A
charming, quirky and very personal house hidden in an unexpected corner of central Anteps urban clutter. The building is a splendid old stone house of the type that has almost disappeared from this once-beautiful city. It was saved from the wrecking squad and refurbished in loving detail by Ms Karabiber, a painter, activist and businesswoman of infectious vivacity. Her house combines the charm of European country inns with a personal warmth that is perhaps more typical of this part of the world. Her breakfasts are a feast to the eye and the palate.
Gaziantep takes pride in being Paris of the East - a modern, wealthy and businesslike city without the mediaeval flair of other South-eastern towns. It is not strong on atmosphere, though this may be exactly what one needs for a while when too much atmosphere threatens to get oppressive. The food is famously good. More memorably: this is the acknowledged baklava capital of the world.
Facilities:traditional architecture • nice garden • tv in room • common wc / shower
Location:in a historical setting
Restaurant:No food service
Child policy:children welcome
Net connection:no connection !
Last review
We are on the tail-end of our third year living in Turkey and spent our last holiday weekend in the Antep / Urfa region. Belkis Han is a wonderful retreat in the heart of Gaziantep. Mizyal and her family (husband and daughter) were gracious hosts to my family (husband and two-year-old son) during our stay. Their hospitality was warm but never intrusive. We spent most of the time exploring the delightful city and surroundings on our own, but always looked forward to seeing the family at breakfast or sharing a bottle of wine with them in the evening after putting our son to bed. It is easy to get lost in the narrow alley streets of this old Armenian neighborhood. The Belkis is tucked away like a hidden treasure. Step through the door and take in the smell of honeysuckle that winds its way up the staircase, admire the mosaic courtyard or the vibrant color of the kitchen door. Our room was stocked with goodies (gratis) – everything from beer to body lotion to the famous local pistachios. I loved wandering through the han and discovering all of the little touches that make the Belkis such a unique place: Mizyal’s simple pen-and-ink drawings, carpets from a local estate sale, eclectic book collection in the library. Mizyal is Antep’s unofficial ambassador – she loves her home city, knows it inside and out, and is enthusiastic about sharing it with everyone. We recommend a stay at the Belkis Han and anxiously await our next visit!
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