How to Visit the Rock-Cut Gelveri Houses in Güzelyurt, Aksaray

Aksaray is one of Turkey's most dazzling cities with its historical and natural beauties. Revealing the geological structure and 200-year history of the city, Gelveri Houses fascinate those who see them. The history and architecture of Gelveri Houses, one of the unique examples of Cappadocian architecture, will draw you in. Because every building you will see in the Lower and Upper Neighborhood leads to an ancient history. So, when were Güzelyurt Gelveri Houses built? How to get to Güzelyurt Gelveri Houses?

Here is the history of Güzelyurt Gelveri Houses...👇

The History of Gelveri Houses Görseli — Gelveri Houses are dated to the third and fourth quarter of the 19th century. They are among the most beautiful examples of Cappadocian architecture. It is located in the Güzelyurt district of Aksaray, where human life has existed since the Paleolithic Age.
This touristic district, full of the deepest traces of history, was named “Karballa” during the Roman and Byzantine Period, changed its name to “Gelveri” during the Seljuk period, and in 1965 it was named “Güzelyurt”, which is now its name. In 1989, it was connected to Aksaray, which was declared a province.
In this unique neighborhood consisting of Ottoman houses, Gelveri Houses are two-storey and wooden. Their facades are decorated with carved wooden ornaments. Dating back to the early 19th century, the houses were once built by the rich merchants and tradesmen of the region. The houses have been an important cultural and social center since their construction.

It is also possible to find traces of Eti, Hittite, Persian, Cappadocian Kingdom, Roman, Ancient Greek, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman. Görseli — The Gelveri Houses, half carved out of rock, with their embroidered facades and their age of up to 200 years, still fascinate those who see them today.

Architectural Features of Gelveri Evleri

Gelveri Houses are one of the most beautiful examples of Cappadocia architecture. The houses are built of wood and stone. Their exteriors are decorated with carved wooden ornaments. The interiors of the houses are quite large and spacious.

The architectural features of Gelveri Houses reflect the lifestyle and culture of the period. The large and spacious interiors of the houses allow families and guests to spend time comfortably. The semi-rock and wood carvings of the houses are an important cultural and historical heritage of Aksaray.

Moreover, the houses are still in use today. And it offers its visitors the unique traces of history in all its splendor.

The Interiors of Gelveri Houses

The interiors of Gelveri Houses are as remarkable as their exteriors! The carved wooden decorations reflect the architecture and art of the Ottoman period.

The specialized architectural spaces of the houses include the courtyard, roof, terrace, tol, covering, balcony with hanging arches, iwan and entrance iwan. There is also the shirahane, hearth, tokana, tandoor, semi-open sofa, also known as “divanhane”, inner sofa, outer sofa, range, vaulted rooms and rock-carved service area. However, the kitchen, toilet and bathroom areas were added later.

There are 19th century paintings and paintings on the walls of the houses. The floors of the houses are decorated with hand-embroidered carpets and rugs from the Ottoman period. The furniture of the houses has also been relatively preserved until today.

Tips for Visiting Gelveri Houses

Gelveri Houses are mostly located in Aşağı and Yukarı Mahalle, Güzelyurt district center, Aksaray province. In the Upper Neighborhood, there are traditional Gelveri houses built with the stone masonry technique in the last quarter of the 19th century.

In the Lower Neighborhood and the area known as the Manastır Valley, there are “rock-carved underground houses” formed by the primitive carving of tuff stones that emerged thanks to the geological formation of the region. These structures, which date back to the Hittites, also include “rock-carved slope houses”.

The first settlement of the region is the Hagia Gregorius Theologos Church located in the Lower Neighborhood and the rock spaces around it.

Source: Aksaray Yenigün Gazatesi

How to get to Güzelyurt Gelveri Houses?

It is possible to reach Güzelyurt, Gelveri Houses, which is 36 kilometers from the city center of Aksaray province, by public transportation. You can reach Aksaray by buses departing from the city center between 09.00 and 19.00.

Places to visit in Aksaray

Those who witness the unique architecture of Gelveri Houses should definitely see the Church of St. Gregorius (Church Mosque), St. Mercurius Underground City, Kırkdamaltı Church, Pigeon Rock, Karagedik Church, and Aksaray Monastery Valley.

Here are other places to visit in Aksaray

Ihlara Valley
Hasan Mountain
Sultanhan
Salt Lake
Narligol
Selimiye Cathedral and Fairy Chimneys
Ziga Hot Springs
Grand Mosque
Pasha Hamam
Zinciriye Madrasa
Church of the Serpent
Acem Höyük
Asikli Höyük
Bezirhane

Source: Türkiye Kültür Portalı