KAYAKAPI

p r e m i u m c a v e s
cappadocia

www.kayakapi.com
 “ PREMIUM CAVE HOTEL OF CAPPADOCIA "

2014 2015
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We as Kayakapı Premium Caves – Cappadocia, are proud to be chosen as one of the

"Best 25 Hotels in the World" by TripAdvisor.

KAYAKAPI
p r e m i u m c a v e s
cappadocia

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 CAPPADOCIA

C appadocia region was formed 60 million years ago by erosion of soft

layers of lava and ash from Mount Erciyes (Argeus), Mount Hasan and
Mount Güllü composing with wind and rain over millions of years. Human
settlement at the Cappadocia region dates back to the Paleolithic era. The
lands where the Hittites once lived have been one of the most important
centers of Christianity in the later periods. Houses and churches carved
into the caves and rocks turned the region into a huge heaven for
Christians escaping from the dominance of the Roman Empire. The region
of Cappadocia is a place where nature and history integrates. Written
history of Cappadocia, where human settlement dates back to the
Paleolithic era, begins with the Hittites. Hosting trade colonies
throughout history and founding commercial and social bridges between
countries, Cappadocia was one of the important junctions of the Silk Road.

I n the 12th century BC, a dark period began in the region with the
collapse of the Hittite Empire. These Kingdoms lasted until the Persian
invasion in the 6th century BC. In 332 BC, Alexander the Great defeated
the Persians and encountered great resistance in Cappadocia. During this
period, the Kingdom of Cappadocia was established. The Roman power
began to be felt in the region towards the end of the 3rd century BC. In the
middle of 1st century, Kings of Cappadocia were appointed and toppled
from the throne by the Roman Generals. When the last king of Cappadocia
died in 17 AD, the region became a province of Rome.

I n the 3rd century, Christians came to the Cappadocia, which became a

centre for education. Pressure on the Christians increased between
303-308. But Cappadocia was an ideal place to be safeguarded from
pressures and to spread the Christian doctrine. Deep valleys and shelters
ÜRGÜP
dug into the soft volcanic rocks created a safe heaven against the Roman rgüp is the most important center of Cappadocia. It has had numerous different names in the course of its history because of hosting
soldiers. Ümany different civilizations. It has been called Osiana (Assiana) and Hagios Prokopios during the Byzantine Period, Başhisar during
the Seljuk Period and Burgut Castle during the Ottoman Empire period and beginning from the first years of Turkish Republic, it has been
C appadocia reached its climax when Leon III, Emperor of Rome
banned icons. Under these circum-stances, some people who were
pro-icon started to take shelter in the region. Iconoclasm movement
called as Ürgüp.
rgüp, having a volcano originated geologic structure, was established on a region where the typical samples of the interesting natural
lasted more than a hundred years (726-843). Although some Cappadocian
churches were under the influence of Iconoclasm in this period, pro-icon
Üformations, originated from the rain and wind erosions and called as chimney rock (fairy chimneys), are situated. The chimney rocks,
formed from the rainwaters flowing from the valley sides and afterwards wind erosion, created a very interesting landscape view pertaining
people easily continued worshipping here. The monasteries of to the region. The most important residuals belonging to later periods are the rock tombs belonging to the Roman Period that are found in
Cappadocia developed considerably during this period. Again, in these the towns and villages of Ürgüp. Being an important religious center also during the Byzantine Period, Ürgüp was the episcopacy center of
periods, Arab raids started to affect the Christian regions in Anatolia, from rock churches and monasteries in the villages, towns and valleys.
Armenia to Cappadocia. People escaping the invasion and coming to the
region changed the styles of churches in the area. In 11th and 12th
centuries Cappadocia passed into the hands of the Seljuk Turks. The
region spent a period without trouble subsequent times under the
I n 11th century, Ürgüp was an important castle city opening doors to Konya and Niğde, which were the most important provinces of
Seljuk Empire. Two important structures belonging to that period are Altıkapılı and Temenni Hill Mausoleums, which are located in the
city center. Altı Kapılı Türbe (Mausoleum with Six Doors) belonging to a mother and her two daughters was constructed in 13th century. It
Ottoman Empire. The last Christians in the region migrated from has six fronts and each of the fronts has arched windows and its top is open. It is thought that one of the two mausoleums that are located on
Cappadocia due to the exchange of Treaty of Lausanne in 1924-26, leaving the Temenni Hill of Ürgüp, was built by Vecihi Pasha in 1268 and is also called as "Kılıçarslan Mausoleum" belongs to Seljukian Sultan IV.
beautiful architectural examples behind. Rüknettin Kılıçarslan. The other mausoleum belongs to Sultan Alaaddin Kayqubad III.

