Safranbolu Safranbolu, an Ottoman-era town situated along the vital trade route connecting east and west, has endured through centuries while preserving its distinctive combination of natural landscape and historic architecture. The city’s prime position fostered significant prosperity via commerce, establishing an urban development model that shaped the broader regions of the Ottoman Empire. Historical records indicate that the region has been inhabited since prehistoric eras, as shown by the presence of rock-cut tombs. The Turkish people took control of the town in the 11th century, quickly transforming it into an important hub along the main trade route. Notable surviving structures from this period include the Old Mosque, Old Bath, and Süleyman Pasha Medrese, all constructed in 1322 AD. The 17th century marked the height of the caravan trade, and numerous buildings from this era remain intact today. Among these are the Cinci Inn with its 60 guest rooms (built between 1640-1648), the Köprülü Mosque (1661), and the İzzet Pasha Mosque (1796). Additionally, there are many historic shops, stables, and baths scattered throughout the area. The Old Town of Safranbolu has successfully preserved a wealth of historic architecture, boasting 1008 registered cultural monuments. These include 25 mosques, 5 tombs, 8 historic fountains, 5 Turkish baths, 3 caravanserais, 1 clock tower, 1 sundial, along with hundreds of traditional houses and mansions. The region also features ancient settlement mounds, rock-cut tombs, and historic bridges. The Old Town is situated in a deep ravine within a dry zone shielded by mountain rain shadows, whereas the New Town lies on a plateau approximately two kilometers west of the Old Town. The name of the town is derived from the Greek term "polis" meaning city, combined with "saffron," reflecting its historical role as an important trading center for this valuable spice. Saffron cultivation continues in Davutobası, located 22 km east of Safranbolu, and is renowned as one of the finest quality saffrons worldwide. Thanks to its well-preserved Ottoman-era houses and architectural heritage, Safranbolu was officially inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. If you have any questions or would like more information about Safranbolu, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply message us via Whatsapp, and we will reply promptly.