 It was clear from the moment we laid eyes on the old town of
Safranbolu why it has been chosen by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site. The place
is a living, breathing museum, so wonderfully preserved, but with slight, carefully
planned modernizations that have fit in perfectly.
Fortunately for all of the international staff and students who took part in this one day
excursion, our tour guide, Mehmet, was a walking encyclopedia on everything Turkish. We
got a good break down on the history of the town and the culture of the region, and he
posed as an excellent representative of the legendary hospitality of Turks.
After exploring an old nomadic village, a traditional Ottoman mosque, and a restored
Ottoman house museum, there was plenty of time to pick up treats. The group spread out and
came back with bags filled with saffron lokum, beautiful handmade textiles, dried fruit,
fresh vegetables and locally grown herbs and spices. Just before climbing on the bus for
the trip back to Bilkent, we all gathered for a round of saffron tea!
It was a most enjoyable stroll back in time that will not soon be forgotten, and I'm sure
most on the tour were left thinking: Where to next?
Chris Hearn
Bilkent News
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