SAFRANBOLU
Safranbolu, formally known as Zalifre and Tarakliborlu, is a town of the Karabuk Province in the Black Sea region of Turkey. The town is divided into three districts, Kirankoy, Baglar and Carsi. The name Safranbolu is derived from saffron, which was traded throughout Safranbolu. Today saffron is still grown in fields 22 kilometres out of the town, in the village of Davutobasi, which is renowned for having some of the world’s best saffron. Throughout the town saffron is used in Turkish deserts and as a dye for carpets. The area of Safranbolu is also famous for its Cavus grapes, with extremely thin skin and sweet flavour.
However Safranbolu is best known for its listing in 1994 on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its well preserved Ottoman era houses and architecture. The old town has many well preserved buildings, including; a museum, 25 mosques, 5 tombs, 8 historical fountains, 5 Turkish baths, 3 caravanserais, a historic clock tower, a sundial and hundreds of houses and mansions. There are also ancient ruins throughout the old and new towns.
A unique feature of Safranbolu is its erratic weather patterns, with summer days often ending in thunderstorms, which envelope the sunken valley into darkness.
HISTORYThe history of Safranbolu dates back as far as 3000 BC. The town was once a Roman province, hosting many civilizations including; the Romans, Byzantines, Seljuk’s and Ottoman Empires. During the 17th century Safranbolu was on the main Ottoman trade route, famously known as the silk route. This brought commerce, prominence and money to Safranbolu and became a popular residence for Ottoman Royalty.
During the 18th and 19th centuries many of the wealthy inhabitants of Safranbolu began constructing mansions out of sun-dried mud bricks, wood and stucco. Many of the wealthy families owed two houses each, and another town house used for winter breaks. During the 19th century the majority of the population was Greek, until the population exchange in 1923. After the population exchange, many building were altered, including the main church dedicated to St Stephen, which was turned into a Great Mosque.
SIGHTSSafranbolu is rich in history and cultural heritage. Besides the many Ottoman style houses, there are also public buildings of interest throughout the town.
OTTOMAN HOUSESOttoman style houses are a perfect example of Turkish social life and the old civilisation of the 18th and 19th century. The planning and size of the houses was deeply affected by the large size of the Turkish families. Most of these Ottoman houses are two or three stories, with 6 to 9 rooms. With some larger houses having up to 12 rooms, divided into men’s and women’s quarters. Each room had detailed decorations, with delicate woodwork, carved walls, ample window space and ceiling decorations. Most houses were entered through a high wall, which opened into a garden area, allowing the women of the houses to do their chores without being seen by others.
Other notable features of Ottoman style houses include; hayats (courtyards for animals and tools), donme dolaplar (revolving cupboards for passing food from one room to another without being seen), bathrooms hidden inside cupboards and sedirs (bench seating, which ran around the walls, which could be converted into a bed or cupboard).
Walking the streets of Safranbolu every house is distinct and freshly restored. Many of these houses are open to the public, or have been transformed into hotels, shops of museums.
YORUK KOYUYoruk Koyu was a dervish Bektasi village, which is now filled with crumbling old houses. The residents wished to prove that man could survive on bread alone and grew rich from their baking expertise. The Sipahioglu Konagi Gezi Evi is worth visiting to truly understand the extent the Bektasi people went to. There is an incredible heating system and gazebo. Nearby the old village laundry is also worthwhile, with a 12 sided table with varying heights for the women who worked there.
BULAK MENCILIS MAGARASIBulak Mencilis Magarasi is located 10 kilometres from Safranbolu and is an elaborate network of caves. Only opened to the public a few years ago, you can only walk in 400 metres. The cave is filled with stunning stalagmites and stalactites.
INCEKAYA AQUEDUCTLocated 7 kilometres outside of Safranbolu is the Byzantine aqueduct, Su Kemeri. The aqueduct was restored in 1790 by Izzet Mehmet Pasa, who was also responsible for many fo the building in Safranbolu, including one of the best mosques. The aqueduct spans a gorge and unspoilt countryside.