Living Ottoman Town: Goynuk
Göynük, also a member of the International Cittaslow Association, is a living example of Ottoman towns with historical buildings, some of which were built 700 years ago, but are still actively used. almost. The whole of the city, which still keeps its culture from the past to the present with its traditions, clothes, folklore and local cuisine, has been declared a site.
Bolu both from Ankara and Istanbul in this rare city easily accessible from; Along with the 5-star Bolu Göynük hotels, most of the historical mansions are also operated as boutique hotels. In Göynük, where you can have a quiet and peaceful getaway with the comfort you seek; Bolu Goynuk hotel prices differ according to the comfort they offer.
Where to Go, What to Do, What to Eat in Goynuk
The first known name of Goynuk, where many civilizations from Rome and Byzantium to the Ottoman Empire came and passed; Koinon Gallicanon. One of the reasons why the district, where the first settlement dates back to the 8th century BC, is so famous is, of course, the extremely well-preserved traditional Ottoman architecture; it is a peaceful and calm city and another is that the tomb of Akşemseddin, the teacher of Fatih Sultan Mehmet, is located here. Akşemseddin was fascinated by Göynük, which he passed through during a journey and decided to settle down. The great teacher, who spent the rest of his life in Göynük, passed away here as well. Fatih Sultan Mehmet also had a tomb built by his beloved teacher. The Tomb of Akşemseddin His Holiness almost completes Göynük, a living example of Ottoman life. Let us remind you that every year a festival is held in Göynük for Akşemseddin at the end of May.
We recommend you to visit Gazi Süleyman Pasha Mosque and Bath, which is right next to the tomb, while you are ready. Mosque; It was built by Şehzade Gazi Süleyman Pasha, the eldest son of the 2nd Ottoman sultan Orhan Bey, between 1331 and 1335, and is one of the first Ottoman works of the region. According to the rumor; Realizing that a worker takes the stone in his hand without putting it into construction, Süleyman Pasha asks the worker why. When the worker says that he cannot bathe in the morning and therefore does not want to put stone in the foundation of this blessed building, Süleyman Pasha also has a bathhouse built next to the mosque.
Of course, it is not without visiting the historical mansions that make Göynük Göynük. Müderrisler Mansion; In the 1340s, the house where Gazi Süleyman Pasha lived is also the same. You can visit this mansion, which is operated as a restaurant and hotel today, for free. Of course, on condition that you take off your shoes at the entrance.
Goynuk, which is very rich in terms of historical Ottoman mansions. te; You can also examine the genealogy of Akşemseddin, the teacher of the teachers, at the entrance of Akşemseddinoğlu Mansion, which was built by Hacı Nuri Efendi in the 19th century.
You should add the 200-year-old Georgian Mansion and the Postacılar Mansion, where Atatürk's mother Zübeyde Hanım stayed for three days when she got sick on her way from Istanbul to Ankara.
Like Akşemseddin, the tomb of Ömer Sikkin, one of the followers of Hacı Bayram Veli, is also located in the center.
Of course, the Victory Tower, one of the symbolic structures of Goynuk. nor would it be impossible not to stop. This tower, which was built by the first district governor of the Republic period, Hurşit Bey, is rumored to be the first work of the republic period. From the tower, you can watch Göynük panoramically.
Also; Sunnet Lake, located 27 km east of Göynük and 820 meters above the sea, is a magnificent beauty where you can enjoy the quiet and calm nature around it and have a picnic. Likewise, you may want to visit Çubuk Lake, located 11 km north of Göynük. There is also a hiking trail that extends to Çubuk Plateau in Çubuk Lake, which was formed by natural roads as a result of the landslide coming down from Kayabaşı Hill blocking the valley.
The fame of the cooks from the Bolu region is known. The last period cooks of the Ottoman palace also came from this region. You can taste Kaşık Stalk Mantı with Keşli Walnut, Noodle with Walnut, Meat in Stew, Kanlıca Mushroom with Kashar Cheese, Pan Yogurt, Rolling Baklava, Tahini Pide and many other flavors of the Ottoman table from skilled hands. Also, if you happen to be in Göynük during Ramadan, you can feast your stomach with a 12-course menu special to this holy month.
Göynük is one of the places that keeps the Ottoman Empire alive today with its traditional handwork and wood carving. You can buy it as a gift from Göynük Tokalı Covering, the first registered geographically marked product of Bolu.
Don't Return Without Doing it
- You must definitely visit Göynük's mansions, which are examples of traditional Ottoman architecture and are not like Safranbolu. navigate. Experience the Ottoman era in the streets of this quiet and peaceful city, which is a member of the International Cittaslow Association.
- Fatih Sultan Add the tomb of Akşemseddin, Mehmet's teacher, and the Gazi Süleyman Paşa Mosque and Bath, right next to it.
- Watch Göynük from Victory Tower.
- Circumcision and Çubuk Lakes Walk around and store oxygen.
- Don't forget to taste the traditional Ottoman cuisine from famous Bolu cooks.
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