In the heart of Cappadocia lies a town surrounded by valleys: Mustafapaşa.
Its former name was Sinasos. For centuries, the paths of different peoples, faiths, and cultures crossed here; traces of peace, craftsmanship, and elegance were carved into its stone walls.

Sinasos has been continuously inhabited since the Byzantine period and became one of the most vibrant trade centers of Anatolia in the 19th century. During that era, Greek families who prospered through maritime trade invested their wealth in their hometown, building the magnificent stone mansions that still stand today. At the same time, Turkish artisans and Greek stonemasons worked hand in hand, shaping the architectural identity of the town.

With the population exchange of 1924, the Greek families of Sinasos migrated to Greece, and Muslim Turks from the Kastoria region settled in their place. Thus, the town became a unique cultural mosaic, blending the heritage of both Anatolia and the Balkans.

Today, Mustafapaşa is an open-air museum. Over three hundred historical mansions, with their graceful stonework, wooden ceilings, and arched courtyards, carry the aesthetic of the past into the present. At the entrance of the town, a Greek mansion from 1892 and the nearby Mehmet Şakir Paşa Madrasah greet visitors with history. Walking through the streets of Mustafapaşa, one is always accompanied by the presence of history and culture.

In May 2021, it was recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as one of the “Best Tourism Villages in the World,” an international acknowledgment of its success in preserving cultural heritage.

With around 200 registered historical structures, exceptional examples of Greek–Turkish stone architecture, monastic valleys, rock-hewn churches, and its warm-hearted people, Mustafapaşa today stands as one of Cappadocia’s most authentic and soulful villages.

Welcome — when you touch the stones of Sinasos, you will not only feel history, but also the heartbeat of a shared life and an unforgettable culture.