Belen Coffeehouse in Muğla Welcomes Visitors with Its Renewed Face

Belen Coffeehouse, located in the Çaybükü Neighborhood of Menteşe, which conveys to visitors the story of Bay Mustafa, the Mukhtar, and the Forester characters mentioned in the Forester's Ballad; with its museum, unique view, and atmosphere reflecting the cultural identity of the region, hosts thousands of guests every year. Comprehensive renovation and arrangement works aimed at preserving the historical texture, increasing visitor comfort, and adapting service areas to modern needs have been completed at Belen Coffeehouse, operated by Muğla Metropolitan Municipality. With these works, the facility has regained its renewed appearance.

Historical Texture Uncovered

As part of the work carried out, the wooden section in front of the museum entrance that covered the historic appearance of the building was removed, revealing the original texture of the area. The statues of Bay Mustafa, Muhtar, and Ormancı, the protagonists of the Forester's Song, which had deteriorated over time, were also restored appropriately to their original form.

Environmental Arrangements Completed

Old awnings around Melsa Cafe, worn trellis supports, and non-functional arbors were removed. While the entrance sign was renewed, surrounding plant arrangements were also made, giving the facility a more aesthetic and orderly appearance. With the cleaning of ivy and arbors that posed a safety risk, the use of open spaces was improved.

Modern Kitchen and Service Areas Created

As part of the revision works, the old wooden kitchen areas were removed and a modern kitchen facility suitable to current health and safety standards was established. The production of gözleme and saç pide was moved into the new kitchen, while storage areas, the dishwashing room, and the tea station were also reorganized. Thus, both hygiene conditions were strengthened and service quality was increased. Visitor Comfort Enhanced The indoor seating area was modernized and its capacity increased. The hall, made suitable for year-round use with openable guillotine systems, was arranged to offer a more comfortable environment for visitors. The payment point was repositioned, and new women's and men's restrooms were added to the facility. Additionally, with the removal of tents whose service life had ended, the open areas were reorganized and made available for visitors.

Cultural Heritage is Being Carried to the Future

While the historical and cultural identity of Belen Coffeehouse is preserved through the studies carried out, the facility has been made more functional, safe, and modern. Belen Coffeehouse, one of the important cultural and visitor spots in Muğla, continues to welcome its visitors with its renewed face.

Mayor Aras: “Belen Coffee Shop Awaits Its Guests With Its Historical Texture and Unique View”

Emphasizing their importance to cultural values and highlighting the significance of Belen Coffee Shop for Muğla, Kıyı Belediyeler Birliği and Muğla Metropolitan Mayor Ahmet Aras stated, “Belen Coffee Shop, where the Ormancı Turkish song, which holds an important place in Muğla's memory, is kept alive; is a very important place with its historical texture, unique view, and cultural values. This special coffee shop offers its guests a higher quality visiting opportunity with its renovated museum, modern service areas, and comfortable social living spaces. We invite all our citizens who want to witness our cultural heritage, enjoy local flavors, and admire the unique beauties of Muğla in this place where history meets nature, as well as the guests visiting our city, to Belen Coffee Shop.”