Safranbolu

Researches, which are made in some caves in Safranbolu and its surrounding, whow that first settlements here date back paleolithic period. Region is ruled firstly by Hittites by beginning from B.C. 1500 years, and then Phyrygians in B.C. 8th Century, and then respectively Cimmerians, Lydians, Persians,Macenonians, Bithynians, Romans and Byzantines, Anatolian Seljuks, Çobanoğulları Beylic, Candoğullaro. After it witnesses Mongol invasion in 1243, it enters under rule of Ilhanlılar and again Candaroğulları and finally Safranbolu is included into Ottoman lands in 1461. It is said that this name is given to Safranbolu because saffron herb is growing here. However, it is understood that name of city is Dadybra before Anatolian Seljuks Empire, Seljuks change it is Zalifre, and then it is used as Taraklı Borlu, Zağferanbolu, Zafranboli and finally it take the shape of Safranbolu, which is used today. All architectural structures, located in Safranbolu, belong to Candaroğulları and Ottoman periods. Substantial parts of these old architectural structures, located in Safranbolu, belong to Candaroğulları and Ottoman periods. Substantial pars of these old architectural structures are repaired and put into service. 1322 dated Gazi Süleyman Pasha Mosque, belonging to Candaroğullları period, and said that it is turned from the church to mosque; and its madrasah and bath, Taşminare Mosque are some of the works, constructed by the rder of Köprülü Mehmet Pasha in 1661 in the Ottoman period, 1718 dated Hidayetullah Mosque, constructed by the order of Hidayet Aga, Dağdelen Mosque, 1779 dated Kazdağlı Mosque, 1796 dated Izzet Mehmet Pasha Mosque; Lütfiye Mosque, constructed by the order of Hacı Hüsnü Bey in 1878; 1884 dated Mescid Mosque, Kavaflar Bazaar, Safranbolu Bazaar, Yemeniciler Bazaar, 1797 dated Clock Tower; District Governors House, serving as museum, 1648 dated Cincihan, 1845 dated Hacı Emin Efendi Tomb, 1871 dated Sheikh Mustafa Tomb, Köprülü Fountain, Salih Pasha Fountain, Sadullah Fountain, Pasha Pınarı Fountain are some of the old structures in the city. The most beautiful works of the city are “Safranbolu Houses”, which are symbol and historical identity of the city. These gouses, belonging to 18th and 19th century and made of stone and wooden, are protected and repaired and people are living in these houses today.