In the next three days I am going to take you off the beaten track to three places in Turkey that you probably have never heard of. Join us on this part of our road trip through Turkey.
Göynük is a small Ottoman town that we visited as part of a food and photography workshop I attended. It was about an hour from our base in Sapanca and was our first introduction to the Ottoman villages we would later see dotted through out the Black Sea area.
Göynük became part of the Ottoman empire in the 14th century and its houses reflect this period of time. There’s over one hundred of them nestled into the hills that surround the town.
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The Zafer Kelesi or Victory Tower that was built in 1923 to celebrate the founding of the republic, stands on top of a nearby hill.
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A small stream runs through the village. The bridge over it leads to the village square.
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There was no market on the day we visited (market day is Monday) but the local vegetable seller tempted us with beautiful looking tomatoes and aubergine.
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The stream runs by the local tea house….
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…and on to one side of the rebuilt Gazi Süleyman PaÅŸa Cami, that was destroyed in a fire.
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We head back into the centre of town to wander through the village. We’d been told that there was a fabulous weaver here who makes the beautiful shawls that the women wear so we head off in search of her.
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We notice that the older women here are all dressed the same here. The shops are full of the red and blue plaid baggy pants (ÅŸalvar) that they wear. A shawl covers their head and shoulders.
Ladies wearing the local dress
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We find the weaver and her shop…she is also wearing the local dress and a beautiful shawl that she has made. She’s very pleased to see us…we all leave carrying bags!
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Barber shops, bakeries and shops selling the everyday necessities line the street. Â Men sit around outside the shops drinking copious cups of tea. It is a scene replayed in many a town.
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Other posts you may enjoy:
Highlights of our Turkey Road Trip
Tips for driving in Turkey
The Best icecream inTurkey
Your guide to Istanbul: What to do
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I am not familiar with Turkey so I’m looking forward to this 3 day adventure you’re taking us on. Love the weaver you went in search for and even more love that you all left having purchased some of her goods. I’m sure she was happy!
Central Turkey is a fabulous area to explore Daidri. I’ve written a post highlighting some of the other towns we visited during our 6 week drive through Central Anatolia that you may like to read (https://atasteoftravelblog.com/2014/highlights-of-our-turkey-road-trip/)
My girls loved the bags we bought here for them. She was so gracious, it was a pleasure shopping with her.
The lovely Goynuk! I had so much fun photographing there! So beautiful and pittoresque :).
Wasn’t it fabulous Ana. Do you remember the name of the weaving lady. I’m in Melbourne at the moment and my notebooks are in Perth! My girls loved her bags that I bought them. Did you buy a shawl?
This looks amazing. I just passed through Turkey and can’t wait to return. So much to see…and eat!
Have fun.
Shaun
http://www.thislifeintrips.com
You have a real treat waiting for you when you get back to Turkey Shaun! It is an amazing country. After you’ve explored Istanbul, make sure you see some of the towns in Central Anatolia. They are so interesting!
A wonderful looking city, the architecture reminds me somewhat of Antalya (without all the hideous apartment rental complexes). We loved Turkey and can’t wait to return one day. Really looking forward to your next two posts!
Thanks Calli. The smaller towns fascinated me…we saw so many fabulous places. We missed Antalya because of those high rises which may have been a mistake but we can always go back.
Wow – you definitely went off the beaten track, although that is good because more people now can read about unique places in Turkey. Of course, Istanbul is a good starting point but for anyone who has been to turkey many times, or an adventurous person, this is a good place to start
We had so much fun exploring the Central Anatolian area of Turkey. It’s a fabulous country and easy for visitors, even those not so adventurous, to explore. We didn’t get as far as we wanted too so we’ll be back!
What a beautiful side of Turkey you have shown us Jenny. I loved seeing the women in their Salvars. Goynuk is a very pretty town. A lot prettier than most towns we drove through. Everything seems so well maintained. The locals must be proud of their town.
Thanks Jan. It is a pretty town and mow that you mention it, it was very clean and well maintained. I really enjoy wandering through towns such as this one.
What a wonderful little town! I love it. I would never know such places existed. You are right – it is truly off the beaten track and tourist radar.
We were lucky to have been taken there other wise I probably would not have known about it either Donna. It’s great getting off the beaten track.
Lovely town! We haven’t been to Turkey, so I’m glad to get some inspiration from you.
We loved our day in Gönük.It’s always great to spend the day wandering through these old towns.
I love Turkey…all your photos are gorgeous, Jenny!
Thanks Corinne. It’s an incredible place isn’t it!
Wonderful photos of what looks like a really interesting area in Turkey. We didn’t spend enough time in Turkey. We didn’t get off the beaten track.
Time is definitely needed for Turkey. We had 6 weeks on the road and didn’t get nearly as far as we thought we would. The roads in Turkey are fantastic so make ‘getting off the beaten track’ quite easy. it’s certainly worth it..you’ll have to go back!
I have never been to Turkey. Your post makes me realize how badly my touring experience misses this place. Will head towards it soon ! Thanks
Turkey is one of the most intersting countries Patricia. Start with fabulous Istanbul then head in to the country to see the best of Turkey. I hope you don’t have to wait too long until you are there!
Thanks ..even I hope so..:)