Publications
Identifying and Mapping Plant Species on Historical Buildings Using UAV-Based Imaging: The Case of the Safranbolu City
Researchers identified eight plant species colonizing historical stone mosques in Safranbolu using UAV-based imaging, revealing that Ailanthus altissima and Tortula muralis pose significant structural risks. The study mapped plant distribution patterns, showing colonization concentrated on roof and dome rim areas, with building material and microclimatic conditions driving species diversity. High-resolution UAV imagery proved an effective, non-damaging method for documenting cultural heritage threats while enabling rapid threat detection. This approach offers a scalable solution for monitoring and preserving at-risk structures without physical intervention.
Reading The Cultural Landscape Through Place Names: A Micro-Toponymic Analysıs of Three Villages Around Safranbolu
Micro-toponyms in the cultural landscapes of three villages around Safranbolu reveal a multi-layered heritage that intertwines natural components, tangible and intangible values, and historical processes. The analysis of 210 place names shows that approximately 45% relate to geographical and biological features such as water resources, landforms, vegetation, and wildlife; 21% pertain to archaeological and tangible cultural heritage; and 22% reflect intangible values like production methods, ethnic origins, and beliefs. These toponyms serve as essential cultural heritage elements, carrying traditional land-use practices, historical processes, socio-economic values, and collective memory. The study underscores the importance of integrating micro-toponyms into holistic heritage management strategies to address conservation challenges driven by depopulation, human intervention, and natural disasters.
Yöresel Ürünlerin Sürdürülebilirliği: Sakin Şehir Safranbolu Örneği (Sustainability of Local Products: The Case of Cittaslow City Safranbolu)
Despite being part of the Cittaslow network, Safranbolu's status as a tranquil city has had limited impact on tourism and local businesses. Research reveals that while most participants were aware of the Cittaslow designation, tourist influx remains low compared to its UNESCO World Heritage recognition. All studied local gastronomic products hold commercial potential, with perohi, etli sarma (stuffed vine leaves), and Safranbolu saffron being the most recognized and sold. However, participants noted significant gaps in marketing efforts and limited knowledge about protected geographical indications. Products like perohi, bükme (a type of dumpling), and zerde show strong potential for such recognition. The study employed semi-structured interviews with 18 managers from food-and-beverage businesses in Safranbolu's historic district to assess sustainability practices under the Cittaslow framework.
‘Being a woman’ in the gastronomy industry: entrepreneurial experiences of women from a cultural tourism destination
Women's entrepreneurship in heritage-based gastronomy, particularly in Safranbolu—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Cittaslow member city—reveals a dual role: it serves as both an economic necessity and a catalyst for cultural preservation and sustainable local development. Despite facing barriers such as gender norms, institutional challenges, and skill deficits, female entrepreneurs in this sector leverage informal support networks, cultural capital, and the city's slow tourism ethos to thrive. This study, grounded in gender theory and aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlights the complex interplay of motivations and enablers that shape their entrepreneurial trajectories. By adopting an embedded single case study design and analyzing semi-structured interviews, it contributes to the literature by theorizing women’s gastronomic entrepreneurship as a mechanism for social inclusion and sustainable development.
Consumption of Historical Space: Spatial Transformation of Safranbolu Historical Bazaar
Safranbolu's Historical Bazaar faces threats to its unique cultural identity due to tourism-driven commodification, risking the loss of its distinct heritage. This study reveals that spatial transformations in historical cities are often shaped by a consumption-focused discourse, which can undermine sustainability. To address this, researchers propose alternative conservation approaches aimed at preserving and strengthening the bazaar's unique value. The study employed qualitative methods, including observations and in-depth interviews, to analyze spatial practices and suggest frameworks for sustainable development. By examining the interplay between production-consumption dynamics and tourism, the research offers insights into safeguarding cultural heritage while mitigating the homogenizing effects of global consumer culture.
