Ürgüp

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Ürgüp
Hotels built within caves in Ürgüp
Hotels built within caves in Ürgüp
Location of Ürgüp within Turkey.
Location of Ürgüp within Turkey.
Coordinates: 38°38′N 34°55′E / 38.633, 34.917
Country Flag of Turkey Turkey
Region Central Anatolia
Province Nevşehir
Government
 - Governor Recep Soytürk
 - Mayor Kasım Uğur
Area
 - District 563 km² (217.4 sq mi)
Elevation 1,043 m (3,422 ft)
Population (2000)[1]
 - District 38,004
 - Density 67.5/km² (174.8/sq mi)
 - Urban 14,538
Time zone EET (UTC+2)
 - Summer (DST) EEST (UTC+3)
Postal code 50xxx
Area code(s) 0384
Licence plate 50
Website: www.urgup.gov.tr

Ürgüp (Greek: Προκόπιο / Prokopio or Προκόπι / Prokopi, Ottoman Turkish: Burgut Kalesi) is a town and district of Nevşehir Province in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey. Located in the historical region of Cappadocia, it is renowned for its nightlife and for its good adjustment to tourism, making it a popular night stop for Cappadocia tourists. According to 2000 census, population of the district is 38,004 of which 14,538 live in the town of Ürgüp.[1][2] The district covers an area of 563 km² (217 sq mi),[3] and the town lies at an average elevation of 1,043 m (3,422 ft).

Contents

[edit] History

Ürgüp which was founded on the outskirts of the hill named as Hill of Wishes is located about 20 km (12 mi) north of the Nevşehir province in one of the first settlement areas of Cappadocia region. In the Byzantine period it was called under various names such as Osiana, Hagios, Prokopios.

View on Ürgüp and its citadel
View on Ürgüp and its citadel

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 was also the patriarchate center of the Cappadocia region during the Byzantine period. The Üzümlü Church, Cambazlı Church and Sarıca Church in the township of Ortahisar are the oldest rock churches from the region. Furthermore the Tavşanlı Church and Church of Basil of Caesarea are also spectacular.

[edit] Ürgüp today

Ürgüp is known for its famous hotels built right within caves, for its wines and for its hand made carpets. Many of the hotels in caves are actually old houses. They can be rented and used for accommodation on condition of not damaging their historic structure. Some of the caves have also been converted into nightclubs and bars.

It is the most important tourism center of the Cappadocia region.

[edit] Twinnings

[edit] See also

[edit] Notes

[edit] References

[edit] External links

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Coordinates: 38°37′53″N, 34°54′47″E

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