ömer Tosun, collector of ancient rugs and antiques, had the caves and ancient residential areas in Cappadocia”s Uçhisar district restored and turned them into museum-hotels. Each of the rooms are named according to the antiques inside
The ancient cave relics and historical residential areas overlooking Göreme, Kýzýl, Avanos, Aþk Vadileri, Ortahisar and Mount Erciyes in Cappadocia have been restored and opened to tourists.
The restoration began with the enterprise of antique and ancient rug expert Ömer Tosun who was later joined by expert architect Nazife Gürlek.
Restoration began in 1999 and continued until 2001 with the consultation of geologists to return the relics back to their original forms and with permission from the Ministry and Conservation District Office.
After restoration was completed, the structure was converted into a 26-room museum-hotel. The Museum Hotel, which will reach a 30-room capacity in August, is far from a conventional hotel, with the rooms named according to the antiques they contain rather than the traditional room numbers.
Tosun”s museum-hotel concept, combining his passion for antiques and his entrepreneurial spirit, is the first of its kind in Turkey.
During the short period the Museum Hotel has been open for business, many world famous guests have already visited. In recent weeks alone, Henry Ford”s daughter, Anne Ford, was a guest at the Museum Hotel with her family as well as Hollywood star Harvey Keitel.
Historical streets of Cappadocia have been aroused
The historical streets of Cappadocia were recreated in the Museum Hotel. Each of the historical streets, taking you from modern times to hundreds of years ago, opens up to a courtyard. According to the characteristics of the antiques in them, the rooms have different names, such as “Pot-bellied Room,” “Tafana Deluxe Suite,” “Oriental Deluxe Cave,” “Cabinet Room,” “Harem Cave Suite” and the “Sultan”s Cave Suite.”
Doors with knockers, guillotine windows, old style bedsteads, rugs, antique lamps, and chandeliers add a distinct color to the historical texture of the structure. Tosun mentioned the importance of restoring according to the originals.
Tosun was born in Cappadocia, and he stated that he knows the region and the texture of the historical structures well so they were able to copy the originals. “We tried to apply what needs to be applied without destroying its nature,” Tosun said.
Tosun said that they noticed a three centimetre hole while working on a room named “Lazy Hunter.” The hole pointed to the top of a peaked chimney rock in the valley in front of the hotel, an area where birds often perched. The room is named “Dovecotes” because it”s placed on the original dovecotes. Tosun thinks it was used to hunt the birds.
Though he says his dreams have come true with the opening of the Museum Hotel, Tosun is also planning to open a rug museum in Cappadocia in the near future.
Rooms at the Museum Hotel are grouped in three as standard, deluxe and deluxe suite ranging from $145-1,200. The hotel”s restaurant serves Turkish cuisine, with its chef having won a third place award at the World Gastronomy Festival. Guests can enjoy the unique view from the hills overlooking Cappadocia while indulging in the pleasure of a Jacuzzi in the room.
Cappadocia is not being advertised
Cappadocia came to life with the Hittites, called the “Land of Beautiful Horses” by the Persians. Even though its nature and history are greatly appealing, the area is not promoted well. Many historical pieces and natural formations in Cappadocia are under threat. Some of the historical ruins have been saved by the support of entrepreneurs like Tosun, some get lost in the dusty pages of history.
“It”s not possible to find another Cappadocia in the world. You don”t just get to see rocks here – these are the first markings of history and culture,” said Tosun. He thinks that the region doesn”t get the attention it deserves from Turkish and world tourism.
Pot-bellied Deluxe room
The name of the “Pot-bellied” room comes from the antique wooden pot shaped by a master from Kayseri. All pieces used in decorating the room belong to Ömer Tosun”s collection. Unlike other rooms, this room overlooks the unique Uçhisar Valley.
Dovecotes Deluxe cave
The original dovecotes found in this area were left untouched by the restoration of this room. Other original features preserved to characterize rooms were a section for mashing grapes and an area for hunters.
Harem cave suit
Accessed by a small tunnel, there is a large fireplace in the lounge. The big Jacuzzi and the bathroom with a special shower are as attractive as the suite itself, and a stone arch separates the living room from the bedroom.
Eftalya deluxe cave suite
The suite gets its name from the Mermaid Eftalya of the Bosporus. According to legend, a woman”s voice was heard singing charming melodies from the Bosporus at nights, but nobody could see the singer.
Domestic News – Resource: Turkish Daily News
