22-03-2023 -
Places
Mustafapasa Village in Cappadocia: Once the City of Sun Sinasos
Cappadocia is not only an amazingly beautiful area but also a historically important region for the world. The history of the region dates back thousands of years and the signs of the past are everywhere in Cappadocia. Carved churches, underground cities, stone houses, ancient vineyards, and more are there witnessing the long history and present of the region. One of the important places in the region is Mustafapasa village. In this article, we are going to look at this beautiful village in detail.
But before we dig in, let’s talk about the best way to save time & money during your Cappadocian dream: Cappadocia Travel Pass®. This Pass gives you access to more than 35 amazing attractions, experiences, tours, museum entrances, and services. Whatever you need to have for an unforgettable journey, we have in Cappadocia Travel Pass®. A discounted hot air balloon ride? Done! A free Red Tour for seeing this amazingly beautiful region? Yes, we have! Want to visit underground cities? Yes, Kaymakli, Ozkonak, and Derinkuyu are waiting for you to use your free entrances. Many more from discounted transfer services from both Nevsehir and Kayseri to a free tea treat in Tik Tik Women Co-Op Eatery. We are here for you every step of the way! Let’s go back to Mustafasa village.
Once the City of the Sun: From Sinasos to Mustafapasa
The Mustafapasa village, also known as Sinasos: City of the Sun, is an ancient Greek village that fascinates visitors with its rich history and culture, as well as its magnificent historical mosques, madrasas, churches, monasteries, stone homes, and natural splendor. Today, it has about 1300 residents and was recognized as a village by the United Nations World Tourist Organization while yet retaining much of its original natural beauty. One of the most natural villages in the Cappadocia region is Mustafapasa with it is well-preserved structures.
Around 10 kilometers from Goreme and 5 from Urgup, Mustafapasa Village is well-known for its enormous homes with intricately carved doors and window frames. Most of these lavish residences were constructed between 150 and 200 years ago by families who prospered in Istanbul thanks to their commerce in fish.
One of the most well-preserved towns in the area is Mustafapaşa, which sits in the center of Cappadocia. It is still a quaint community of old houses that blends very well with its surroundings. While looking at Mustafapaşa on a map, it may appear to be a "little Anatolian town," but as you explore it further, the extraordinary location and rich history become apparent. This beautiful town has been blessed by nature with dazzling beauty, and its historical and cultural treasures further enhance its uniqueness.
History of Mustafapasa in Cappadocia
There are about 200 registered buildings in the settlement, which was once known as Sinasos and dates back to the ninth century, that are from the Byzantine, Ottoman, and early Republican eras. An overview of Mustafapasa's history reveals that wealthy Orthodox Greeks who sold wine and medicines lived there before the population exchange in 1924 and that there were about 700 stone houses in the neighborhood.
The village is referred to as Sinasos in the documents, records, and edicts dated 1476, 1879, 1924, and 1927, but Asuna is in medieval sources. Due to the remnants of the population exchange, Mustafapaşa is regarded as a historically significant region of Anatolia. The village was primarily populated by Greeks in the 19th century, up until the time of the exchange, who constructed numerous splendid homes and churches.
Mustafapaşa provides insight into how people of different religions lived in peace and harmony for hundreds of years, resulting in the development of a common culture and magnificent towns. It contains churches, houses, and mosques that are still open for visitors today.
What to Do in Mustafapasa Village
With its stone structures situated along the edges of the five nearby hills, it boasts a distinctive picture. Mustafapaşa, an outdoor museum, has been home to numerous civilizations, leaving behind significant specimens of civil architecture such as churches, mosques, and stone homes with carved and adorned facades, showing the terrain and climate-shaped landscape of the area.
In Mustafapaşa, where the cultures of the Balkans and Anatolia are linked, diversity improves daily life and contributes to the growth of unusual arts and crafts including stonemasonry, pottery, tile making, and doll making.
Mustafapaşa has always been a popular tourist destination because of its exceptional cultural and historical legacy and strategic placement at a crossroads, but tourism has only recently begun to grow organically and gradually. A boost in revenue and job creation for all facets of the community, particularly for women and young people, have been brought about by the region's growing popularity.
Tourism supports balanced growth and rural development through inclusive, sustainable, and innovative actions strengthening community and enterprises while conserving shared cultural heritage, diversity, and the true Cappadocian lifestyle in Mustafapaşa. Today Mustafapasa is listed in UNTWO’s Best Tourism Villages list.
Here is a list for you to do during your visit to Mustafapasa:
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See beautiful old Greek houses and carved doors
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Visit Saint Nicholas Church of Mustafapasa
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Enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner in Old Greek House Restaurant
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Take photos of the amazing entrance of the Church of Sts Helena and Constantine
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See the frescoed rock-cut structure of the Church of St Basil, Church of St Stephen, Sinasos Church, and Church of the Holy Apostles
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Buy authentically dressed handmade dolls as souvenirs
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Stay in a boutique hotel in Mustafapasa to walk around freely
The Best Things to Do in Cappadocia
There is so much to see and do in Cappadocia, and if you completed your Mustafapasa visit, let’s go back to things to do in the region. There are many attractions in the region but finding the right things for you can be challenging. That’s why we carefully handpicked the best things to do in Cappadocia so you can easily have a wonderful holiday. You will save both time and money with Cappadocia Travel Pass®. How much you will save? Check here for yourself! If you have any questions in mind, we have a great WhatsApp line and also we would love to welcome you to our Instagram account. Have a great time in Cappadocia!
FAQ
What are the Greek villages in Cappadocia?
The region of Cappadocia was full of Greek population but today Mustafapasa formerly known as Sinasos is one of the living examples of these Greek villages. The area is well-preserved and waiting to impress its visitors.
Where is Mustafapasa Sinasos Cappadocia?
Turkey's Nevşehir province includes the small town of Mustafapaşa, historically known as Sinasos. It is located in the Ürgüp district. It is 5 kilometers from Ürgüp and 27 kilometers from Nevşehir town to the west of Gomeda Valley.
What was the name of Mustafapasa in past?
Mustafapasa Village was known as Sinasos which means the city of the Sun.
