Karabük

Step back in time inside the lovely old world style traditional homes of the charming city of Safranbolu which are unique in Turkey for their outstanding design and construction.

Karabük is Turkey’s leading industrial centre for iron and steel production. Not far from Karabük lies the charming Nature Park of Çamlık, a perfect place for rest and relaxation. The entire area is dotted with pine forests and there is a lovely tea garden and restaurant offering visitors a nice setting where they can enjoy the nature.

Further east inland is the charming city of Safranbolu. Step back in time inside the lovely old world style traditional homes, which are unique in Turkey for their outstanding design and construction. The most interesting of these include: Kaymakamlar House, Aygıroğlu House, and Asmazlar Havuzlu Konak which was restored and is now used as a hotel. The Mektepçiler House is also noteworthy just like the Hacı Memişler House. Paşa House is also restored and has been converted into a lovely cafe and pension. The castle on the hill offers a vista of the town. Be sure to see the Cinci Inn and Hamam (17th century Turkish bath), the İzzet Mehmet Paşa Mosque and Library (18th century), and the Köprülü Mosque of 17th century. Also worth seeing are the Dağdelen Mosque (18th century) and Kaçak Lütfiye Mosque (19th century). UNESCO recognized Safranbolu as an international cultural area and a world heritage.

City of Safranbolu

Located in Karabük in the Black Sea Region of Turkey, Safranbolu is a typical Ottoman city that has survived to the present day, with the architectural forms of buildings and streets illustrative of their period. At its zenith in the 17th century, Safranbolu’s architecture influenced urban development throughout much of the Ottoman Empire. The city was an important caravan station on the main east–west trade route from the 13th century to the advent of the railway in the early 20th century. Built in 1322, the Old Mosque, Old Bath and Süleyman Paşa Madrasah are the most prominent examples of Ottoman architecture in the city.

Safranbolu originally takes its name from the saffron fields that dotted the area in the 19th century. Today, saffron fields abound in the village of Davutobası, 20 km away, where a thriving saffron business continues. Before leaving, be sure not to miss the Arasta (Old Bazaar) where you can watch craftsmen at work and bargain with them for their goods. Safranbolu is also known for the Bulak Cave which is one of the largest caves in Turkey.

About 36 km south of Karabük is Eskipazar, where the ancient city of Hadrianopolis came to light. Excavations, which are still continuing, have revealed stunning mosaics from the Roman period. Eskipazar is also home to the old Ömer Beyler Mansion. This restored mansion is famous for its ornately decorated ceilings.

One of nature’s gifts to Karabük is the Yenice Forests in the county of Yenice. With a rich biodiversity, the Yenice Forests have been designated a naturally protected area for their monumental trees. The Şeker Canyon in the Yenice Forests is a perfect choice for adventurers and hikers in all seasons. Eflani and Ovacık counties with their natural beauties and small lakes are ideal places for escaping from the city life.