Exploring the potentials of adaptive reuse of cisterns in historic cities: Case of Safranbolu
Adaptive reuse of historic cisterns could significantly enhance water efficiency in heritage cities, offering a sustainable solution to the growing demand for water resources. A study focusing on Safranbolu, known for its preserved architecture, found that local cisterns have the potential to manage and treat water consumed by buildings when combined with greywater reuse and limited rainwater collection. The research involved a field study of 11 cisterns and detailed water consumption data from 25 buildings, suggesting that such structures could play a supplementary role in sustainable water management. However, economic feasibility, technical capacity, and maintenance processes remain critical considerations for implementation.
Integrating the New with the Old: Transformations of the Değirmenbaşı Street in the City of Safranbolu in Türkiye
Urban development in Safranbolu, Türkiye, has led to a loss of historical harmony, with new constructions failing to integrate with the city's old architectural fabric. A case study of Değirmenbaşı Street reveals that while modern buildings adhere to building order and height regulations, they lack cohesion in façade characteristics, contributing to urban degeneration. The research, based on on-site observations, photographic documentation, and archival data, underscores the need for conservation strategies that respect existing conditions and preserve urban identity. This study highlights the challenges of balancing rapid development with heritage protection.
Metahuman social media influencers and the endorsement of cultural city brands
Metahuman social media influencers (SMIs) significantly enhance brand loyalty for cultural city brands more effectively than human influencers, primarily by elevating brand charisma, which subsequently strengthens brand reputation and loyalty. This sequential pathway—charisma driving reputation, then loyalty—was demonstrated in randomized experiments conducted across two UNESCO World Heritage cities, Rome and Safranbolu, using Instagram and Facebook platforms. Notably, the positive impact of metahuman SMIs on brand charisma diminished when participants were already familiar with the cultural city brand. The study leverages Social Influence Theory and Meaning Transfer Theory to provide actionable insights for marketers, suggesting that metahuman SMIs could be a scalable tool for promoting lesser-known cultural destinations globally. While limited by controlled online samples, this research offers a novel approach to influencer strategy in social media advertising.
Sustainable Heritage Planning for Urban Mass Tourism and Rural Abandonment: An Integrated Approach to the Safranbolu–Amasra Eco-Cultural Route
A resilient eco-cultural tourism route for Safranbolu and Amasra, Türkiye, offers a solution to the dual challenges of urban mass tourism and rural abandonment. This approach, inspired by historical travel itineraries, integrates participatory planning, crowdsourcing, GIS analysis, AI clustering, and multi-criteria decision-making to strengthen heritage conservation while fostering sustainable development. The study identifies critical gaps in site management strategies, capacity-building, and stakeholder engagement, highlighting the need for more inclusive and adaptive governance models. By leveraging advanced technologies and collaborative methodologies, this framework mitigates the negative impacts of tourism pressures on UNESCO-listed sites, providing a replicable model for other heritage destinations.
Accessibility of Urban Tourism in Historical Areas: Analysis of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Safranbolu
A key finding from this study is that the street network's accessibility in Safranbolu significantly shapes its urban architecture and serves as crucial routes for sustainable tourism. Using space syntax analysis on Open Street Map data, researchers examined how high global integration streets influence traditional architecture and enhance experiential tourism. The study highlights the importance of spatial configuration in preserving historical areas while improving accessibility for visitors. This approach offers valuable insights for urban planners and local governments aiming to balance heritage conservation with sustainable development.
Effect of Overtourism on Residents' Quality of Life in World Heritage Cities
Overtourism significantly impairs residents' quality of life in Safranbolu. Nearly one-third of locals perceive the city as overwhelmed by tourism, citing adverse effects such as increased traffic congestion, parking issues, litter, water consumption, and noise pollution. Residents also express concerns about environmental degradation, including the deterioration of natural landscapes and the exceeding of ecological carrying capacity. Additionally, they worry about the potential devastation of cultural heritage due to excessive tourist numbers. The study employed statistical analysis, including factor analysis and multivariate regression, to derive these insights from resident perceptions.
Evaluating the Design Principles of Traditional Safranbolu Houses
Traditional Safranbolu houses, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Turkey, exhibit design principles that reflect a harmonious relationship between parcel characteristics and spatial arrangement. This study reveals that these houses were systematically designed based on environmental factors at both urban and building scales. By analyzing selected dwellings from Safranbolu's historical settlements, researchers surveyed domestic space configurations using detailed plans and sections, uncovering the diversity in how these mixed-technique structures were arranged. The findings contribute to understanding the interplay between parcel characteristics and house design, offering insights into the spatial organization of traditional Turkish residences.
