Summer means happy times and good sunshine. Now I take the summer off, relax and enjoy as much as I can. There is nothing I like better during a hot summer's day than taking a short visit in Turkey town called Safranbolu. Safranbolu is a typical Ottoman city that has survived to the present day. It is the traditional houses of Safranbolu that have earned the city a world-wide reputation. With thier unique architecture and locations, the houses of Safranbolu gave me an insight into the former Turkish lifestyle. The name of the town derives from "saffron", and Safranbolu is where the best quality saffron in the world is produced. Being used in pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries, it carries the title of being the most expensive spice in the world.
An amazing city! It is an remote location but the specific architecture, unique style that convinced UNESCO to declare the city as an World Heritage Site, and surrounding landscape makes the trip worthwhile. My hotel was in an old house (Konak) built about 250 years ago and converted to B&B. The town is old and quaint with a shopping Bazaar that took a couple of hours for me to walk.
The architecture was unique, people were friendly, food was good. Walking around Safranbolu was so pleasant, I wished I had allotted more time. It was a slice of the past with the restoration and preservation of so many old ottoman houses. The coffee gardens made delicious coffee in the old Turkish style in hot coals. Please add in to your must travel towns list.
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