Belen
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is Belen and where is it?
This is a small town and district of the same name in the province of Hatay in the south of Turkey, on the wooded slopes of the Nur Mountains, at an altitude of about 620 meters. Nearby is the same Belensky Pass, through which people have been walking from the coast inland for a long time.
What is Belensky Pass famous for?
This is the main road through the mountains that connects seaside Iskenderun with Antakya, and more broadly - Anatolia with the Middle East. Because of this strategic role, the pass was controlled for centuries: the Ottomans took it in 1516.
What is interesting about history?
In 1535, the pass was completely fortified: walls, a caravanserai, a mosque and a bathhouse - a complete road kit of those times. Belen, along with all of Hatay, became a part of Turkey as early as 1939.
What does Belen attract travelers today?
First of all, cool clean air and mountain spring water - people come here to breathe after the hot coast. And also roadside eateries with local cuisine.
What should be tasted in Belen?
The local specialty is belen-tava: meat fried with tomatoes, garlic, pepper and spices. Simple, hearty and just the thing after a mountain road.
