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SAFRANBOLU
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Safranbolu is a beautifully preserved Ottoman town in the Black Sea region of Turkey located about 4.5 hours east of Istanbul and about 4 hours north of Ankara. Now a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, Safranbolu is a museum in itself, with its charming Ottoman houses lining cobblestone lanes and traditional craftsmen still practicing their trade.
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Safranbolu
gets its name from saffron, which is grown
throughout the area. Safranbolu is
also famous for its delicious lokum,
or Turkish Delight. If you have the time
to visit, Safranbolu is a town not to be
missed.
As with many towns throughout Turkey, Safranbolu has a long history of |
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settlement and conquest by the different cultures that inhabited ancient Anatolia. Safranbolu's 'modern' history dates back to the Ottoman period. Located on a main trade route between Gerede and the Black Sea, Safranbolu became an important caravan station for traders. Bolstered by this growing wealth, Safranbolu's merchants started building elaborate houses whose architectural style influenced urban development throughout much of the Ottoman Empire. |
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Along with the many houses that are now open to the public as museums or lodging, other buildings of interest include Cinci Han, a carvansaray built in the 17th century, and the Shoemaker's Arasta market, where you can watch coppersmiths, shoemakers, and pack-saddlemakers practicing their craft in and around the market. |
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The area around Safranbolu is known for its natural beauty, and there are many things to see in the surrounding areas. The residents of Safranbolu would head to Baglar during the summer months, and you can see more examples of Ottoman archtecture in this summer retreat. The village of Yorukkoy, about 12 km from Safranbolu, gained its wealth from bread-making and has many beautifully preserved homes. For the outdoor enthusiast, the area around Safranbolu has several caves to discover as well as great trekking in the hills and canyons surrounding the town.
For more information on Safranbolu, visit Safranbolu Hotels or
Safranbolu
Tours. |
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