YESILBURÇ VILLAGE
An untouched tale of history and nature on the coast of Cappadocia...
With its stone streets, thousand-year-old underground caves, and lush green valleys, Yeşilburç is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Are you ready to stop time and experience this unique atmosphere?
Geographical and Natural Features
Location and Altitude
Valleys and Water Resources
Climate Profile
Transportation Guide
By Private Vehicle
- From Nevşehir / Cappadocia: Take the Niğde-Nevşehir highway (D765) and turn off at the Yeşilburç junction near Niğde center (~80 km).
- From Kayseri: Accessible via the Kayseri-Niğde highway (D300/D765) with an estimated 130 km drive.
- From Adana / Mersin: Take the O-21 motorway, enter via the Niğde South exit, and proceed to the village through the city center.
By Public Transit
Air & Rail Travel
village headman phone
Tel: 05465583979
Yeşilburç Church Mosque
Niğde | Symbol of Population Exchange History and Stone Craftsmanship
Overview
Yeşilburç Church Mosque (formerly known as the Hagios Georgios Church) is located in Yeşilburç village (formerly Tenemi/Tenmi), approximately 5 km from Niğde city center. A magnificent example of 19th-century Greek architecture, the structure was converted into a mosque following the population exchange between Turkey and Greece and has survived to the present day.
History and Population Exchange
Built in the mid-19th century by the local Greek Orthodox community in honor of Saint George, it bears the distinct craftsmanship traditions of Eastern Black Sea and Cappadocian stone masonry.
The 1923 Population Exchange: Under the Treaty of Lausanne, the Greek population of the village emigrated to Greece, and Turkish immigrants from the Kilkis region of Greece were settled in their place. The building was subsequently converted into a mosque to meet the worship needs of the newly settled community.
Architectural Structure and Details
Layout Plan
It features a three-nave basilican plan. The eastern apse section and the vaulted ceiling structure retain their original architectural form.
Stone Craftsmanship
Constructed using smooth-cut fine basalt and tuff stones unique to the region. The facade door and window frames showcase rich relief carvings.
Interior Transformation
Christian symbols and certain frescoes were either preserved or covered with plaster, while a mihrab, minbar, and wooden elements were added to adapt the space for Islamic worship.
Key Information
- Original Name: Hagios Georgios (St. George) Church
- Location: Yeşilburç Village, Central Niğde
- Dating: 19th Century (Construction period between 1835–1849)
- Current Status: Registered cultural heritage property; serves as both a historical monument and an active place of worship.
- Tourism Potential: Serves as the central focal point of the Yeşilburç tourism trail (featuring nature walks, historic stone houses, and apple orchards).
Yeşilburç
A place where history and nature intertwine, and time flows peacefully: Yeşilburç.
A jewel of Anatolia with deep roots, a rich culture, and sincere hospitality.
As you walk through its streets, you can feel both the whispers of the past and the breath of nature.
