| Eregli,
whose ancient name was Heraklea ad Pontus, stands on a hill adjacent
to a Byzantine castle. In the spring the aroma of strawberries, some of
teh sweetest grown in Turkey, fills the air, making a visit a mouthwatering
experience. Eregli derives its name from the mythological demi-god, Herculas,
who, in the 11th century caught the three-headed dog. |
Yedigoller
National Park (Bolu)
|
| Cerberus,
guardian of the gates of hell. According to Xenophon, Cerberus resided
in the cave Cehennemagzi (entrance to hell), outside of Eregli near
Kavakderesi.
Zonguldak
is a major center of coal production and an important Black Sea port. The
scenis road on the easr side of town leads to the areas of Kopuz
and Uzunkum, where tea gardens and restaurants beckon tourists to
spend a leisurely afternoon.
Connoisseurs
of fine handcrafted wood, travel to Devrek a peretty town, 50 km.
southeast of Zonguldak, to purchase its renowned wooden canes. |
Safranbolu
|
Karabuk,
situated 10 km. southeast of Safranbolu is the most important industrial
center in Turkey, known for its iron and steel industry. Not far from Karabuk
lies the charming park of Camlik, the perfect place for rest and
relaxation. The entire area ism dotted with pine forests and there is a
lovely tea garden and restaurant in a nice place to enjoy nature.
Safranbolu
Also
inland and further to the east is charming Safranbolu. Step back in time
in the lovely "old world" style of the town to see some of the most
beautiful traditional old homes, unique in Turkey for their outstanding
design and construction. The most interesting of these include: Kaymakamlar
House, Aygiroglu House and Asmazlar Havuzlu Konak which has been restored
and is now used as a hotel operated by the Turkish Touring Automobile Club.
The Mektepciler House is also noteworthy as is the Haci memisler House:
Pasa House is also restored and has been converted into a lovely cafe end
pension as well. The castle on the hill offers a vista of the town. Be
sure to see the Cinci Inn and hamam (17th century Turkish Bath), the Izzet
mehmet pasa Mosque and Library (16th century), and the Koprulu Mosque which
also dates from the 17 th century. Also worth seeing are the Dagdelen Mopsque
(18th century) and Kacak Mosque (19th century). UNESCO has named Safranbolu
as an international cultural area. |
Cumayazi
Cave (Zonguldak)
|
Safranbolu
orginally takes its name from the saffron fields that dotted the area in
the 19th century. Today, saffron fields abound in the village of Davutbasi,
20km away, where a thriving saffron business continues. Before leaving,
be sure not to miss the Arasta (Old Bazaar) where you can watch craftsmen
at work and bargain with them for their goods. The "lokum" (Turkish Delight"
is also a special treat, unique among lokum connossieurs and a must to
sample. |
Wooden
canes of Devrek (Zonguldak)
|
About
36km. south of karabuk is Eskipazar, where the old Omer Beyler mansion
is located. It is now restored and famous for its ornately decorated ceilings.
Bartin
(80km east of Zonguldak) is a pretty city of timbered houses that holds
a strawberry festival every year the spring. The remains of a Roman road
dating back to the reign of the Emperor Claudius can still be seen. A boat
trip on the Bartin river makes for a delightful excursion. Nearby Inkum
has been developed into a holiday village with a sandy beach, restaurant
and guest houses. |
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