Old Sinasos – New Mustafapaşa

Old Sınasos – New Mustafapaşa

One of the most captivating villages in Cappadocia, Mustafapaşa, formerly known as Sinasos, is a must-visit destination for its architectural heritage, intricate stonework, and historical ambiance. Located right next to Ürgüp, this village was a popular summer retreat for Greek merchants from Istanbul during the Ottoman era. Many wealthy Greek families, particularly those involved in caviar trade, built magnificent stone mansions here, where they spent their summers.

However, following the population exchange in 1924, the Greek inhabitants were relocated to Greece, and the village was renamed Mustafapaşa. Over time, many of the once-grand structures were abandoned, but in recent years, tourism has breathed new life into the village. Today, with the restoration of stone mansions, boutique hotels, churches, and guesthouses, Mustafapaşa has become one of Cappadocia’s most unique destinations.

THE MAGNIFICENT STONE HOUSES OF SINASOS

🏠 Mustafapaşa’s architecture represents some of the finest examples of traditional Cappadocian stone craftsmanship. The houses, cascading down the hillsides, blend seamlessly into the rocky landscape.

🔹 The rear sections of most houses are carved into the rock, while the facades are built from yellowish-cut stone extracted from local quarries.

🔹 Doorways, window frames, and stone cornices