Viewed from the east, the regional center of Ürgüp resembles any one of the old troglodyte communities. Surmounting the tall cave-riddled fortified rock was the 13th century Seljuk fortress Kadi Kalesi, but it was destroyed in 1954 by a rock fall. As Osiana, a bishop's see, the town enjoyed prosperity in the 10th and 11th century but no ancient
church remains can be seen in the town. There are, however, many attractive old houses on the slopes at the edge of the town, but their residents have moved to the less attractive modern accommodation. Relics from the Seljuk times include the Karamanoglu Camii (early 13th century), the Alti Kapi Türbesi, a tomb built by a Seljuk prince for his wife and children and the Nukrettin Mausoleum (1286) for Kiliç Arslan's daughter, which is still a place of pilgrimage. On the same hill stands the Tashin Aga Kütüphanesi, a library endowed in the 19th century by one of Ürgüp's rich citizens. The books were transported into the outlying settlements on the back of a donkey. In the garden of the Karamanoglu Camii stands the tomb of Sheikh ul-Islam Hayri Efendi, father of a former Turkish Prime Minister S. H. Urgüplü. Ürgüp, whose name derives from "ur kup" meaning "many rocks" has become a typical holiday center with shops and tourist hotels. The oldest hotel in Cappadocia can be found in Ürgüp - it is 25 years old. Fruit growing plays an important part in the local economy. Situated to the west of the town are the famous rock pyramids of Ürgüp (fine view).