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 SAINT OF KAYAKAPI:
ST. JOHN THE RUSSIAN

T hough there is no exact date of birth for St. John the Russian, it is
predicted to be between 1690-1693 as he was a soldier in the army of Tsar
Peter during the Ottoman - Russian war between 1711-1718. During his
military service, he frequently used the religious teachings that he received
from his family as being a strict Orthodox Christian. As the war continued
intensively near Castle of Azov, the Ottoman army captured him as prisoner.
He was sent, just like the other prisoners to Istanbul. At that time, Ömer Esat
(Eset) who served as Janissary Agha in the Ottoman army took with him to his
hometown Ürgüp after the war in order to get him served as a slave.

S pending the next 12 years of his life at Ömer Esat Agha's Mansion, this
local Saint was a personality loved by both Muslim and Christian
demography of the neighbourhood. He lived in the Kayakapı Neighbourhood
until his death (27th of May 1730).

F eeling love and compassion to humans, animals and all living creatures in
nature during his relatively short life, the Saint was well known to always
walk with arms crossed on his chest and to keep saying the word "Holy God".
HISTORY OF KAYAKAPI
He mostly spent his life between Ömer Esat Agha's house and the Hagia Yorgi
(St. Georgios) Church close to his house. He greeted all the people he saw with
F ounded on the northeastern slope of the heights known as the Esbelli Rock in Ürgüp centre, Kayakapi Neighbourhood is one of the
city's first historic residential areas. Kayakapı Neighbourhood is located within the boundaries of "Göreme National Park and the
Cappadocia Rocky Areas" which were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.
the name of God and wished mercy and love to be with them. St. John the
Russian was a Saint of miracles. But almost all of his miracles appeared after
his death. In particular, he was the Saint of those who fell into trouble, the
debilitated patients, the disabled and people in need of remedy.
T he Neighbourhood took the architectural form of today in the 18th and 19th Centuries following the "Tulip Era" marked by Damat
Ibrahim Pasha of Nevsehir, the Grand Vezir of the Ottoman Empire. During this period, Kayakapı also known as "Landowners’
Neighbourhood" in Ürgüp, was adorned by large mansions of the five Aghas (Landowners) who prospered thanks to iltizam (privilege of
collecting taxes on behalf of the Emperor). Although being a Muslim Neighbourhood, the area hosts elements, which have great value for
T he Saint was given a Christian burial on 27th of May 1730 by order of the
Agha, who as a token of his love and great respect for the Saint gave an
expensive cloth to cover his relics. Three years later a light appeared over the
the Orthodox population in the then cosmopolitan city of Ürgüp. These include the rock churches which give rise to thought that there may
have been Christian life in the area much earlier periods, plus the structure whose original name was Eset Agha’s Mansion, also known as
House of Saint John the Russian, referring to a Greek "folk saint". Kayakapı and House of Saint John the Russian, is today one of the stops
tomb, which was seen by many. At the same time, the Saint appeared in a
of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Istanbul at his annual visit to Cappadocia.
dream to his father confessor revealing that it was the will of God that his
relics be exhumed, for his body was incorrupt. Until 1924 the relics were kept
in the church of St. George there in Ürgüp (Procopion). When, however, the
exchange of population took place between Greece and Turkey and many of
A total of 27 hectares made up of 258 lots, the area consists of 6.5 acres (182 parcels) built in a dense urban texture at the upper elevations
sloping land and 20.5 acres (76 lots) in the lower levels of the land, consisting of open space used partly for agricultural purposes. 421
units of traditional buildings in urban texture, made by rock carving and masonry techniques and organically integrated with each other,
the Christian inhabitants of Procopion were resettled on the island of Euboea, have been identified by the analyses conducted within the Kayakapı Project. In addition, there are monumental and civil buildings such as
the relics of their beloved St. John were also moved and were received with churches, mosques, baths, fountains, housing etc., in part currently registered or proposed to be registered and 20 units of cultural and
great acclaim and veneration by the Greeks who built a majestic temple in his natural property consisting of dovecote and chimney rocks to be protected. Open areas within the boundaries of Kayakapı are registered as
honor there in the village of New Procopion (New Ürgüp). To this day, the 1st and 3rd degree natural site and the urban texture is registered as the urban site according to 1:25,000 scale site borders prepared in
streams of pious Greek pilgrims make their way to this village on the island of 1999 by Nevsehir Culture and Natural Heritage Protection Board.
Euboia.
Note: Saint John the Russian’s right hand is in Russian Monastery of St.
Panteleimon in Athos. By blessing of Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow in 2003-
I n 1969, Kayakapı Neighbourhood was also subject to the disaster area announcement, which was a general policy adopted by the Turkish
Government at that times. As a result of the policy evacuation process followed and was completed in 1984, the majority of the
population in the neighbourhood were settled in the "Disaster Houses", founded on the east bank of Damsa Creek, passing through the city.
2004 a small wooden church of St. John the Russian was erected in Moscow, As a result of these developments, with half-ruined buildings and natural elements, the present Kayakapı Neighbourhood, has become a
in Kuntsevo district. In Novosibirsk, Russia the lower side chapel of the mysterious texture in the memory of the city on one hand and on the other hand it has entered into the process of gradually becoming
church of Our Lady of the Sign is also devoted to St. John the Russian. extinct.

