Haberler
SAFRANBOLU of HISTORY / 3 Haziran 2009
The region wass known as Paphlagonia in ancient times. Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, Persians, Ponds, Romans, Seljuks, Çobanoğulları, and Ottomans held the power in the region.
Safranbolu was conquered by the Turks in 1196 during the period of Muhiddin Mesut Şah, son of Kılıç Arslan II the Seljuk Sultan. Throughout the history Safranbolu was ruled by Çobanoğulları between 1213-1280, Candaroğulları 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, Kazdağlıoğlu Mosque, İzzet Mehmet Pasha Mosque, Dağdalen Mosque, Tokatlı Bridge, İncekaya Aquaduct (arch), Clock Tower, Historical Fountains, Hidayetullah Mosque, Bazaars, arches are the witnesses of the time.Kazasker Cinci Hodja, Grand Vizier İzzet Mehmet Pasha, Grand Captain Salih Pasha who grew up in Safranbolu in this period enabled close relationship between Safranbolu and the Otoman Palace. Famous Grand Vizier Köprülü Mehmet Pasha was exiled to Safranbolu for a period of time. Especially after building of Cinci Caravanserai and as the city was on Silk Road that improved the economy of the city in terms of trade production, traditional handicraft, enriched the social life.
Such development formed the settlement of Safranbolu in two sections as winter and summer resort.
Hence urbanization and construction quality and social relationships are the reflections of these cultural backgrounds.
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 “Bağlar’’ 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 Bağlar. This helped the protection of the city.
It was declared as ‘’Urbanized Site’’ by the Ministry of Culture on 8.10.1976 and taken under protection. It was included in the “World Heritage List” by Unesco in 1994 in terms of its exceptional and universal cultural values. The number of the master pieces under protection is 1131.
Tourism sector which improvers friendship and mutual respect among people has been developing day by day in Safranbolu.
Traditional Turkish houses are adopted to tourism as hotels, pensions, cafes and bars
