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Discover the History of Bezirhane: A Hidden Gem Carved in Stone in Aksaray, Turkey

Ömer Faruk Kino Yazar Profil Resmi
Ömer Faruk Kino
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Kapak Görseli

Stretching along the Mendiz River, the Ihlara Valley is one of the must-see places in Aksaray, famous for its stunning beauty and centuries-old history. This time around, our journey takes us to Bezirhane, a hidden gem rich in historical and natural treasures, nestled in the breathtaking geography of Turkey. Located in the Güzelyurt district of Aksaray, Bezirhane welcomes visitors to a picturesque village in the Ihlara Valley with a history dating back to the 12th century.

So, what is Bezirhane? Where exactly is it, and how do you get there?

Here's everything you need to know about the history, architecture and how to visit Bezirhane in Aksaray!👇

History of Bezirhane

History of Bezirhane Görseli

Located in the Güzelyurt district of Aksaray, Bezirhane carries the past to the present with the unique ruins of history. Dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, Bezirhane contains a linseed oil organization made of wooden material that has aged over the years.

Architectural Features of Bezirhane

Architectural Features of Bezirhane Görseli

Bezirhane has a longitudinal rectangular plan with a single nave carved out of the rocks. This historical building, adjacent to Ala Church, is reached after an arched entrance. When you look from the outside, this building, which is full of secrets and smells of history, also bears traces of history inside. It is waiting to be explored with the production tools of the time and its simple technology compared to today. 

Do not forget to carefully examine the ceilings and walls of the Bezirhane. There are frescoes depicting scenes of Baptism, Metamorphosis, Three Hebrew Boys in the Furnace, Deesis, Saints and Martyrs. However, due to the extremely humid atmosphere of the building, the frescoes were not preserved until today. But of course you can examine their remains.

So, what is Bezirhane? What was produced in Bezirhane?

Located in Aksaray and housing deep history, Bezirhane are the places where bezir oil, a refined oil obtained by pressing and then processing the grass called ızgin, is produced. Izgin grass draws attention with its leaves reminiscent of elephant ears and is also popularly known as 'raykin' or 'raygin'. This herb is also the first wild rhubarb species to grow in Turkey. 

The linseed oil produced in Bezirhane, which dates back centuries, was once an oil used by the public for lighting. Thanks to the bezir oil used in oil lamps, rock-carved places and underground cities were illuminated.

How to get to Bezirhane?

Bezirhane is located within the borders of Belisırma Village in Ihlara Valley. This unique historical building is 33 kilometers from the city center of Aksaray province. 

For tourists who want to visit Bezirhane, there are public transportation vehicles departing from Aksaray city center at certain times of the day. 

Those who want to use a private car or taxi instead of public transportation should set off from Aksaray to Güzelyurt district, where Belisırma Village is located. In this way, it is possible to reach Bezirhane in about 35 minutes. 

Address: Belisirma Village, Guzelyurt/Aksaray 

Click for the location

Places to visit in Aksaray

When you visit Bezirhane, you should definitely visit Ihlara Valley as well. In addition to historical buildings in Aksaray, lakes and hot springs should also be included in your travel itinerary. Do not forget to visit churches, mosques and burial mounds and visit Aksaray Museum. Here are some places to visit in Aksaray: 

  • Hasan Mountain

  • Sultanhan

  • Salt Lake 

  • Narligol 

  • Selime Cathedral and Fairy Chimneys

  • Ziga Hot Springs

  • Great Mosque (Karamanoglu Mehmed Bey Mosque)

  • Church Mosque (St. Gregorius Church)

  • Zinciriye Madrasa

  • Gelveri Houses

  • St. Mercurius Underground City

  • Acemhöyük