Göynük (District)
Have you ever imagined traveling? When you visit Göynük, you will find yourself immersed in a complete Ottoman town, surrounded by ancient yet beautiful stories. This place is a peaceful and very old settlement nestled among the mountains of Bolu. Let’s explore this fairytale town together!
Why Is Göynük So Special?
Göynük was selected in 2017 as one of the few “Quiet Cities” in the world. This means the town has preserved its natural environment and traditional culture exceptionally well. As you walk through its streets, you can see approximately 175-year-old Turkish houses with flower-filled windows. These houses are so unique that the entire town is protected as an “urban conservation area”.
The Palace’s Backyard and Scholars
Did you know that for centuries Göynük supplied the Ottoman palace with its kitchen needs and was therefore known as the “Palace’s Backyard”? Moreover, an important historical figure lived here: Akşemseddin! He was the teacher of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, the conqueror of Istanbul. Akşemseddin was not only a religious scholar but also a distinguished scientist in medicine, mathematics, and astronomy.
The White Tower on the Hill: Victory Tower
When you look up to the highest hill in the town, you will see a white wooden tower. This is the Victory Tower. It was built in 1922 in memory of the Sakarya Victory during the War of Independence. When you climb beside the tower, Göynük lies entirely beneath your feet, giving you the feeling of gazing at a living painting.
Entertainment in the Embrace of Nature
Göynük is not just about old buildings! Around it lie wonderful natural sites such as Çubuk Lake and Sünnet Lake. Here you can take walks with your family and listen to the sounds of nature by the lakeside. If you are lucky, you may also witness how colorful fabrics known as “Tokalı Örtme” are woven on traditional handlooms.
Göynük's significance lies in Akşemseddin (Generated by artificial intelligence.)
Akşemseddin Hazretleri (1389–1459): A multifaceted Turkish scholar who taught Fatih Sultan Mehmet, conducted research on microorganisms, and studied astronomy. His tomb is located in the courtyard of Gazi Süleyman Paşa Camii in Göynük.
