cittaslow Black Sea

GERZE/GÖYNÜK/MUDURNU/PERŞEMBE/ŞAVŞAT/SAFRANBOLU/DADAY

Gerze

Gerze, in the province of Sinop, is the happiest city in Türkiye! It has been a member of the Cittaslow Network since 2017. This is thanks to its nature where green and blue dance, its beautiful crafts, delicious regional food, and welcoming people.

The history of Gerze begins in 1800 BC. Several ruins found during archaeological surveys in Köşk Höyük prove that Gerze has been a settlement since the early Hittite period. Today, the smell of flowers overflowing into the streets from the gardens will greet you in this old district of the Black Sea. As you breathe the fresh and clean air of Gerze, you will feel the serenity of a quiet fishing town.

Every Friday, you can find naturally grown agricultural products at the local farmers market, where villagers exhibit their produce to locals and visitors alike. You can taste the local dishes in small, lovely restaurants, and visit workshops that create wooden toys, model ships,tents, and towels to learn about the district's unique material culture.

Don’t leave Gerze without visiting Sorkun Waterfalls and Yelken Tepe (Yelken Hill), which also offers the opportunity to paraglide!

Göynük

Göynük is well known in Türkiye as one of the most beautiful spots in the country. Located in the Western Black Sea region, Göynük, in the small district of Bolu, is a charming town set between high hills and valleys with beautiful, peaceful streams.

From the 14th century onwards, thanks to its location, the district developed economically as a transit area for the saffron trade between Anatolia and İstanbul. Göynük is an old Ottoman town with exceptionally well-preserved architecture. The district's historical traditions and culture, the local attire, folklore, and cuisine are still alive today. The entire residential area of Göynük is protected.

The nearby Lakes Sünnet and Çubuk have not been developed and offer an escape into pristine nature. The windmills that were constructed as part of a film set above Lake Çubuk are also very popular with photographers. Despite its proximity to major cities such as Ankara, İstanbul, Eskişehir, and Bursa, Göynük attracts visitors with its calmness, tranquility, and uniqueness.

Mudurnu

Located between İstanbul and Ankara, Mudurnu is a small town and district in the province of Bolu. A portion of the town center has been declared a “Historic Preservation District” and it is famous for the more than 180 historical buildings and old houses that can be found there.

Mudurnu was inscribed as Türkiye's 15th Cittaslow town in March 2018. The town welcomes many guests who come here to admire the town’s long history and enjoy the surrounding nature.

As you walk through the city's narrow streets, Mudurnu's fresh air and the aroma of pine trees refresh your body.

There are dozens of historical houses and mansions in Mudurnu. Many of these houses are still privately owned. The most famous of these mansions are Armutçular Konağı (Armutçular Mansion), Keyvanlar Konağı (Keyvanlar Mansion), Kazanlar Konağı (Kazanlar Mansion), Yarışkaşı Konağı (Yarışkaşı Mansion), and Hacı Abdullahlar Konağı (Hacı Abdullahlar Mansion).

Lake Abant is a freshwater lake at 17 km northeast of Mudurnu. The lake’s scenery changes with the seasons. Thanks to the richness of the local flora, in 1988, 1,150 hectares of the region were declared a nature park. The lake’s woodlands include, among others, Scots pine, European black pines, beeches, oaks, poplars, ashes, hornbeams, willows, junipers, hazels, and common medlars.

Near the shore, there are water lilies and an assortment of shoreline plants. Around Lake Abant, an endemic species was discovered called “Crocus of Abant” (Crocus Abantensis). It is a lovely shade of light blue with bright yellow in the middle. The Abant trout (Salmo abanticus) is an endemic subspecies of trout found exclusively in this lake.

Perşembe

Perşembe is a small town and district in Ordu Province on the coast of the Black Sea.

In Perşembe, small hills are separated by deep and steep valleys. The hills reach the shore at steep angles, creating small bays along the coast. There are two large capes on the shores of Perşembe: Yason Burnu (Cape Yason), which stretches out into the sea to the north, and Çam Burnu which is in a deep, steep bay. These capes protect the port of Perşembe from the northwest winds.

