Safranbolu is an exemplary city that brings the characteristics of traditional Turkish social life to the city scale and presents its historical and cultural works to all people. Its rich cultural heritage and its success in protecting this heritage made Safranbolu a world-renowned city and was included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO.

Safranbolu, which is mostly known for its Old Turkish Houses, attracts more and more attention with its historical dimension, natural beauties and setting an example in city-scale conservationism. Safranbolu, which has countless cultural artifacts, 1200 of which are under protection, is today known as the best protected place in the city scale.

History

The known history of Safranbolu, which is located in the northwestern part of Anatolia, in the region called Paphlagonia in history, is BC. Safranbolu, which takes its name from the saffron plant, which can paint a liquid up to a hundred thousand times its own weight yellow, has hosted many civilizations throughout history. The main ones are the 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 its historical past during the Ottoman period. The fact that the city was an important accommodation center on the Istanbul-Sinop caravan route in the 17th century rapidly enriched the region by allowing the development of trade in the region. During this period, he had intense relations with Istanbul and Kastamonu, some of the Ottoman Palace and statesmen left important works to the city.

Climate

The climate in Safranbolu shows the transition between Black Sea climate and Central Anatolia climate. Summers are hot, winters are cold, springs are warm and cool. Spring and autumn are quite long.

PLACES TO VISIT

Safranbolu, better known for its Old Turkish Houses, has numerous cultural artifacts, 1200 of which are under protection.

Houses are gathered in two parts of the city. The first of these is the Çarşı section where the winter houses are located and the other is the Vineyards where the summer houses are located.

The area where the tourist and historical monuments of the city are concentrated is the Çarşı section. This area can be viewed from Kale in the north and Hıdırlık hills in the south. Hıdırlık Hill, which has two mausoleums on it, was used as an open air prayer hall in ancient times. It is possible to see the monumental works of the city together from this hill.

The castle and its surroundings are the first residential areas. The Old Government Building on this hill, the 200-year-old Clock Tower that is still in operation and the Prison Building, which is not used anymore, are the historical artifacts of the city.

There are more than 25 mosques of historical importance in the city. The most important of these are Köprülü Mehmet Pasha and Sultan III. These are the mosques built by Selim’s Grand Vizier İzzet Mehmet Pasha, which are known with their own names.

The Cinci Inn, which has been put into service, and the Cinci Bath, which is still in use, were built by Safranbolulu Cinci Hodja, who rose to the consultancy of Sultan Deli İbrahim, and are among the works worth seeing in the city.

Production and trade in Safranbolu were carried out in various bazaars run by the Guild system. Demirciler, Bakırcılar, Kalaycılar and Semerciler Bazaars, where the production still continues today, maintains the handicraft in the city. Souvenirs unique to Safranbolu are sold in historical Yemeniciler Arastası and surrounding shops, which became a handicraft sales center after restoration.

Yoruk Village

On the Safranbolu-Araç road, 13 km from Safranbolu to the city. Yörük Village, which is at a distance, is an open air museum. Transportation is possible by taxi.

All protected houses and streets are well maintained. You can visit Kaymakçıoğlu Mansion, Sipahiler Mansion, Wooden Mosque and Laundry, which has been restored as an art gallery. In the village, pancakes and baklava can be eaten, and various souvenirs can be purchased. There is no accommodation.

Natural Beauties

Safranbolu has interesting natural beauties as well as historical monuments and houses. Dense forest areas, canyons and valleys are suitable for picnics as well as other touristic activities such as hiking, climbing and cycling.

Incekaya Aqueduct and canyon, Yörük Village with magnificent houses, Bulak and Hızar Caves, Hacılarobası and Rock Tombs around Üçbölük Village, Düzce Canyon, Sarıçiçek Plateau and Uluyayla, Gürleyik Picnic Area are the other tourism areas of the city.

TRANSPORTATION

Highway: It is possible to reach Safranbolu from three different directions by road. Separating from the Gerede section of the Ankara-Istanbul highway, 80 km. then arrive at Karabük. The district has a connection with Bartın province in the north direction and with Kastamonu province in the east.

Railway: It is possible to reach the city center of Karabük by rail. Railway transportation can be preferred for transportation between Karabük – Zonguldak.

Airway: The closest airport is Ankara Esenboğa (240 km)

Where is Safranbolu