Safranbolu is a town of Karabük in the west of the Black Sea region. The city of Safranbolu and its historical buildings, houses and culture  are different. Safranbolu is very sumptuous with its historical houses and streets. You can feel history in Safranbolu.

Safranbolu is a treasure and most important example of preservation. It is like a time tunnel with its houses, fountains, castle, clock tower, mosques, inns, baths and bridges which have rich backgraund. 

While you are walking on the streets, you can see historical houses, lean the old walls and drink water from old fountains.

Except for unigue historical buildings, Safranbolu has caves, canyons, plateaus, king graves, villages, grape and saffron gardens and delights. Safranbolu became important tourism center.

History Shortcut

The region was known as Paphlagonia in ancient times. Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, Persians, Ponds, Romans, Seljuks, ÇobanoÄŸulları, and Ottomans held the power in the region.

Safranbolu was conquered by the Turks in 1196. Throughout the history Safranbolu was ruled by ÇobanoÄŸulları between 1213-1280, CandaroÄŸulları between 1326-1354 and Ottomans between 1354-1402. After a short while it was reconquered by the Ottomans in 1423.
The Culturel, economic and social structure of the city reached its highest level between 17th – 19th centuries. It is possible to see the historical buildings in its original environment. Cinci Inn, Cinci Bath, Köprülü Mehmet Pasha Mosque, KazdaÄŸlıoÄŸlu Mosque, Ä°zzet Mehmet Pasha Mosque, DaÄŸdalen Mosque, Tokatlı Bridge, Ä°ncekaya Aquaduct (arch), Clock Tower, Historical Fountains, Hidayetullah Mosque, Bazaars, arches are the witnesses of the time.

The winter houses were located in a valley formed by two creeks and called “Town Centre’’. This is the region in which the following occupations were practiced were blacksmith, coppersmith, saddlery, packsaddle making, timber trade. The shops were arranged according to the guild system.

On the other hand summer houses are located in “BaÄŸlar’’ which is cooler than ‘’the town centre’’ and surrounded by vineyards and gardens. It is about 3,5 km from city and difference of altitude is 350 meters.

Hıdırlı Hill, Hasandede Rock, Graveyard and the Castle determined as the panaromic points. Houses having 5, the city having 7 facades carry delicacy, aesthetic and elegance which remind us the wise and human approciating values of the our grand parents. None of the houses restrict the vision of others. During the construction period the rights of the neighbours were taken in to consideration.

The establishment of Turkish Iron and Steel Works in Karabük in 1937 provided a new settlement place (Hastarla) between bazaar and BaÄŸlar. This helped the protection of the city.

Transportation

It is possible to reach the town - 82 km highway from Gerede junction to Karabük – on Ankara-Ä°stanbul highway. It is 8 km to Karabük, 80 km to Bartın and 105 km to Kastamonu cities.

See Safranbolu pictures

Some Hotels are here