Safranbolu Travel Guide
Town off Magnificent Ottoman Mansions
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Lying around a 100km south of the Black Sea coast Safranbolu has been a trading centre for many centuries and takes its name from the historic trade in saffron flowers. Ottoman-era merchants became wealthy and built many fine mansions in the town and these together with its other notable architectural gems form the centrepiece of what is now an internationally important town and, since 1994, a World Heritage Site.
Safranbolu has been ruled over by Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, Persians, Romans, Seljuks and the Ottomans. The cultural, economic and social structure of the town reached its highest level between 17th and 19th centuries. It was during this period that the wealthy merchants started to construct their mansions. The town is split into two with a lower town called Şehir (where the historic Çarşı area can be found) used in winter and a second, upper area, called Bağlar used in summer when the weather is warmer. Many people keep two houses in the different areas of town.
Attractions in Safranbolu
Key buildings to see include the half-timbered ‘konaks’ or mansions that line Arasta Sokak, the Covered Way, the Cinci Han, Cinci Hamam and Köprülü Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Houses that are open to the public include the Kyamakamlar house with its harem (for the women) and seramlık (for the men). The Kilerciler house was built in 1884; its foundations are made of stone and the upper floors are timber-framed; again it has a harem & selamlık, both with separate entrances. 11km away lies the Yörük Köyü or ‘Nomad’s Village’ which is worth visiting to explore its historic houses.
Activities in Safranbolu
Allow around 2 days to explore the town which is a delight to wander on foot, more if you intend using it as a base from which to do some walking. Walks can be arranged by a local travel expert and can be of any duration up to around a week.
Relaxing
What better way to relax than to enjoy a bath in the famous Cinci Hamam?
Getting Around
Allow around 2 days to explore the town which is a delight to wander on foot, more if you intend using it as a base from which to do some walking.
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