SAFRANBOLU
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Safranbolu is an exemplary city that keeps the characteristics of traditional Turkish community life alive on the urban scale and presents its historical and cultural artifacts to all people. Its rich cultural heritage and its success in preserving this heritage have made Safranbolu famous as a world city and have been included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO.
Safranbolu, which is mostly known for its Old Turkish Houses, attracts more attention with its historical dimension, natural beauties and setting an example in urban-scale conservation. Safranbolu, which has countless cultural artifacts, 1200 of which are under protection, is today known as the best preserved place on the scale of the city.
History
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The known history of Safranbolu, located in the northwestern part of Anatolia, in the region called Paphlagonia in history, dates back to 3000 years BC. Safranbolu, which takes its name from the saffron plant, which can dye a liquid up to a hundred thousand times its own weight to yellow, has hosted many civilizations throughout history. The main ones are Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman Empires. It is known that Safranbolu was definitely taken by the Turks in 1196.
Safranbolu reached its highest economic and cultural level in the Ottoman period in its historical past. Being an important accommodation center on the Istanbul-Sinop caravan route in the 17th century, the city rapidly enriched the region by enabling the development of trade in the region. During this period, Safranbolu had intense relations with Istanbul and Kastamonu, and some of the Ottoman Palace and statesmen left important works in the city.
Transport
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Highway: Safranbolu can be reached from three different directions by road. It is 80 km away from the Gerede section of the Ankara-Istanbul highway. then arrive in Karabuk. The district has a connection with the province of Bartın in the north and Kastamonu in the east.
Railroad: It is possible to reach Karabuk city center by rail. Railway transportation can be preferred for transportation between Karabük and Zonguldak.
Airline: The nearest airport is Ankara EsenboÄŸa (240 km)
PLACES TO VISIT
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Safranbolu, which is mostly known for its Old Turkish Houses, has numerous cultural artifacts, 1200 of which are under protection. The houses are gathered in two parts of the city. The first of these is the Bazaar section with winter houses, and the other is BaÄŸlar, where summer houses are located.
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The region where the touristic and historical artifacts of the city is mostly concentrated is the Bazaar section. This region can be viewed from the Castle in the north and the Hıdırlık hills in the south. Hıdırlık Hill, on which there are two mausoleums, was used as an open-air prayer place in ancient times. It is possible to see the collosal arts of the city together from this hill. The castle and its surroundings are the first settled area. The Old Government Building, the 200-year-old Clock Tower, which is still working, and the Prison Building, which is no longer in use, are the historical monuments of the city which are worth seeing.
There are over 25 mosques of historical importance in the city. The most important of them are Köprülü Mehmet Pasha and the mosques which were built by Sultan III. Selim's Grand Vizier, Ä°zzet Mehmet Pasha, have been named after him.
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The Cinci Inn, which was put into service, and the Cinci Turkish Bath , which is still in use, were built by Cinci Hodja, who was from Safranbolu and who became the consultant of Sultan Deli Ä°brahim, are among the works which are worth seeing of the city.
Production and trade in Safranbolu was carried out in various bazaars that were run by the Guild system. Demirciler, Bakırcılar, Kalaycılar and Semerciler Bazaars, where production continues today, ensure the continuation of handcraft in the city. Souvenirs unique to Safranbolu are sold in the historical Yemeniciler Arasta, which became a handicraft sales center after being restored, and in the shops around it.
Yörük Village
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Yörük village, which is on the Safranbolu-Araç road and is 13 km away from Safranbolu is an open-air museum. Transportation is possible by taxi.
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All of the houses and streets under protection are well-maintained. KaymakçıoÄŸlu Mansion, Sipahiler Mansion, Wooden Mosque and Laundry, which has been restored as an art gallery, can be visited. You can eat gözleme (like a thin pancake ) and baklava, and buy various souvenirs in the village. There is no accommodation available.
Natural Beauties
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Safranbolu has exciting natural beauties as well as historical monuments and houses. Ä°ntensive forest areas, canyons and valleys are suitable for picnics as well as other touristic activities such as hiking, climbing and cycling.
MUSEUMS
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Museum Houses
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In Safranbolu, there are Museum Houses built by the Ministry of Culture, the District Governor's Office and Private Enterprises. The oldest one, the District Governors Museum House, organized by the Ministry of Culture, and the Kileciler Mansion, restored and organized by the Safranbolu District Governorate, ethnographically exemplify the Old Safranbolu House and its way of life. Other private navigable houses are Mümtazlar Mansion and Karaüzümler Mansion. The Ahmet Demirezen Yemeni Craftsmanship Museum among the Yemeni people presents examples of the Yemeni craftsmanship, which is on the verge of disappearing.
WHAT TO EAT?
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There are many eating-drinking and entertainment venues in the city created by the restoration of the houses. In the evenings, you can listen to live music in entertainment venues concentrated in the Çarşı area. Pancakes, well kebab, spring pasta, water pastry and home baklava are among the local dishes that can be found. Safranbolu Turkish Delight, which is always sold fresh, with hazelnut, pistachio, rose and saffron varieties, is as famous as Safranbolu Houses.
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WHAT TO BUY?
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Traditional handicrafts are still widely produced in Safranbolu. Yemeni (leather shoes worn on the feet), copper items in the Bakırcılar Bazaar, wood carvings are the leading ones. There are many shops where souvenirs can be found in all the streets and Arasta in the bazaar area. Clothes and covers made of Kastamonu weaving, wooden, ceramic and leather goods, Safranbolu house models are among the souvenirs that can be bought.
DON'T COME BACK WITHOUT DOING THESE
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Without taking pictures from Hıdırlık Hill,
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Before visiting the museum houses,
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Seeing the Ä°ncekaya Aqueduct and Yörük Village,
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Accommodation in old houses,
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Without a city tour with mini cars,
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Without eating pancakes and Turkish delight,
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Without listening to fasıl in entertainment places