Investigation of Basic Components Constituting Neighbourhoods: The Case of Safranbolu – Yenimahalle
A comparative analysis of Yenimahalle Neighborhood in Safranbolu, Turkey, reveals significant discrepancies between its current urban landscape and the established design criteria for well-functioning neighborhoods. The study identified both adequate and inadequate areas by evaluating land uses against development plans, highlighting gaps that could inform more effective urban planning. This research underscores the importance of adapting global design standards to local contexts while introducing site-specific criteria to address unique challenges in neighborhood development.
The Importance of Organizational Collaborative Strategic Actions of Independent Actors in Enhancing the Potential of Tourism Destination Management
Collaborative strategic actions among independent actors in Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and major tourism destination, significantly enhance the city's tourism potential. However, current stakeholder coordination falls short of expected effectiveness, as revealed by qualitative interviews. This study underscores the need for improved collaboration and strategic development to optimize Safranbolu's tourism management, benefiting both local communities and global visitors.
The usage of adobe as filling and sustainable material in construction of traditional houses of Safranbolu
Traditional adobe construction in Safranbolu, Turkey, offers sustainable housing solutions that align with global goals for safe and inclusive urban development. This study highlights the enduring use of timber-frame and mud-brick (adobe) buildings, which meet basic human needs while maintaining ecological balance. Unlike modern materials, adobe provides thermal comfort, breathability, and resilience to environmental changes, making it a viable alternative in contemporary architecture. The research emphasizes the importance of preserving historical material techniques for sustainable urban planning, offering insights that could guide future construction practices in harmony with nature.
Radon Concentration and its Indices in Bulak (Mencilis) Cave
A study measuring radon concentrations in Bulak (Mencilis) Cave, one of Türkiye's longest caves near Safranbolu, found levels ranging from 16.437 to 48.652 Bq/m³—all within global safety limits set by ICRP and UNSCEAR. Using nuclear track CR-39 detectors deployed for a month in both tourist-accessible and deeper cave regions, researchers also analyzed soil samples, revealing high concentrations of minerals like iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), and manganese (Mn). XRF examination confirmed these exceed worldwide permissible limits. The study highlights the cave's geochemical complexity while reassuring visitors about radon-related health risks.
Confrontation of Traditional and Modern
Safranbolu's urban development reflects a historical tension between tradition and modernity, revealing how spatial neighborhood relations have shaped its economic growth and urban identity over the past century. The study identifies this conflict as a manifestation of political, social, and urban failures to adapt to the needs of a traditional regional center in the early 20th century, contrasting Safranbolu's experience with that of Karabük. By analyzing spatial dynamics, the research highlights how provincial centers struggled to reconcile their historical identities with modernization pressures, offering insights into the broader central-provincial dilemma in Turkey.
Determination of EMF Pollution in the Context of Urban Health: The Case of Safranbolu
A study measuring electromagnetic field (EMF) pollution in Safranbolu, Turkey, found that electric field intensity decreases inversely with distance from base stations. The research mapped EMF levels at distances of 20m to 500m from four base stations, revealing a clear trend of reduced exposure as proximity diminishes. Conducted in the frequency range of 50 MHz to 3.5 GHz, this work is the first to assess EMF pollution in Safranbolu, providing critical baseline data for future studies, particularly following the potential introduction of 5G technology. The findings align with international concerns about adverse health and environmental impacts from prolonged exposure to base station emissions.
GIS-based mapping and assessment of noise pollution in Safranbolu, Karabuk, Turkey
Noise pollution levels in Safranbolu, Turkey, were found to frequently exceed hazardous thresholds, posing significant risks to human health and quality of life. The study, conducted across 47 measurement points during summer 2017 and winter 2018, revealed that noise levels ranged from 30.8 dBA to 73.3 dBA, with noon periods showing the highest pollution, particularly on weekdays in winter. GIS-based mapping identified critical areas where exposure could lead to physiological problems, affecting tourism and daily life. The research highlights the need for mitigation strategies to reduce noise levels below regulatory limits.
