Belen is one of the districts of Hatay province, located in the southernmost part of our country. The district, which contains various historical structures and natural beauty areas, attracts many tourists throughout the year. This district also serves as a day trip for those coming from nearby places. Guests planning to come from more distant regions can comfortably reach the city by purchasing a plane ticket or bus ticket. Belen, one of the most visited regions of Hatay province, also has many discovery routes in terms of places to visit. Belen district, located approximately 50 kilometers from Hatay city center, is one of the travel destinations that you can visit in every season, regardless of summer or winter. There are multiple transportation networks to come here from various points such as Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. The first option to reach Belen district is by road, and the second is by air. The first point you should come to in both transportation methods is Hatay city. Guests planning to set off with their own vehicle or their spouse's or friend's vehicle can easily reach by using the highways. You can stop at various points during your journey by vehicle and discover different places. Those who want to come by intercity bus can examine the bus companies that organize trips to Hatay Bus Terminal. They can buy a bus ticket by choosing the one that suits their budget the most among these bus companies. After arriving at the bus terminal, you can use the shuttle cars of the bus you got on to reach the district or you can get on other public transportation vehicles to get to the district. In transportation by air, the destination is Hatay Airport. You can first get to this airport by buying a plane ticket from where you are and then get on the transfer vehicles to Belen. In addition to the transfer vehicles, you can rent a car, take a taxi or use other public vehicles. Since the distance between the airport and the district is approximately 32 kilometers, your journey does not take very long. When you arrive in Belen district, there are many historical points and natural beauty areas that you can see up close. You can start your district tour with Belen Pass and then visit Bakras Castle, Armenian Church, Hatay Martyrs' Monument, Gazi Abdurrahmanpaşa Tomb, Tosyalı Belen Mosque and Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Caravanserai. While you are on a historical journey in the district, you can also enjoy nature in areas surrounded by natural beauties.
Belen Pass
Belen Pass, one of the most important points of the region, is at the top of our list of places to visit. Located at an altitude of approximately 650 meters, this pass is one of the most frequently visited tourist spots in the region. It is possible to come across many different species of birds in this region, which is considered a wonderful natural beauty area. In this region, which became a nature park in 2014, you can do bird watching, have a picnic with your family or friends accompanied by natural beauties, go on a nature walk or stay in a tent. This pass, located on the Amanos Mountains, is one of the places most frequently visited by nature lovers. It is possible to capture photos with wonderful nature views here. If you are among those who love taking photos, you can take lots of photos in this region surrounded by wonderful views.
Bakras Castle
Another popular spot that you can see by purchasing a Belen flight ticket is Bakras Castle, which is located in the Bakras Village of the district and has the same name as the village. This castle, which is among the cultural riches of the district, is located in a strategic location. There is no clear information about when this castle, which has witnessed many wars in the past, was built. Both sides of the structure are surrounded by lush green valleys.When you visit the area where the castle is located, you can breathe in a historical air and discover the natural beauties at the same time.
Armenian Church
Another touristic place that you should visit during your Belen trip is the Armenian Church located in the center of the region's bazaar. There is no clear information about when this historical church, which has great importance in terms of cultural tourism, was built. This church, which is among the historical structures that have managed to survive to the present day, has been damaged over time, but it is one of the most important and worth-seeing historical points of the district. We definitely recommend that you include this church, which is extremely valuable for Christians, in your travel plan.
Hatay Martyrs' Monument
The next place to visit on our Belen places list is the Hatay Martyrs' Monument located in the town center. This monument, which is one of the important places you can see by purchasing a Belen bus ticket, was built in 1914. It was built by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Kazım Bey, who served as a division commander.This important monument is visited by millions of local and foreign tourists every year. We definitely recommend that you visit this monument, which was built for the martyrs who lost their lives in the 41st Infantry Division.
Gazi Abdurrahmanpaşa Tomb
Another important historical place in Belen district is the Gazi Abdurrahmanpaşa Tomb, which is also located in the district center. This tomb, which has great importance in terms of religious tourism, was built in the name of Gazi Abdurrahmanpaşa, who was born in the district, grew up here and took part in various duties related to state affairs. The tomb of this person is located in the tomb. You can have the opportunity to see this tomb, which is one of the places frequently visited by the people of the region, up close by purchasing a plane ticket.
Tosyalı Belen Mosque
Another popular destination on our list of places to visit in Belen is the Tosyalı Belen Mosque, which you will come across in the district center. This mosque, which consists of a total of three floors, wins the appreciation of visitors with its architectural style. This mosque, which reflects the characteristics of Ottoman architecture, has a double minaret. You can add this mosque, one of the important historical places of the district, to your travel list and take a pleasant historical journey to the Ottoman period.
Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Caravanserai
Before finishing your Belen trip, we definitely recommend that you see Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Caravanserai up close. Located in the city center, this caravanserai attracts the attention of visitors with its external appearance. This historical structure, which consists of two parts, also has a bathhouse and a mosque. You can visit this historical structure, which was built in 1553, by purchasing a Belen bus ticket.