What to see in Safranbolu (Türkiye), traditional Ottoman architecture

The city of Safranbolu is the best set of ottoman architecture that you will find in a trip through Türkiye.

It will surely be one of the most pleasant surprises on any tour of the interior of Western Anatolia.

For centuries it was an important stage on the caravan routes, and its development, adapting to the changes produced by its growth over time, and its good conservation, makes it Safranbolu in the best example of urban planning in the entire Ottoman Empire.

It is not surprising that in 1994 the Unesco will include it in the list of World Heritage for the integrity and authenticity of its historic center.

Where is and how to get to Safranbolu

Located just over 400 kilometers east of Istanbul, it is easily reached Safranbolu in about five hours of bus travel.

Many travelers visit it on the way to Ankara and Cappadocia. and others also take the opportunity to get closer from here to the Black Sea and visit the stretch of coastline around Amasra.

One attraction of Safranbolu is to spend at least one night in any of the accommodations open in konaks, traditional ottoman houses, which are abundant in the city and are very affordable in price.

A majority of konaks that are preserved were built in the 18th and 19th centuries, although there are quite a few monuments that date back much earlier, from the 14th century.

History of Safranbolu, a World Heritage Site in Türkiye

It must be taken into account that since the 13th century it was a crossing point of trade routes that linked the Black Sea with the interior of Anatolia and those that linked Constantinople with Nibujon.

Its heyday diminished with the appearance of the railway about 100 years ago and then it became a city frozen in time.

The important of Safranbolu It is not only that it has kept its traditional urban set, conveniently rehabilitated with an interesting restoration project that began in 1975, it adapts perfectly to the landscape.

The place, a narrow valley with vertical walls, has been inhabited at least since the 6th century BC, and all the civilizations that occupied it have passed through here. Anatolia, including the Persians, Romans and Byzantines.

The current name of the city derives from saffron, of which it was an important producer in Ottoman times, although now it is hardly cultivated in the area.

What to see on the Safranbolu sightseeing tour

One of the curiosities of the urban layout of Safranbolu is that the city is divided into three completely different areas.

The one that has the real interest is the Old Safranbolu, which is the lower part embedded in the bottom of the valley and is known as Carsi (Market).

At the top there is Bags, which was the summer residential area, and the third area is Kiranköy, the modern neighborhood that is not attractive to the visitor.

Before, it was customary, especially among wealthy families, to spend the winter in the lower part and in spring to move to the upper part because the bottom of the valley was well protected from the winter winds.

The industrial development of the area in the 20th century, with the construction of factories and housing for workers, has affected the entire area. Baglar upper neighborhood, but has left intact the slum.

It is, therefore, the part known as Carsi which is interesting and which we will focus on during our visit.

Safranbolu It is one of the cases in which it is advisable to buy a plan in the tourist office in order to locate all the mansions open to visitors and all the curious corners.

Hotels also have maps of the city, but they have much less detail.

Walking aimlessly, observing the complex and enjoying its atmosphere, is the best way to explore Carsi, a complex that remains as it did centuries ago with hardly any modern constructions.

Konaks in Safranbolu

After the restoration of the neighborhood, many konaks They have been converted into hotels, shops and museums, but there is also a lot of traditional life with traditional neighbors and businesses.

A good place to start the tour is Hidirlik Tepesi, a hill that allows you to get an idea of ​​the urban complex and enjoy a good panoramic view.

The most imposing building in the complex Safranbolu es Cinci Hani, caravanserai from the 17th century that recalls its importance in the caravan routes from the interior of Anatolia.

From the outside it looks like a small fortress, but now it is a hotel but you can visit it, especially the interior patio surrounded by two-story arches, a very common structure in this type of construction.

Turkish bath with massage in Safranbolu

A few meters away and in the main square, where the bus stop is. filled (the minibuses), is Cinci Haman, the building of the Turkish baths.

The two domes tell us that it has two different sections, for men and women, and therefore there are no different schedules for each, as happens in small baths that only have one room.

It must be said that it is highly recommended to try a Turkish bath with massage on a trip to Türkiye, and that in small cities like Safranbolu The experience is usually more satisfying and authentic than in large capitals.

Furthermore, this place is one of the most famous in the entire country, so it is recommended to take advantage of the opportunity.

The end of the day, after a day of traveling or visiting, is a good time to enjoy it and get to know this aspect of Turkish culture.

Mosques in Safranbolu

La mosque which is right next to it Kazdagi Camii and it is from the end of the 18th century.

There are other mosques that they find when walking through Safranbolu.

Of Izzet Pasha It was built by a grand vizier of the empire and has some influences from European architecture.

La Köprülü Mehmet Pasha Mosque It is older, and among the curious details is the sundial that it has in the patio.

Buying at a bazaar in Safranbolu

This mosque is located next to the Yemeniciler Arastasi, bazar very well restored.

Originally it was the shoemakers' bazaar and the “Yemeni” that give it its name are the typical Anatolian leather slippers.

Now many of the shops sell products to visitors and it is the place to buy saffron crafts and soaps.

A little further away are the Demirciler Çarsisi, blacksmiths bazaar, and Bakircilar Çarsisi, copper bazaar.

Traditional house museums in Safranbolu

Several traditional mansions have become museums, and visiting some allows you to know the details of the great konaks from another time.

Kaymakamiar Müze Evi is a typical house in which each of its floors is divided into five rooms organized around a central piece.

Kileciler Konagi is a most spectacular house, with an attractive wooden decoration, and allows a glimpse of a lifestyle from another time.

Finally, another very attractive detail of Safranbolu Are the "sebil”, wall fountains that have very intricate decoration, often carved in marble.