Government houses as presentation of power and ideology in the Ottoman State: The case of Safranbolu Government House
Ottoman government houses, including the Safranbolu Government House, served as ideological interventions in urban space during the 19th century. These structures embodied state power and ideology through their architectural design and strategic placement, reinforcing the Ottoman State's dominance over its cities. The study confirms that the Safranbolu Government House, a final-period artifact of Ottoman architecture, effectively communicated this dominant ideology to city-dwellers. To reach this conclusion, researchers analyzed the urban history of Safranbolu, the house's architectural style, and its relationship with the city using archival research methods. This approach revealed how government houses functioned as symbols of state authority and ideological control in Ottoman urban landscapes.
Impact of Social Networks in Historical Urban Landscaping Areas: Safranbolu
Social media, particularly platforms like Flickr, plays a significant role in enhancing the perception and protection of heritage values within historical urban landscapes. This study demonstrates that social media not only engages users with cultural heritage but also provides valuable data for analytical research, contributing to the preservation and management of UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Safranbolu. By analyzing location-based data, photographs, and tags from Flickr over several years, researchers identified how these platforms reflect universal value definitions of heritage and foster protection awareness among visitors. The findings highlight the potential of social media to actively involve users in the historical urban landscape, offering new avenues for heritage conservation and planning.
Intermediary Role Of Nostalgia Tendency In The Effect Of Electronic Word Of Mouth Communication On Tourists' Destination Visit Intentions
Electronic word-of-mouth (E-WOM) communication significantly influences tourists' intentions to visit Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage City. Nostalgia tendencies partially mediate this effect, suggesting that sentimental attachment to the past plays a key role in shaping destination preferences. The study used a survey of 402 travel enthusiasts and applied structural equation modeling with SPSS analysis to reveal these relationships. Findings highlight how E-WOM can leverage nostalgia to enhance travel intentions, offering insights for tourism marketing strategies.
Making a sense of place for Safranbolu World Heritage Site
A documentary from Safranbolu's early UNESCO World Heritage designation era, 'Safranbolu: Reflections of Time,' played a pivotal role in shaping the city's heritage discourse and identity. This study reveals that the documentary acted as a powerful tool to mobilize heritage conservation efforts by crafting narratives around place and identity. Through discourse analysis, it was found that the official heritage narrative promoted 'cultural conservatism,' sublimating tradition while depicting modernity as a challenging experience. The research underscores how linguistic practices in heritage documentation can influence perceptions of place and identity, contributing to the broader understanding of heritage conservation strategies.
Safranbolu da Sinemanın Gelişim Süreci: Özer Sineması
Safranbolu's cinematic development, particularly the emergence of Özer Cinema, significantly shaped the city's cultural identity and economic structure. This study reveals how cinematography, introduced in 1948-1949 with electricity, evolved from silent screenings to more innovative forms, contributing to both social sharing and local economy. By analyzing indoor and outdoor cinemas through oral history and private archives, the research highlights cinema's role in Safranbolu's cultural evolution, offering valuable insights into its historical trajectory.
Development of Web-Based GIS for the Cultural Heritage of Safranbolu, Turkey
A web-based GIS system was successfully developed to document and model Safranbolu's cultural heritage, enabling the 3D visualization of historical buildings using close-range photogrammetry. This approach integrates diverse data sources into an accessible online platform, facilitating heritage preservation and tourism. Safranbolu, a UNESCO-listed site in Turkey, benefits from this system, which enhances the protection and revitalization of its architectural legacy. The study demonstrates how digital tools can bridge gaps between historical documentation and public engagement, offering a scalable model for other heritage sites.
Examination of the Cultural Tourism Perception of Safranbolu in Terms of Domestic Tourists’ Travel Behaviours
Domestic tourists' perception of Safranbolu as a cultural destination varies significantly based on their visit frequency and duration, according to a study analyzing data from 290 respondents. While the majority expressed high satisfaction with their travel experience and recommended it to others, they were less inclined to revisit the site compared to other factors. The research, conducted using questionnaire data analyzed via SPSS 22, highlights the nuanced relationship between cultural tourism perception and tourist behavior in Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized since 1994 for its rich historical and non-tangible heritage.
