Safranbolu, Ottoman heritage town in Black Sea region, Turkey.
Safranbolu is a town in Karabük Province within the Black Sea region of Turkey, known for its more than one thousand protected buildings made of timber. The lanes wind past mosques with slender minarets, public fountains, and old baths, while the upper floors of the houses often extend out over the street edge.
The town grew during medieval times as a resting point for caravans traveling between Istanbul and the Black Sea coast. In the 19th century it reached its greatest economic importance through trade in regional goods such as leather, tobacco, and the spice after which it is named.
The timber houses are divided into two floors, with the upper level often projecting over the street and marked by carved wooden decorations. Many of these homes now serve as guesthouses, allowing visitors to sleep in historical rooms furnished with traditional rugs and low couches.
The town is best explored on foot, as most historical buildings lie within a compact area and the streets are often too narrow for car traffic. Slopes between different quarters can be tiring, so comfortable shoes are advisable and it helps to allow time for breaks.
Some of the old houses contain hidden rooms behind wall panels that once served as secure storage for trade goods. These hiding places are still visible in individual buildings today and show how merchants protected their valuable items from thieves.
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