Karabük, Turkey

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Karabük, Turkey

Region: Karabük


Geographic Coordinates: 41.198600, 32.626400
Temperature Range: -30.0°C to 40.0°C (-22°F to 104°F)
Climate: Cold winters and mild summers with moderate rainfall throughout the year in Karabük, Turkey.
Population: 131989
Language: Turkish

Karabük is a city situated in the northwestern part of Turkey, Located between Ankara and Istanbul. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, History, And natural beauty. The city has a population of around 250, 000 people and covers an area of 4, 000 square kilometers. Karabük has a fascinating history that goes back to ancient times. It was once part of the Hittite Empire during the second millennium BCE and later became part of the Ottoman Empire. Visitors can explore many historical sites throughout Karabük that showcase its diverse past.

One such site is Safranbolu, An old Ottoman town located just outside Karabük’s city center. Safranbolu features well-preserved traditional houses made from wood and stone that date back to the 18th century. Visitors can wander through narrow streets lined with these historic homes while admiring their intricate architecture. Another popular attraction in Karabük is Amasra Castle which sits atop a hill overlooking the Black Sea. The castle was built during Byzantine times but was later expanded by the Ottomans in the 15th century.

Today it serves as a popular tourist destination where visitors can learn about local history while taking in breathtaking views. In addition to historical sites, Karabük boasts stunning natural scenery that attracts visitors from all over Turkey and beyond. One such spot is Yenice Forest National Park which covers over 30 thousand hectares of land filled with lush forests, Waterfalls, Rivers and lakes. For those interested in outdoor activities like hiking or camping Yenice Forest National Park offers plenty of opportunities for adventure seekers to explore this beautiful area at their own pace.

no trip to Karabuk would be complete without experiencing Turkish cuisine at one of many local restaurants serving up delicious traditional dishes like kebab or baklava. Visitors can also sample local specialties like saffron-flavored rice pudding or Karabük-style meatballs. Karabük is a city filled with history, Culture, And natural beauty that offers visitors a unique glimpse into Turkey’s past and present. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins, Hiking through lush forests or indulging in delicious Turkish cuisine, This charming city has something for everyone to enjoy.



Important Landmarks

  1. Safranbolu: A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture.
  2. Atik İbrahim Pasha Mosque: A historic mosque built in the 16th century.
  3. Amasra Castle: A medieval castle overlooking the Black Sea.
  4. Inkumu Beach: A popular beach with crystal-clear waters and a sandy shore.
  5. Cinci Han: An old caravanserai that has been converted into a hotel and restaurant.
  6. Hidirlik Hill: A scenic hilltop overlooking the city of Karabük.
  7. Tokatli Canyon National Park: A beautiful natural park with hiking trails and waterfalls.
  8. Kayaalti Beach: Another popular beach on the Black Sea coast known for its stunning views and clear waters.
  9. Eskipazar Thermal Baths: Natural hot springs that have been used for centuries for their healing properties.
  10. Karabük University Botanical Garden & Zoo: A botanical garden and zoo located within Karabük University’s campus offering visitors a chance to see various plant species as well as animals like tigers, lions etc.

Primary Industries

  1. Iron and Steel Industry: Karabük is home to the Karabük Iron and Steel Factory, which is one of the largest steel producers in Turkey.
  2. Mining Industry: The region has significant reserves of iron ore, coal, and other minerals that support mining operations.
  3. Construction Industry: The construction industry plays a vital role in the economy of Karabük due to ongoing infrastructure development projects.
  4. Agriculture: Although not a major industry, agriculture still plays an important role in the local economy with crops such as wheat, corn, and barley being cultivated here.
  5. Tourism: Due to its natural beauty and historical significance (such as Safranbolu), tourism is gradually becoming an important industry for Karabük’s economy.

Noteable History

  1. Iron and steel industry: Karabük is known for its iron and steel industry, which played a significant role in its development. The Karabük Iron and Steel Factory (KARDEMIR) was established in 1939, making it one of Turkey’s oldest industrial plants.
  2. Zonguldak-Karabük railway: The construction of the Zonguldak-Karabük railway in 1937 helped to connect Karabük to other parts of Turkey.
  3. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk: Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, visited Karabük during his tour of the Black Sea region in 1937.
  4. Fikri Sağlar: Fikri Sağlar was a prominent Turkish politician who served as Minister of National Education from 1978 to 1979. He was born in Eskipazar district of Karabük province.
  5. Ali Fuat Cebesoy: Ali Fuat Cebesoy was an Ottoman military officer who later became a prominent figure in Turkish politics during the early years of the Republic era.
  6. Necmettin Erbakan: Necmettin Erbakan was an Islamist political leader who served as Prime Minister briefly three times between July-November-1996, June-July-1997, February-June-1998. He also represented Konya province as member Parliament for many years.
  7. Caner Erkin: Caner Erkin is a professional football player who was born in Karabük in 1988 and has played for several Turkish clubs at both national and international levels.
  8. Ömer Seyfettin: Ömer Seyfettin was a prominent Turkish writer and journalist who lived during the late Ottoman Empire era and early Republic of Turkey era. He was born in Göynük district of Bolu province which is very close to Karabük province.
  9. Hamza Yerlikaya: Hamza Yerlikaya is an Olympic gold medalist wrestler who won his medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics held in Sydney, Australia. He was born in Eskipazar district of Karabük province.
  10. Karadeniz Ereğli: Karadeniz Ereğli is a coastal town located on the Black Sea coast within the borders of Zonguldak province but it’s very close to Karabük city center. It’s famous for its coal mines, shipyards, beaches and historical landmarks like Filyos Castle, Kemer Bridge etc..’

