Turkey has been home to many civilisations over the centuries and attracts attention with its rich historical and cultural heritage. One of the most important parts of this heritage is Ottoman architecture. Ottoman architecture can be seen not only in big cities but also in towns and villages all over Anatolia. In this article, we will take a detailed look at 10 Turkish towns with the most beautiful examples of Ottoman architecture. So, what are the best examples of Ottoman architecture? Where to find Ottoman villages in Turkey? Where are the best towns in Turkey? Let's explore together 👇
Explore the Best Ottoman Architecture in These 10 Must-Visit Turkish Towns
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Ottoman Architecture: A Brief Overview
Ottoman architecture is an architectural style developed through the synthesis of Islamic and Byzantine architecture over a wide period of time from the 14th century to the 19th century. In this architecture, centrally planned mosques, domes, minarets, madrasahs, baths and complexes stand out. In addition, wooden houses, bay windows and stone workmanship stand out in civil architecture. The works of great masters such as Mimar Sinan represent the pinnacle of Ottoman architecture.
1. Cumalıkızık (Bursa)
Cumalıkızık in the Yıldırım district of Bursa is one of the best preserved examples of early Ottoman civil architecture. Founded in the 14th century, this village was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014. There are 270 historical houses in Cumalıkızık and 180 of them are still in use. The houses are usually 2-3 storeys high and built with wood, adobe and rubble stone materials. With its narrow stone streets, houses with bay windows and a historical mosque, it offers a time travel to its visitors. There is also an ethnography museum and a historical bathhouse in the village.
Transportation: Cumalıkızık, which is about 10 km from Bursa city centre, is easily accessible by bus or minibus from the city centre.
2. Safranbolu (Karabük)
Safranbolu, a district of Karabük province, is famous for its Ottoman-era mansions, inns, baths and mosques. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Safranbolu is home to the most beautiful examples of traditional Turkish houses. Safranbolu houses, which attract attention with their woodwork and stone foundations, are important examples of 18th and 19th-century Ottoman civil architecture. It is also known for its historical bazaar and Turkish delights.
Transportation: It can be reached by minibuses from Karabük city centre.
3. Taraklı (Sakarya)
Located in the southeast of Sakarya, Taraklı attracts attention with its architecture dating back to the Ottoman period. It stands out with its wooden houses, cobbled streets and historical baths. Taraklı also has the title of “Sakin City” (Cittaslow). The mansions in Taraklı are usually built with wooden materials, and the motifs in the decorations bear the traditional traces of Ottoman art. These mansions reflect the social structure and lifestyle of Taraklı, which was an important settlement centre during the Ottoman period.
Transportation: It is possible to reach by bus or private car from the Sakarya city centre.
4. Birgi (Izmir)
Birgi, in the Ödemiş district of Izmir, is known for its buildings dating back to the Ottoman and Seljuk periods. It attracts attention with Çakırağa Mansion, Aydınoğlu Mehmet Bey Mosque and historical madrasas. Birgi is also on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
Transportation: Transportation can be provided by minibuses from Ödemiş.
Source: Travel Atelier
5. Göynük (Bolu)
Located in the south of Bolu, Göynük is famous for its Ottoman-era mansions, mosques and clock tower. The town, which preserves its historical texture, is also home to the tomb of Akşemseddin.
Transportation: It is possible to reach by bus or minibus from the Bolu city centre.
6. Mudurnu (Bolu)
Located in the west of Bolu, Mudurnu attracts attention with its Ottoman-era wooden houses, historical baths and mosques. In addition, Mudurnu has the title of “Cittaslow”. The social and physical fabric of Mudurnu reflects the Ahi tradition. The tradition of Artisan Prayer, which has been going on for 700 years in the historical bazaar, is an indication of the deep-rooted culture of the city.
Transportation: Bolu city centre can be reached by bus or minibuses.
7. Beypazari (Ankara)
Located 100 km west of Ankara, Beypazarı is famous for its Ottoman-era mansions, mosques and historical bazaar. There are approximately 3,000 historical mansions in the district. These mansions were built with stone on the ground floor and a mudbrick filling system in a wooden skeleton on the upper floors. The mansions, which attract attention with their bay windows and guşganalı structures, usually have 2-3 floors. Details such as the “charity cupboard” on the street-facing side of the mansions reflect the social solidarity culture of the Ottoman period. In addition, thin and thick knockers on the doors of the mansions provide information to the host according to the gender of the guest. The Karaoğuz Mansion in Beypazarı was donated to the Ministry of Culture and turned into a museum, setting an example for other families.
Transportation: It is possible to reach by bus or minibus from the Ankara city centre.
8. Şirince (Izmir)
Şirince, located in the Selçuk district of İzmir, is famous for its Ottoman-era stone houses, narrow streets and wines. Built in the 19th century by Greeks, the houses bear the characteristics of Ottoman civil architecture. The houses are usually two-story, built with wooden carcasses on a stone foundation. They attract attention with their bay windows and hip roof designs.
Şirince gained worldwide attention in 2012 due to the '2012 phenomenon,' a belief that the end of the world, as predicted by some interpretations of the Mayan calendar, would occur on December 21st, 2012. New Age spiritualists believed Şirince, along with the French village of Bugarach, would be a haven due to its positive energy and proximity to the Virgin Mary's alleged place of ascension.
Transportation: Transportation can be provided by minibuses from Selçuk.
9. Amasya
Located in the Black Sea region, Amasya is a historical city built on the banks of the Yeşilırmak River. It attracts attention with its Ottoman-era Yalıboyu houses, mosques and madrasas. Yalıboyu Houses belong to the 19th century and were built with hımış and bagdadi techniques. The houses were generally built as two-storey houses with bay windows and courtyards. The houses with haremlik and selamlık sections are beautiful examples of Ottoman civil architecture.
Transportation: It is possible to reach Amasya city centre by bus or train.
10. Kastamonu
Kastamonu, located in the Black Sea region, draws attention with its Ottoman-era mansions, mosques and inns. There are approximately 550 registered historical houses and mansions in the city. These buildings are usually three-storeyed, with areas such as woodsheds, storerooms and kitchens for daily needs on the ground floor. The middle floor is the living space for families, and the top floor is reserved for guests. The mansions in Kastamonu reflect the characteristics of Ottoman civil architecture with their haremlik and selamlık sections.
Transportation: Kastamonu city centre can be reached by bus or private car.