Safranbolu Houses

In the city of Karabük in Türkiye, there are exceptionally unique houses that have survived from the past to the present: the Safranbolu Houses. These houses are both very old and highly interesting. When you look at them, it feels as if you are peering through a window into the lives of people who lived in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Special Layout of the Houses

The houses in Safranbolu are located in two distinct areas, as if they had summer and winter residences:

• City: This is the section where the houses were occupied during winter months. They are situated in a low valley to protect against the cold. In winter, these houses were close to each other and very near to the bazaar, the place where goods were bought and sold.

• Bağlar: This is where the summer residences were located. It is slightly higher than the city area and has fresher air. When summer heat began, people would move from the city to this area.

Thus, people stayed protected from the cold in winter and enjoyed relief from the heat in summer. The houses were cleverly built so that they did not block each other’s views. The streets were paved with stone. These stones helped prevent flooding and allowed water to reach tree roots.

What Is Inside These Houses?

Safranbolu houses were designed for large extended families. In the past, uncles, aunts, and grandchildren all lived together under one roof. That is why these houses are so large. They were constructed using natural materials such as stone, wood, and adobe. Their courtyards were surrounded by high stone walls. To prevent outsiders from seeing inside, wooden lattice screens called muşabak were placed in front of the windows.

Inside the houses, there are many distinct sections:

• Ground Floor: This level was typically used for stables where animals were kept and for storage rooms where food was kept. At the entrance of the house, there was a section called hayat, sometimes paved with stones and also referred to as taşlık.

• Upper Floors: Climbing up wooden staircases leads to the living quarters. Each room was designed to accommodate an entire family. One of the most interesting features is the presence of small spaces within wardrobes that resemble hidden bathrooms. The parts of the rooms that extended outward were called çıkma.

Heating was provided by stoves and fireplaces. Since there was no electricity, lighting was achieved using gas lamps. Some houses even had pools inside, used for cooling off and protection against fire.

Today, some of these houses have been converted into hotels or restaurants, allowing anyone who wishes to stay within them and experience the atmosphere of those bygone times.