Safranbolu

Safranbolu: A Timeless Ottoman Treasure
Nestled in Karabuk Province in Turkey’s Black Sea region, Safranbolu is a town where history and culture come to life. Formerly known as Zalifre and Taraklıborlu, the town is divided into three districts: Kırankoy, Baglar, and Carsı.

The name Safranbolu originates from saffron, a spice that was widely traded here. Today, Davutobası village, located 22 km outside the town, continues to produce some of the world’s highest-quality saffron. The spice is still used in Turkish desserts and carpet dyes. The region is also known for its Çavuş grapes, prized for their thin skin and sweet flavor.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Safranbolu was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994, recognized for its well-preserved Ottoman-era houses and architecture. The old town boasts an impressive collection of historic buildings, including:

A museum
25 mosques and 5 tombs
8 historical fountains and 5 Turkish baths
3 caravanserais
A historic clock tower and a sundial
Hundreds of Ottoman mansions
Beyond its architecture, Safranbolu is also known for its unpredictable weather. Summer days often end with sudden thunderstorms, plunging the valley into dramatic darkness.

Easily accessible from Istanbul (a four-hour drive), Safranbolu is an excellent alternative to Turkey’s more tourist-heavy destinations. If you enjoy off-the-beaten-path sites, you might also be interested in Konya, Şanlıurfa, and Kayseri.

History of Safranbolu
Safranbolu’s history dates back to 3000 BC, having been home to various civilizations, including:

Romans
Byzantines
Seljuks
Ottomans
During the 17th century, Safranbolu thrived as a key stop along the Ottoman Silk Road, bringing wealth, status, and royal residents to the town.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Safranbolu’s wealthy families built mansions from sun-dried mud bricks, wood, and stucco. Many owned multiple homes, including a summer house and a winter townhouse.

By the 19th century, Safranbolu had a majority Greek population, until the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Turkey. As a result, many Greek buildings were altered, including the Church of St. Stephen, which was converted into the Great Mosque.

Top Attractions in Safranbolu
Ottoman Houses
The Ottoman houses of Safranbolu offer a window into Turkish social life from the 18th and 19th centuries. These multi-story homes—often featuring 6 to 12 rooms—were designed to accommodate large families.

Notable architectural elements include:

Separate quarters for men and women
Intricate woodwork, carved walls, and painted ceilings
“Donme dolaplar” (revolving cupboards) for passing food between rooms unseen
Hidden bathrooms inside cupboards
Courtyards (“hayats”) used for keeping animals and tools
Today, many of these well-preserved homes have been converted into hotels, museums, and artisan shops.

Yoruk Koyu
Once a Bektashi dervish village, Yörük Köyü is now filled with abandoned Ottoman houses. The village became wealthy through its bread-making industry, proving that “man could survive on bread alone.”

Notable sites include:

Sipahioglu Konagi, showcasing innovative heating systems and Ottoman architecture
A 12-sided communal laundry area, designed for women of varying heights

Bulak Mencilis Cave
Located 10 km from Safranbolu, this extensive cave system was only recently opened to the public. Visitors can explore 400 meters of the cave, admiring stalactites, stalagmites, and underground chambers.

İncekaya Aqueduct
Situated 7 km from Safranbolu, the İncekaya Aqueduct was originally a Byzantine structure, later restored in 1790 by İzzet Mehmet Pasha. Spanning a deep gorge, the aqueduct offers stunning views of unspoiled countryside.

Why Visit Safranbolu?
With its Ottoman heritage, well-preserved mansions, and scenic landscapes, Safranbolu is a step back in time. The town offers a peaceful alternative to Turkey’s bustling tourist centers, making it a must-visit for history lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.

For an authentic experience, explore Safranbolu’s narrow streets, sip saffron-infused tea, and stay in a restored Ottoman mansion.