Safranbolu, a typical historic Ottoman city attracts tourists despite pandemic restrictions

It is reported that Safranbolu which is known as a typical Ottoman city in northern Turkey has attracted domestic and foreign tourists, with nine times its population in 2020 despite coronavirus restrictions, thanks to its historic architectural character.

Located in the Black Sea province of Karabük, Safranbolu is included in the UNESCO World Heritage list and vividly reflects the Ottoman period. The town owes this performance to 50,000 residents who have managed to ensure the town retains traditional features of Turkish society and culture.

Based on figures shared by the local tourism authority, SAFRANBOLU hosted more than 480,000 domestic and foreign tourists in 2020. The report issued by said authority says more than 120,000 visitors stayed in traditional houses built in the town, between the 18th and 20th centuries. These houses are known to consist of three floors and up to eight rooms. They are built of stone rather than wood. The town is described as an open-air museum and the area offers traditional inns, baths, mansions, mosques and bridges.

It was also noted in the report that most foreign tourists had come from Taiwan, China, South Korea and Germany, last year. The town is named after the saffron flower that is grown in the area which was once an important center on the historic Silk Road. Experts draw attention to the fact that before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 1.2 million tourists visited the region, in 2019.