Located in a warm climate, Perşembe is a region rich in vegetation. It is impossible to see a bare piece of land here – the soil is painted every shade of green imaginable!

One of the district’s most important historical assets is Hoynat Islet. Historically, the uninhabited island has been a hideout, refuge, and storage location for sailors. Some ruins of a wall are still visible on the islet. Now, Hoynat Islet is inhabited by seagulls and in the main reproduction site in Türkiye of the European shag, a species of cormorant.

Şavşat

Situated in the eastern Black Sea region of Türkiye, known for its eternal green scenery and clean air, Şavşat resembles a paradise with its green plateaus and the villages on the foothills of the surrounding mountains.

Şavşat became Türkiye’s 10th Cittaslow member. Offering pure nature and a local way of life, you can appreciate a slow pace of life and all the advantages it offers in Şavşat.

Şavsat sits on a beautiful hilly area surrounded by high mountains on all sides, including the 3,537-meter-tall Kaçkar Mountains to the west. Numerous mountain streams and pools surround the town.

Şavsat gets quite chilly in winter, making it the ideal time to visit – the region is covered in snow and looks its most pristine.

Established in 1994, Karagöl-Sahara National Park is 45 kilometers from Şavşat. The park is ideal for camping and caravanning enthusiasts.

Safranbolu

Located in the ecotourism zone of Karabük province in the Western Black Sea region, Safranbolu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its rich Ottoman heritage. This picturesque town is a living museum, showcasing superb examples of Ottoman architecture from ancient castles and inviting hamams to bustling bazaars and stately government houses.

Stroll through Safranbolu’s cobblestone streets lined with meticulously preserved Ottoman-era homes. Their distinctive timber and brick designs, adorned with stucco and overhanging upper floors, tell stories from centuries past. The town's vibrant marketplaces like Arasta Bazaar and Demirciler Bazaar offer handcrafted goods and a glimpse into traditional craftsmanship, while Hıdırlık Hill provides panoramic views of Safranbolu’s architectural splendor.

Explore natural wonders at İncekaya Canyon and Tokatlı Canyon, each offering a unique encounter with historical ingenuity and breathtaking landscapes. Don’t miss trying the local saffron, renowned for its vibrant color and flavor, which encapsulates Safranbolu's cultural essence since the town derives its name from this exquisite plant.

Safranbolu is more than a destination; it's an experience that transports you to the heart of Ottoman opulence and tranquility. Ideal for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, or those seeking a peaceful retreat, Safranbolu offers a timeless escape into a world of cultural richness and architectural beauty.

Daday

Located just 29 kilometers from the heart of Kastamonu, Daday invites travelers to step into a world where time slows down, blending seamlessly with the tranquil rhythms of nature.

Daday's rich tapestry of history, woven through centuries by Kaskians, Hittites, Romans, Seljuks, and Ottomans, offers a fascinating journey back in time. Today, the town’s architecture tells this storied past, with beautifully preserved Ottoman-era homes showcasing intricate woodwork and craftsmanship. As visitors wander through the lively markets, they encounter a treasure trove of locally sourced products, each with a story to tell.

Reflecting its historical significance as a prominent horse breeding center during the Ottoman period, Daday today offers unique equestrian experiences. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and natural beauty by staying at horse farms, taking riding lessons, or embarking on exhilarating horse safaris through pristine landscapes. These farms not only connect guests with Daday’s equestrian past but also allow them to engage actively with its present, offering fishing, nature walks, and mushroom foraging on the Elveren Plateau.

Daday is also a place of culinary exploration. The town’s cuisine presents contemporary takes on traditional dishes, providing a taste of the local heritage. Wooden mansions dot the landscape, some converted into charming accommodations, where visitors can relax and absorb the timeless atmosphere of Daday.

Daday offers more than a mere visit—it presents a profound experience that melds historical richness, stunning natural beauty, and the tranquility of Ottoman-inspired serenity. Whether you're drawn to exploring the past, immersing yourself in nature, or seeking a peaceful getaway, Daday provides a memorable retreat where every moment is cherished and savored.