for the monks of the village of Gelveri (nowadays Güzelyurt) and established as a religious school. The first building was built in 1856 and a second was added in 1913.
now classified as a national monument, was restored as a
in 1985. With its columned facade, arched lobby and vaulted dining room, Karballa has a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere you can enjoy.
In the first building built in 1856 there are
In the second building built in 1913 there are
All the rooms have en suite private bathrooms and central heating.
The monastery’s impressive refectory is now used as the dining room where you can dine on traditional Turkish cuisine and local specialities.
It’s also a great opportunity to taste the excellent local Cappadocian wines.
Gûzelyurt became famous with the spread of Christianity in Anatolia, especially during the time of Gregory of Naziance the Theologian (4th century), distinguished scholar and Church Father who played an important role in the in the development of eastern monastery life.
He was born in 328 close to the village of Güzelyurt which has been identified almost certainly as ancient Karbala.
Over 50 rock churches have been listed in the village and the Monastery Valley nearby dating as far back as the Byzantine period. There is also a rock mosque from the Ottoman period as well as three underground cities, one of which can be visited. The Greek cave houses are a typical example of Cappadocian architecture from the beginning of the 20th century. Concentrated in this one village are examples of all that Cappadocia has to offer.
At the end of the Greco-Turkish war (1919 to 1922) it was agreed to an exchange of populations. The Greek inhabitants were resettled to the villages of Kozan and Kastoria in Greece and Turks from Salonica were settled in Güzelyurt.
Today, the inhabitants of this traditional village work in agriculture and stockbreeding. Many work in the major cities as stonemasons.
The Karballa Hotel was originally built by the Greek community in the heart of the village in 1856. It served initially as a monastery and a religious school. A second building was added in 1913. Since the Greeks left, the building has been used as a primary school, a police station and a movie theatre. The monastery is a listed historical building that belongs to the local council and the Ministry of Culture. It was restored as a hotel in 1985 by the Architecture faculty of the University of Yildiz from Istanbul.
an agency that specialises in alternative ways to discover Turkey. When you stay at the Karballa, you can visit the area on foot and on horseback or just enjoy the calm atmosphere of this unique village and region.
High Season
01 April - 31 October 2007
Simple : standard : 37 € - deluxe : 47 €
DBL : standard : 48 € - deluxe : 58 €
TRPL : standard : 68 € - deluxe : 78 €
Family room : 85 €
Children 0 - 6 : Free if in parents’ room
Children 7 - 12 : 25% if in parents’ room
Other : Lunch or dinner 8 € per person
Phone : + 90 382 451 21 03
Fax + 90 382 451 21 07
Mail : info@karballahotel.com