Safranbolu Travel

Safranbolu is located in the Karabük Province in the Black Sea Region of Turkey. It is located approximately 200 kilometers north of Ankara and about a hundred kilometers south of the Black Sea coast. It is about 9 kilometers north of the city of Karabük.

Safranbolu was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1994 due to its well-preserved Ottoman era houses and architecture.


History

Safranbolu’s history dates back around 3,000 years and has been host to many civilizations including the Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans. There are many tumulis and ancient graves in the Safranbolu area which provide proof of settlement during the early Bronze Age.

When the Roman Empire split in 395AD, the city became part of the Byzantine Empire. Although Turks took power in 1196, control of Safranbolu switched between the Empires for many years and contrary views remain regarding when the Ottomans took definitive power of the city.

There were a series of civil wars beginning in 1402 and it was only when Sultan Mehmet united the Ottomans that the city was definitively rested in Ottoman hands. The administrative structure of Safranbolu changed many times throughout its history. The town’s first mayor was Haci Muhammed Aga, who took power in 1870.

Safranbolu’s importance is often linked to its strategic position on the Silk Road and it was an important caravan trading post, especially well known for its top quality saffron, for which the city is named for.
Navigation

Located at the west of Black Sea Region in Turkey, Safranbolu has the coordinates as 41 degree 16 minute northern latitude, 32 degree 41 minute eastern longitude. It's a borough of Karabük Province and 10km from Karabük on the southwest, 70 km from Amasra on the north, 225 km from Ankara on the south and 390 km from Istanbul on the west.
Weather

Safranbolu's climate takes on characteristics of the Black Sea and Central Anatolian regions of Turkey. The city enjoys hot summers, cold winters and mild spring and autumn seasons.

Jan 18, 2010 http://www.dmi.gov.tr/en-US/forecast-cities.aspx?m=karabuk
Turkish State Meteorological Service
Getting there
By plane

There are no airports close to Safranbolu.
By train

There is a Karaelmas Ekspresi ('Black Diamond Express') train which runs from Ankara to Zonguldak. Those bound for Safranbolu should exit the train at the 'Karabuk' stop and take a taxi or bus to Safranbolu from there. Up to date timetable information, prices and bookings can be done through the Turkish State Railways website: [1]
By car

Those coming to Safranbolu by car along the Ankara-Istanbul Highway should take the 'Gerede' exit and continue north. There are signs directing travellers to Karabuk and Safranbolu.
By bus

The easiest way to reach Safranbolu by bus is to take one of the many direct services to nearby Karabuk, from where frequent minibuses make the 8km journey to Kirankoy. There are some direct buses which run from Ankara to Kirankoy (4 hours). From Istanbul-Karabuk it take 6 - 7 hours.
By boat

As Safranbolu is located inland, it is not possible to reach by boat.
Getting around
By car
By public transport

The easiest way to get around Safranbolu is by dolmus (shared taxi). There are regular dolmus services which run between the new town and old town of Safranbolu, a distance of about 2km. There are also local buses which run from the main square in Carsi (the old town) to the roundabout in Kirankoy and finish in Bağlar at the Köyiçi stop.
By foot

Safranbolu is easily accessible by walking, and is a good way to take in the history and architecture of Carsi (the old town) and its historic houses.
By bike
See

Most visitors come to Safranbolu to see its impressive houses. There are over 1,000 preserved Ottoman buildings which date to the 18th and 19th centuries. Almost all of the structures have been preserved, giving a rare glimpse into life during Ottoman times.

The town functions as a virtual open air museum. There are a number of public buildings worth visiting including the Cinci Hodja Hamam (Turkish bath), the Tennaries Clock Tower, an old hospital and city hall, mosques, the Incekaya Aqueduct and many private homes which are open to the public. The houses, many of which have between 6 and 9 rooms over 3-4 stories, reflect the large number of family members which once inhabited them. Intricate carvings can be found on some interior walls and ceilings of the houses.

Other popular attractions include the Köprülü Mehmet Paşa Camii (Mosque) which dates to 1661; the historic 17th century Cinci Hamam which is still in operation; the Cinci Hanı caravanserai which was constructed in 1645 and is now a hotel; and Hıdırlık Parkı (Hidirlik Park).
Do

Take a wander through the old town, admiring the UNESCO World Heritage preserved buildings.


Events and Festivals

Safranbolu welcomes filmmakers who are interested in documentarism to INTERNATIONAL GOLDEN SAFFRON DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL once a year in September.
Eat

Safranbolu has a large selection of cafes and restaurants. Some of the more popular of these include:

Cevrikkopru- this restaurant has 3 branches in Safranbolu and offers a variety of grills and traditional Turkish meals.

Merkez Lokantasi- located opposite the Köprülü Mehmet Paşa Mosque, this eatery is popular with both locals and travellers.
Drink

Asmaalti Cafe & Bar serves up food and live music.

Sleep

There are a fair variety of accommodation options in Safranbolu, the most popular of which are the many hotels, pensions and guesthouses located inside the restored Ottoman houses. Most hotels are in the mid-range category but there are also some budget and high-end options available.
Budget

Bastocu Hotel & Pension- This small historic pension has shared dormitories and private rooms as well as a garden.

Safranbolu Camlica Konagi- this 3-storey family-run mansion has capacity for 35 guests in 10 bedrooms.
Mid-Range

Cesmeli Konak- This hotel was built in the 19th century and maintains traditional Turkish decor and decoration.

Efe Guesthouse- this Ottoman-era guesthouse is over 180 years old and has a roof terrace which enjoys views over the city.
Upscale

Gulevi Hotel- set inside two renovated Ottoman houses, this historic hotel has all modern amenities.

Cinci Han Hotel- situated inside a 17th century building, Cinci Han Hotel has a variety of suites to choose from, as well as a restaurant, cafe, bar and conference facilities.
Learn

Karabuk Universitesi Safranbolu Meslek Yuksekokulu [2] is a vocational school as a part of Karabuk university. The mission of the Safranbolu Vocational School is to reach, produce, apply and promote knowledge, and to educate individuals with that knowledge for the social, cultural, scientific and technological development of the society.
Keep connected
Internet
Phone

Phone code for Safranbolu is +90 (370)


Post office PTT is located at Yeni Mahallesi, Sadri Artunç Caddesi, No:82 in the town and the phone number is +90-370-712 6733.
Safety

EMNİYET MÜDÜRLÜĞÜ - Police Department's phone number is (+90) 370 712 12 22

JANDARMA KOMUTANLIĞI - District Gendarmerie Command's phone number is (+90) 370 712 12 20
Stay Healthy

Safranbolu Devlet Hastanesi (State Hospital) [3] is located at İnönü Mahallesi, Sağlık Sokak in Safranbolu and the phone number is (+90) 370 712 11 87.