Authenticity as a sustainable value of holistic conservation: The case of Turkey’s world heritage sites
Authenticity, traditionally viewed as a quality tied to physical characteristics, is now recognized as a multifaceted value essential for the holistic conservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This study redefines authenticity by integrating both tangible and intangible features, emphasizing its role in sustaining the originality and integrity of cultural heritage. By analyzing Turkey's Archeological Site of Troy and City of Safranbolu, it demonstrates how a clear definition of authenticity—guided by the Nara Document on Authenticity—can enhance conservation accuracy. The research compares these sites' specific conditions, highlighting the significance of understanding decision-makers' perspectives and current environmental factors to minimize subjectivity in authenticity assessments.
Safranbolu Kentsel Sit Alanında Otopark Sorunu Ve Çözüm Alternatifleri
Safranbolu, recognized as Turkey's capital of protection and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, faces significant parking challenges within its Çarşı zone due to inadequate parking spaces. A study analyzed these issues and found that the existing conservation-based development plan does not sufficiently address the problem, particularly during weekends and holidays when tourism peaks. The research introduced three alternative approaches aimed at resolving these parking difficulties while maintaining the integrity of the protected urban site. These solutions focus on balancing tourism growth with sustainable urban planning, offering a model for other heritage sites dealing with similar challenges.
State support policy concerning the conservation of traditional architectural heritage in Safranbolu, Turkey
Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994 and a well-preserved Ottoman city, offers valuable insights into the effectiveness of state-supported financial tools for conserving traditional architectural heritage. This study reveals that grant-aided subsidies and loan systems, administered by the central government, have significantly influenced the protection, conservation, and restoration efforts in Safranbolu. By evaluating these policies, researchers found that while they provide essential funding mechanisms, their impact varies depending on factors such as accessibility, implementation efficiency, and alignment with local needs. The study highlights the importance of tailored financial strategies to ensure sustainable heritage conservation, offering a model for other World Heritage Sites facing similar challenges.
SWOT Analysis of Safranbolu City in Terms of Tourism
Safranbolu, a UNESCO-listed Ottoman city renowned for its classical wooden architecture and streets, holds significant untapped potential to enhance its tourism sector. A SWOT analysis reveals that while Safranbolu attracts visitors, it does not fully leverage its strengths—such as its unique heritage—to compete effectively with rivals. The study, based on surveys of touristic enterprise owners and administrators, identifies key opportunities for growth, including better utilization of its cultural assets to attract more tourists and generate higher revenue. Addressing weaknesses and threats, such as underdeveloped infrastructure or seasonal tourism fluctuations, could further boost Safranbolu's economic benefits from tourism.
Safranboluyu Ziyaret Eden Yabancı Turistlerin Destinasyon İmajı Algıları
Foreign tourists visiting Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Ottoman architecture and natural beauty, generally perceive the city positively, with high satisfaction levels regarding its image, tourist guiding services, and transportation infrastructure. However, this satisfaction varies significantly based on demographic factors such as age, gender, and nationality. The study, conducted through face-to-face interviews with 400 foreign tourists, provides critical insights for sustainable preservation, revitalization, and management of historic sites, offering actionable recommendations for local authorities, managers, and investors.
Ottoman period water structures and water-related architecture: examples in Safranbolu, Turkey
Safranbolu, Turkey, showcases exceptional Ottoman-era water structures that exemplify traditional Turkish architecture and engineering. The study highlights the Incekaya Aqueduct, a gravity-fed system commissioned by Grand Vizier Izzet Mehmet Pasha (1794–98), which delivers drinking water from Danaköy Village to Safranbolu via the Tokatlı Canyon. Additionally, it examines pool rooms—integral to Ottoman residential architecture—both within mansions like Asmazlar and Deligözler House, and as standalone pavilion structures with garden pools in Bağlar and central districts. These features illustrate the spatial and aesthetic integration of water in historic urban planning.
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