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RESTORATION OF KAYAKAPI
rgüp Municipality's attempt to stop the deterioration of the Kayakapı Neighbourhood and bringing up the tourism potential of the area
Üwas only possible with a private investment company that was concerned and interested of the area. In order to restore the
neighbourhood appliances were needed. Firstly new and updated geologic research was carried out in Kayakapı Neighbourhood and as a
result area was excluded from the scope of the "disaster area" by Ministry of Public Works and Settlement on 20.11.2000. The urban fabric
part of the area was announced as 1/1.000 scale urban protected area by the decision dated 10.02.2001 of the Cultural and Natural
Heritage Preservation Board of Nevşehir. By nationalizing the private properties in this part (funded by the investor) and leasing them, the
model known as "restorate – operate – transfer" was decided to be implemented. Ürgüp Municipality together with the investor company
Kayakapı Tourism Investment Trade Inc. (Kayakapı Premium Caves – Cappadocia) agreed to become the partners of this historical
project.

T he Kayakapı Project is about conserving and restoring the historical structures within Kayakapı Neighbourhood and the surrounding
natural areas in harmony, in order to make it function mainly for tourism purposes. Together with this project, the visitors will
experience the old cave houses and original life of Kayakapı Neighbourhood with modern touches. The target of this investment is; by
conserving and restoring a cultural / natural valued historical neighbourhood, to bring up a historical establishment at the area with high
international standards.

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 ACCOM
MODA
TION
A s being one of the first settlement
zones in Cappadocia’s centrally
located City of Ürgüp, the historical site of
Kayakapı Neighborhood – which is also
known as the "Landowners’ Neighbor-
hood" has returned back to its glory days
under the name of Kayakapı Premium
Caves – Cappadocia. Supported by
UNESCO and World Heritage Center,
Kayakapı is formed by hundreds of cave
houses and historical structures. You can
be one of the special guests of this
historical neighborhood with its 10th
Century Cave Church, the Historical
Mosque dated back to Seljuq Empire and
the House of St. John the Russian with it’s
unique Ürgüp / Cappadocia view.

T he Cave Rooms, Suites and Mansi-

ons with the sizes varying from 33 m²
and 253 m², which are designed for your
daily needs and luxury holidays are
waiting for their new owners.

Standard Facilities
• Central Floor Heating System • A/C (Air Condition) • Bathroom with Bath Tub
or Jacuzzi or Shower • Internet Connection (Free Wireless Internet) • HD LED TV
• iPod and iPhone Docking Station (Android also available on request)
• Nespresso Coffee Maker • Kettle, Tea, Coffee and Bottle of Water • Mini Bar
• Workdesk • O'live by Kayakapi Guest Amenities • Telephone in the Room and Bathroom
• Bathrobe and Towel Set • Safety Deposit Box • Scale • Hairdryer • Make-up Mirror
Facilities Differentiating
• Bvlgari Bathroom Amenities • Heated Private Indoor Swimming Pool • Private Outdoor Pool
• Turkish Bath • Sauna • Fireplace • Balcony • Private Chalet • Private Meeting Room
• Private View Point Terrace • Shared / Private – Terrace or Courtyard

