Karabük University, Engineering Faculty, Conference Halls

Karabuk University (KBU), founded in 2007, is one of Turkey's youngest and most dynamic universities. Having a wide range of academic programs in engineering, science, health, social sciences, and arts, KBU also draws attention with its international student numbers. The university attaches great importance to scientific research and technology with its innovative educational approach.

Karabuk University offers students practical education opportunities by establishing strong ties with the industrial infrastructure of Karabuk, a city known especially for its iron and steel industry. The university's modern campus, large library, advanced laboratories, and social areas provide students with an ideal academic environment.

Safranbolu City

Safranbolu, a district of Karabük in northern Turkey, is renowned for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and rich history. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old City area features over 1000 registered historical artifacts, including mosques, tombs, baths, caravanserais, and traditional houses.

Historic and Interesting Places of Safranbolu

HIDIRLIK HILL

Hıdırlık Hill is where the Ottomans first positioned themselves to conquer Safranbolu, overseeing the city from above. It has been a historic gathering place, known today for its breathtaking views. Visitors can enjoy the sight of historical mansions, narrow streets, and green valleys while sipping tea in a serene atmosphere. The hill’s gardens, with their colorful blooms, add to its charm, making it one of Safranbolu’s most visited spots.

KAYMAKAMLAR MUSEUM HOUSE

Kaymakamlar House is a beautiful example of Traditional Turkish Housing and a key historical site in Safranbolu. Nationalized in 1979 and opened as an education center in 1981, it now serves as a museum house. Located on Hıdırlık Hill’s slopes, it reflects Ottoman-era life with its simple yet elegant architecture. The wooden ceiling decorations stand out with their traditional texture and original design, making it a must-visit for those exploring Safranbolu’s cultural heritage.

THE MOSQUE OF İZZET MEHMET PASHA

Built in 1796 by Ottoman Grand Vizier İzzet Mehmet Pasha, this mosque stands out with its elegant minaret, zinc-coated dome, and interior decorations. A smaller model of Istanbul’s Nuruosmaniye Mosque, it reflects Ottoman architectural elegance. Its courtyard, built on arches over the river, adds a unique touch, making it a significant part of Safranbolu’s cultural heritage.

BLACKSMITHS GUILD BAZAAR

The Blacksmiths Guild Bazaar is a historical bazaar located on both banks of the Akçasu River and integrated with the river passing under the İzzet Mehmet Pasha Mosque. It is one of the rare guild bazaars where handicrafts have been kept alive from the Ottoman period to the present day, and it still hosts masters who work with hot and cold iron. The bazaar, where coppersmiths and tinsmiths also operated in the past, is one of the most important centers reflecting the traditional craft culture of Safranbolu. Here, the works produced by the skilled hands of the masters contribute to the survival of conventional handicrafts in a historical atmosphere.

THE AMMUNITION BUILDING AND THE OLD PRISON

Built-in 1890 and 1906 during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II, these structures are located on Safranbolu Castle. The historical ammunition building and ammunition depot reflect the period's military architecture.

CİNCİ INN AND CİNCİ BATH

Built in 1645 by Safranbolu Kazasker Cinci Hodja during Sultan Ibrahim I’s reign, Cinci Han and Cinci Bath are remarkable examples of Ottoman architecture. The two-story, 63-room han now functions as a hotel, restaurant, and café, while the bath remains operational with separate sections for men and women. Despite challenging ground conditions, these stone-built structures were swiftly completed under the supervision of chief architect Kasım Ağa and continue to be in use today.

THE MOSQUE OF KÖPRÜLÜ MEHMET PASHA

Built by Köprülü Mehmet Paşa and opened in 1661, this mosque is the largest in Safranbolu. The interior of its dome has a structure resembling a helmet, and its architecture and decorations attract great attention. In the courtyard of the mosque, there is a "muvakkithane," "fountain," and "sundial." These structures stand out as important elements that complete the elegant and functional structure of the mosque.

YEMENİCİLER GUILD BAZAAR

Yemeniciler Arastası, which was used as an old guild bazaar where traditional shoes called Yemeni were made, is located next to Köprülü Mehmet Pasha Mosque. After restoration, this bazaar, consisting of 48 wooden shops, was converted into souvenir shops. Yemeniciler Arastası, situated in the historical bazaar area, is an important center where traditional handicrafts are kept alive and offers visitors a nostalgic shopping experience.

İNCEKAYA WATER BRIDGE

The aqueduct located in İncekaya village is a magnificent structure with a length of 116 meters and six arches. This aqueduct, which carries water from the source to the town, is 110-120 cm wide, and Tokatlı Creek flows under it. Built to meet the water needs during the Ottoman period, the İncekaya Aqueduct draws attention with its architectural aesthetics. Located on the Tokatlı Canyon, this aqueduct is a popular destination for nature walks and photography and an ideal regional canyon tour route.

YÖRÜK VILLAGE

Located 11 kilometers from Safranbolu, Yörük Village bears traces of traditional Turkish village life. It offers visitors an authentic experience with its preserved historical houses and streets.

CITY HISTORY MUSEUM (OLD GOVERNMENT BUILDING)

The building was used as a Military Center and civil and Judicial Administration Center. The ground floor houses the Conference Hall and Exhibition Halls. On the top floor, along with the Ethnography Museum, photographs from Safranbolu's history are exhibited in the hall called "Safranbolu with Photos." The "Miniatureized Tradesmen and Craftsmen's Market" is in the basement of the building. Visitors can find a comprehensive summary of Safranbolu's history at the City History Museum.

CRYSTAL TERRACE

Located in Tokatlı Canyon, the Crystal Terrace (Glass Observation Terrace) is 11 meters wide and 80 meters high. This terrace, which can carry a weight of 75 tons, consists of three pieces of three-centimeter-thick glass. Supported by pores that can hold 750 kilograms each, the terrace is durable and does not break even with rocket launcher ammunition. With a capacity of approximately 400 people, this 100-square-meter observation deck was designed so that only 30 could be present. Crystal Terrace offers visitors unique views of Tokatlı Canyon.

BULAK MENCİLİS CAVE

Bulak (Mencilis) Cave is on the border of Safranbolu and Karabük, 8.5 km from Safranbolu district center and 5 km from Değirmenbaşı. The cave has two entrances. The first entrance is from the mouth of the cave, where the water flows. The other entrance can be provided from the fossil entrance on the left of the hill behind the cave. The total length of Mencilis Cave is 2725 m, 350 m of which is illuminated and open to touristic visitors. The cave offers visitors a unique discovery experience with its natural beauty and interesting formations.