Belisırma village, located between Nevşehir and Aksaray in the Cappadocia region, is known to be visited by a significant number of tourists throughout the year. The village, situated along the Melendiz River, embraces its visitors with lush vegetation. It’s worth noting that the village was originally inhabited by Greeks and was formerly known as Peristirema. Over time, the name changed to Belisırma. Additionally, “Peristirema” translates to “beautiful, pleasant view.”
The village boasts numerous churches and holds a rich history along with natural beauty. The calm waters of the Melendiz River and the greenery around create a serene atmosphere for visitors. Belisırma Village, with its historical remnants and picturesque surroundings, has become a popular destination, especially among tourists.
Every year, thousands of tourists visit this village, attracted not only by its beautiful scenery and delicious meals but also by the story of a horseman named Belinde Sırma settling in the village. Despite the relatively low local population engaging in village hospitality, Belisırma village has managed to capture the attention of tourists, contributing to the growing trend of village pensions in the region.
While specific information about the founding date of Belisırma village may not be readily available, it is said to have been established before the Seljuks. Along the valley, the Forty Stalactites Church, where the first Christians lived, can be found. Examining the frescoes in this church reveals the ancient roots of Belisırma Village. Additionally, during the Seljuk period, the freedom of the first Christians to worship in this cave is evident from the gratitude frescoes, featuring a Seljuk envoy.
Before delving into detailed directions to Belisırma village and places to visit in Belisırma, it’s beneficial to get acquainted with the region. In earlier times, the village was situated on the northern shore, but over time, settlement expanded into the flat areas. The presence of restored old houses in Belisırma village supports this information. In this village, considered an extension of the Ihlara valley, seven churches are open to visitors. You can explore these churches through short walks. Now, we’ll provide answers to questions about where Belisırma village is located and how to get there, followed by information about the churches in the area.
Aksaray Belisırma Breakfast
Belisırma Restaurant List:
- Baba Kebap
- Location: Ihlara Street, Ihlara Village
- Belisırma Restaurant
- Location: Belisırma Village, Ihlara Valley, Güzelyurt Center
- Aslan Restaurant
- Location: Belisırma Village, Ihlara Valley
- Hocanın Yeri
- Location: Belisırma
- Anatolia Valley Restaurant
- Location: On the way to Belisırma Village
- Tandirci Restaurant
- Location: Ihlara Valley, Belisirma Village
- Karakaya Restaurant
- Location: Belisırma Village Road
- Gregorius Restaurant
- Location: Belisırma Village Road, Inside the Village
- Belisırma River Restaurant
- Location: Belisırma Village
- Çatlağın Yeri
- Location: Ihlara Valley, Selime
- Kalvari Restaurant
- Location: Carsi Square, Güzelyurt
Aksaray Belisırma Breakfast: Belisırma, one of the places you can visit with the green tour organized in Cappadocia. You can also go to the region with your own vehicle.
The breakfasts prepared in the village are very popular, especially the facilities set up around the Melendiz River. Facilities built on the river attract the attention of tourists. You can have breakfast on the water, providing an island-like experience. During breakfast, you can enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Organic products grown in the region are used in the breakfasts prepared in the village. Especially, open buffet breakfasts are very popular.
Belisırma village is a village connected to the Güzelyurt district of Aksaray. It is located 11 km from Güzelyurt and 42 km from the center of Aksaray.
To reach this village, you need to continue in the direction of Güzelyurt district in Aksaray. Belisırma Village is approximately 7.1 km west of Güzelyurt. Additionally, it is situated in the southeast direction from the center of Aksaray, and the distance to the center is 25.4 km.
The places to visit in Belisırma Village are as follows;
• Belisırma Restaurant
• Karagedik Church
• Bezirhane Church
• Ala Church
• Batkin Church
• Kırkdamaltı Church
• Bahattin Samanlığı Church
• It is listed as Direkli Church.
Belisırma Restaurant, where you can relieve your tiredness while visiting the region and rest your feet in the Melendiz Stream, is among the must-see places. You have to use the 1st box office of Ihlara Valley to reach this restaurant where you can have a tea and coffee break apart from the lunch break. Belisırma Restaurant, which is 7 km away after entering the ticket office, is 4 km away after the 2nd ticket office.
Offering much more than an authentic restaurant, Belisırma Restaurant has many oriental corner decorations. You can taste the hot pita, one of the leading dishes of the region, in this restaurant located right in the middle of the Melendiz stream. You can have a wonderful breakfast with cheese, honey or butter that comes from the village completely organically. Since the restaurant has a closed section during the winter months, it continues to serve actively throughout the year.
Resembling one of the Late Byzantine period structures, Karagedik church is constructed by carving into the rock in Ihlara Valley. The architecture of this church, built with different stones, has always been notable. The frescoes in the church are estimated to date back to the 10th or 11th century. While many frescoes are damaged, there are still a few motifs that are worth seeing. Also known as Saint Ermolaos Church, Karagedik Church is located east of the Melendiz river.
Ala Church is located north of Belisırma village, to the east of Ihlara valley, and it was constructed during the periods when Christians were in hiding. This church, carved into the rocks, is built with a cruciform architecture. Like many churches in Cappadocia, the production of olive oil lamps took place in the chambers here.
Ala Church, featuring three domes to cover the church, displays the images of apostles and saints on the upper part of its facade. Depictions such as the annunciation, the Last Supper, the entry into Jerusalem, and the Three Youths in the Fiery Furnace are among the must-see paintings in Ala Church.
Belisırma Restaurant is a must-visit place in the region, where you can relax and refresh your tired feet in Melendiz Creek. This restaurant, located 7 km from the Ihlara Valley 1st toll booth and 4 km from the 2nd toll booth, offers more than just a meal break; you can also enjoy tea and coffee breaks.
Belisırma Restaurant, with its authentic ambiance, features numerous cozy corners and decorations. Situated right in the middle of Melendiz creek, the restaurant is known for serving the region’s prominent dish, hot pide. Additionally, you can have a delightful breakfast with organic cheese, honey, or butter sourced directly from the village. The restaurant’s enclosed section allows it to remain active throughout the year, catering to visitors even during the winter months.
Belisırma Village is one of the places that visitors to Cappadocia are curious about. It is approximately 30 km away from the center of Aksaray. You can easily reach the region by private car. It is about 80 km away from Göreme, and you can reach the village within 60-70 minutes.