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 FOOD & BEVERAGE
FACILITIES
MAİDE RESTAURANT
It is located at the Historical Davut Agha
Mansion, at the lower level just next to
the Swimming Pool. It is the Main
Restaurant also hosting a Very Rich
Breakfast Buffet including Cappadocian
& International Specialties. After the
breakfast time it acts as "à la Carte
Restaurant" serving International and
Local Specialties.
BİSTRO MANZARA
It is located at the upper level in between
the suites 106 - Arabaci Köylü Mehmet
Evi and 107 - Kunduraci Fehmi Evi. It is
open daily and acts as Snack Restaurant
serving only snacks together with a wide
range of beverage selection. Throughout
the summer and good weathers, the
Terrace of Bistro Manzara is very cozy
with a spectacular view of Ürgüp.
ŞEKERCİ WİNE CELLAR
It is located at the Historical Davut Agha
Mansion very close to Maide Restau-
rant. At our very special Wine Cellar we
only offer high quality Wine from
Cappadocia. A bottle of Cappadocia
Wine together with local and inter-
national cheese plate is highly recom-
mended.
ROOM SERVİCE
We offer 24 hour Room Service for the
comfort of our guests at Kayakapı
Premium Caves - Cappadocia.

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 SPA
Hamam (Turkish Bath)
The Hamam, also known as the Turkish
Hamam or Turkish Bath, is the Middle
Eastern variant of a steam bath, which
can be categorised as a wet relative of the
sauna. Although the first hamams
originated in Arabia and bath culture
was a central part of Roman life, Turkey
popularised the tradition by making
hamams available to people of all
statuses.
For centuries Turkish Hamam conti-
nues to exist as one of the major compo-
nents of the Ottoman and Turkish
hamam culture with its unique architec-
tural beauty. Hamam that was built with
the purpose of the water use for health is
not only a cleaning place for Turks.
Turkish Hamam is also health and
entertainment centre where people are
having social activities.
Sauna
Heat is one of the oldest of human body
therapies. The heat factor in the Sauna Fitness Center
raises the body temperature above For those committed
normal and stimulates the immune to stay fit while traveling,
system. Heat makes you sweat and relax, the fitness center of Kaya-
lower your pulse and blood pressure by kapi Premium Caves - Cappa-
causing blood vessels to dilate. Sauna docia offers a variety of exercise
sessions also help to relieve pain and machines and free weights suiting
relax muscles. all your cardio and strength training
needs. LED screen televisions are also
Sauna also has a beneficial anti-ageing available for entertainment.
effect, improves the skin’s condition and
leaves you looking refreshed. To finish Massage Therapies
off your workout or simply to relax and Enjoy the best massage treatments during your
unwind, the excellent sauna at Kayakapi Cappadocia visit. Kayakapi Spa offers high quality
Premium Caves – Cappadocia with a massage services to the guests of Kayakapi Premium
City View of Ürgüp offers a peaceful Caves - Cappadocia who wish to make their visit fuller
ambiance to let the heat and steam melt and more intensive. Massage treatments are of various
away your cares. sorts and lengths.

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 MEET
ING
K ayakapi Premium Caves - Cappa-
docia apart from it’s luxurious and
spacious cave rooms / suites, due to it’s
meeting rooms and halls it is also the
right place for business travellers and
corporate trips with meeting possi-
bilities.
We as the “Premium Cave Hotel of
Cappadocia” are happy to offer 4 stylish
and cave meeting rooms starting from
20 m2 up to 84 m2. Providing a dedica-
ted event staff, featuring cave meeting
rooms equipped with the latest
technology and an authentic Cappa-
docia environment, Kayakapi Premium
Caves - Cappadocia can make your
events and meetings a total success.
VENUE NAME FUNCTIONAL CEILING HEIGHT CAPACITY
(m²) (m) THEATER CLASSROOM U SHAPE I SHAPE COCKTAIL
Ahmet Temuroğlu Hall 84 3,35 90 50 30 25 100

Şoför Halim Meeting Room 42 3,00 30 16 - 12 -

Özlü Meeting Room 20 2,40 - - - 10 -

Davut Ağa Meeting Room 35 3,15 - - - 10 -

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 KAYAKAPI
p r e m i u m c a v e s
cappadocia

Kayakapı Mahallesi, Kuşçular Sokak No:43, 50400, Ürgüp / Cappadocia / Türkiye

+90 384 341 88 77 +90 384 341 25 77 contact@kayakapi.com www.kayakapi.com

/ KayakapiPremiumCaves / Kayakapi

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