Museums and Things To See

  1. Safranbolu Historic Town and Houses: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a well-preserved Ottoman town with traditional houses, mosques, and bazaars.
  2. Karabük Castle: A historic castle built in the 14th century by the Ottoman Empire.
  3. Eflani Museum: A museum dedicated to the history of Eflani district, showcasing artifacts from ancient times to modern day.
  4. Kaya Arboretum: A botanical garden with over 300 species of trees and plants from around the world.
  5. Hamamözü Bridge: An old stone bridge built during Ottoman times that spans over a river in Karabük province.
  6. Yenice Forests National Park: A natural reserve area with hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views of forests and waterfalls.
  7. Uluyayla Nature Park: Another nature park with hiking trails, camping areas, and stunning views of mountains and valleys.
  8. Karabük University Museum of Archaeology & Ethnography: The museum showcases archaeological finds from different periods as well as ethnographic objects related to local culture.
  9. Hasan Polatkan Cultural Center & Art Gallery: A cultural center that hosts art exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, film screenings among other events throughout the year.
  10. Orta Mosque & Complex (Ortacami): A beautiful mosque complex built in 1525 by an Ottoman governor that includes a madrasa (Islamic school) and a tomb for its founder Hasan Beyli Baba.


Sports Teams

  1. Karabükspor is the primary sports team in Karabük, Turkey.
  2. It was established in 1969 and participates in the Turkish TFF First League.
  3. The team’s colors are black and red, and they play their home games at Dr. Necmettin Şeyhoğlu Stadium.
  4. Karabükspor has had some successful seasons in the past, finishing as runners-up twice (in 2007-08 and 2011-12) and winning the Turkish Cup once (in 2012).
  5. However, financial difficulties have caused them to be relegated to lower divisions on multiple occasions.
  6. In addition to football, there are also basketball teams such as Karabük Gençlerbirliği Basketball Team.
  7. Karabük Gençlerbirliği Basketball Team competes in Turkey’s second-tier basketball league called TBL.


Cultural Events

  1. Karabük International Culture and Art Festival is an annual event held in July that features a variety of cultural activities including musical performances, dance shows, art exhibitions, and more.
  2. The Karabük Honey Festival is a celebration of the local honey production with tastings, exhibitions, and competitions.
  3. The Karabük Traditional Handicrafts Festival showcases the traditional handicrafts of the region such as weaving, pottery making, wood carving, and embroidery.
  4. The Karabük International Folk Dance Festival brings together folk dance groups from all over the world to perform traditional dances.
  5. The Black Sea Region Food Festival celebrates the culinary traditions of the Black Sea region with food tastings and cooking demonstrations.
  6. The Karabük International Short Film Festival showcases short films from around the world through screenings and awards ceremonies.
  7. The Kardemir Science Fair encourages scientific exploration among students in the region by showcasing their projects in various fields such as physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering on an annual basis.

Cuisine

  • Karabük Mantısı – a traditional Turkish dish made with small dumplings filled with ground beef or lamb and served with yogurt sauce.
  • Kebapçı Hacı Dayı – a well-known restaurant chain that serves delicious kebabs, grilled meats, and other traditional Turkish dishes.
  • Çamlık Restaurant – a family-owned establishment that offers authentic Turkish cuisine including grilled meats, meze platters, and vegetarian options.
  • Gözde Pide Salonu – a cozy bakery and café that specializes in pide (Turkish flatbread) stuffed with various fillings such as cheese, meat or vegetables.
  • Şahin Lokantası – a local favorite serving homemade soups, stews, casseroles and other hearty dishes made from fresh ingredients sourced from nearby farms.
  • Köfteci Yusuf Usta – another famous kebab restaurant that offers mouth-watering meatballs (köfte) cooked on charcoal grills along with salads and dips.
  • İncekaya Çiftliği Restaurant – an eco-friendly farm-to-table restaurant located in the scenic countryside outside of Karabük where organic produce grown on-site is used to prepare meals along with homemade jams and preserves.

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Safranbolu City Park: This is a beautiful park that has a lake, walking paths, picnic areas and playgrounds.
    2. Eskipazar Kayaaltı National Park: A national park that has hiking trails, camping sites and picnic areas.
    3. Karabük Atatürk City Forest: This is a large forest area with walking trails, picnic areas and sports facilities.
    4. Yenice Forest Recreation Area: A popular destination for camping, hiking and fishing.
    5. Demir Çelik Sports Complex: This sports complex has a football stadium, basketball court and tennis courts.
    6. Karabük University Sports Center: The university’s sports center offers various indoor and outdoor sports facilities.
    7. Safranbolu Historical Bazaar District: An open-air market selling local products such as handmade crafts and traditional foods.
    8. Hamamönü Village: An old village featuring Ottoman-style houses converted into museums, cafes and souvenir shops.
    9. Ulu Mosque of Safranbolu: One of the most significant historical landmarks in the region which dates back to the 14th century.
    10. Karabük Castle Ruins: A historical castle ruins located on top of a hill that offers scenic views of the city below.

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