical Background

by Kuznetsov_Sergey

In the Byzantine period Ürgüp was called under various names such as Osiana, Hagios, Prokopios. During the Seljuks period it was referred to as Başhisar and in the Ottoman Empire period as Burgut Castle, until the first years of the Turkish Republic when it was called Ürgüp.
Ürgüp, whose name derives from "ur kup" meaning "many rocks".
Urgup became a part of the Ottoman Empire in 1515. It was the first time in the 18th century when Damat Ybrahim Pasha, the Ottoman Grand Vezier, established the governorship in Nevsehir (Muskara). Urgup was then administered by the governorship making Urgup secondary in importance.

You may watch my high resolution photo of Urgup on the Google Earth according to the following coordinates 38° 37' 52.76" N 34° 54' 37.82" E or on my Google Earth Panoramio Urgup's panorama.

You may watch my 3 min 00 sec VIDEO-Clip Urgup - Slide-show with Mustafa Sandal & Galkan Aya Benzer music.

Urgup-Ortahisar-Sinasos Trek

by FAIRYCHIMNEY

Did you know that you can reach everywhere on foot in Cappadocia triangle : A suggestion for a day in Cappadocia you can start an enjoyable trek from Urgup.If you accomodate in Urgup its even easier ; Your starting point is Turasan wine factory.Right opposite to the factory there is path-like way you need to follow.That path will take you directly to ortahisar.On the way you will spot a huge complex of 'nuns monastery' on the right.So you will have chance for a historical break. This path contains lots and lots of fruit treas (especially apricot) and just so enjoyable in the late spring.It takes about 1 hour to reach Ortahisar and there is kind of 'mummy' museum that illustrates local livings&customs also provides a roof restaurant with breath taking view of the ruins.If you head up to Ortahisar fortress in the centre you will take the first right to stroll down.That narrow path will take you down to Balkanderesi.It another narrow valley that contains lots of chapels.But dont go further as you will need to climb up from the pigeon holes you will spot on the above left. From pigeon holes move on a bit and soon you will see a gorge like formation just get in there.After climbing a while you will see the path of Sinasos village.Just go ahead and dont get in any small paths along the both sides.There will a junction you will see in the front of you : A huge flat rock formation with grave yard-like places and pigeon houses and a small stream right on the front.When you spot that turn right and move on.Pass through the stream. There you will see wallmarks so you can follow them for the rest of the trail. This part takes about 2.5 hours....Enjoy !

**If i dint encourage you enough , drop me a line when you make it to Cappadocia i ll join you :)

Carikli Kilise

by ozalp

“Carik” is a kind of primitive shoe. You can see some detailed drawings of shoes with strings in some frescoes here. They reminded me some old European (maybe Dutch) paintings with the hunting theme.
You have to use steel steps to reach this church. Its frescoes are dated XIII. Century, just like Karanlik Kilise (Dark Curch).

Have a balloon ride

by ozalp

Hot air balloon ride is a must in Cappadocia. I hadn’t known that before I visited there. Just imagine the color of the rocks at dawn. It is really recommendable for the dreamy purple before sunrise, isn’t it?
We had an amazing adventure about the balloon thing. You can read it in my travelogue

Standart flight is 150 euro per person, long flight is 225 euro.

Surreal landscape in Urgup

by aukahkay

"Urgup - town of boutique cave hotels"

Urgup is a small town in Cappadocia with honey-coloured cave hotels set amidst a spectacular natural setting in the very heart of Cappadocia. This is one of the most seductive spots in the whole of Turkey.