Safranbolu

RICH HISTORY OF SAFRANBOLU

The site of Safranbolu has been occupied by human settlements today from past. With this aspect, it has carried the traces of prehistoric times like rock-cut tombs and a Roman temple in the vicinity.

Also including various colours, contrasts and discrepancies this dreamy, fertile land firstly named as Paflagonya has hosted the countless and deep-rooted civilizations such as Hittites, Phrygians, Lydian, Persians, Hellenistic Kingdoms, Eastern Roman  empire(Byzantines), Seljuk and Ottomans.

After the Crusaders who made a great damage to Asia Minor in order to capture Jarusselam, the town was conquered by Seljuk Sultan Muhiddin Mesud Sah in 1196. He named the city as ‘’Zalifre’’ and used Sinop, Kastamonu, Safranbolu , Gerede and Sögüt as a hinterland.

During the time of the Ottoman Empire, the influences of Islam were made clearly on the buildings. Old Mosque, old Bath, and Madrasah of Suleiman Pasha were built in that era. Cinci Hodja Inn with its sixty guest rooms (1640-48), Caravanserai, the Köprülü Mosque (1661) and the Izzet Pasha Mosque (1796), many store complexes known as Arasta, stables, inns and baths were added during the Ottoman Empire. But most important event is the town called as Borlu or Zafranbolu reached that its peak period for both economic and cultural aspects as to be main trade centre in between Istanbul and Sinop in 17th century on the famous Silk Road.

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