Control Your Speed
Radar guns and speed cameras are everywhere for everyone’s benefit. In built up areas 40 km/hr. On mo-torways 120 km/hr. Instant fines if caught. You should recive a receipt for any fine paid. Road signs comply with the international hightway Code. Obey instruction signs ie STOP and NO PASSING. Red flashing traffic lights are treated the same as amber – you may go if nothing is coming.

Tips For Safe Driving in Turkey
There is a hight incidence of accidents in turkey every year, particularly in the months of July and August and national holidays. To avoid becomming another statistic use common sense and try to folow these guidelines. Do not drink and drive – the rule is absolutely no alchol if you intend to drive and if caught there is an instant fine. Wear a seat belt in a car and helmet if riding a mororbike – both compulsory in Turkey.

Alpin zone plant societies are beginning from upper limits of forest ecological systems and reach to the heights where snow cover is continuing (approximately between 2. 000 and 3. 500 meters). If you remember that a rough and mountainous country, Turkey has 129 peeks exceeding three thousand meters, it can be mentioned that Alpin zone plants are covering a very wide area within the country, even all of the pastures known as “plateau” are inside in this plant zone.

There is no tree within Alpin zone plant societies, similar as steppes, there are one or more years long lived but natural conditions enduring grassy plants. But here limiting factor not allowing cultivation of trees is not the small amount of rain, but is low environmental temperature.

Snow cover continuing from October to May, is allowing plant maximum four or five months to live. At the upper parts of Alpin zone, you are not even be able to see grasses. You can only face with likens which are the unions of colorful mosses and mushrooms on the rocks.

Lower parts of the Alpin plant zone are the places where soil is thick and genuine meadow grasses are plentiful. Generally soil layer become thin and plant cover become rare at upper parts. Here you can face with mine, hercai menekseler, yildiz cicekleri, kar cicekleri, kardelenler, duguncicekleri, yalacicekleri, damkoruklari, taskiranlar, zambaklar, susenler, and aglayan gelin flowers generally at hallows composed of rock cracks. Orman gulu and big can cicekleri, sonbahar cigdemleri with yellow and white colored flowers at plateaus of East Black Sea, are also the members of this plant societies.

The Karst and Cave Research Unit founded under the control of Directorate of the Institute of Mineral Research (M.T.A.) studies the caves having economic potentials and their usage fields at the regional conditions. These studies are supported by Ministry of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Forests, Ministry of Internal Affairs, General Directorate of Water Affairs, Universities, Governorships, Municipalities and private persons.

Some of the cave research studies are carried by local or foreign Clubs and Societies. In these studies, the caves are examined according to their geological, geomorphologic, hydrological – hydro geological, meteorological and biological properties vein respect to their importance their maps (plans and cross – sections) in 1/100 – 1/2500 scales are drawn in order to determine their usage as an economical aspect.

In the further stage, the Protection and Application Project including the architectural, electrical and environmental arrangements of the caves to be prepared for touristic purposes are prepared. Also the studies about the underground rivers, their flow direction, underground and surface river basins, their pollution focuses and methods of protection are executed.

How to Do
As it is impossible to come enough close to birds, binoculars are the most basic equipment for close observation. In open areas, distant lands, telescopes made for this aim are also very beneficial. During the observation period, a note book, which is required for registry, should not be forgotten. Also a guide book including bird species will be very beneficial.

During the observation, there are some basic rules to be obeyed. First of them is not to disturb the birds. You should not enter their nesting areas, and take eggs or nest material. At the end of the observation no property should be left within the region.

Shopping in Safranbolu is a delightful experience that combines history, craftsmanship, and local culture. As one of Turkey’s best-preserved Ottoman towns and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Safranbolu is renowned for its traditional artisan workshops, historic bazaars, and unique handmade products. Visitors can explore centuries-old markets where skilled craftsmen continue to produce goods using techniques passed down through generations.

Whether you’re looking for authentic souvenirs, handcrafted home décor, or regional delicacies, Safranbolu offers plenty of treasures to take home.

Historic Bazaars

Bakırcılar Bazaar (Coppersmiths’ Bazaar)

One of the town’s most famous shopping destinations is the Bakırcılar Bazaar, where the rhythmic sound of hammering copper echoes through the narrow streets.

Here, master artisans create beautiful handcrafted items, including:

• Decorative copper trays
• Coffee pots (cezve)
• Tea sets
• Serving platters
• Bowls and pitchers
• Kitchen utensils
• Traditional lanterns
• Engraved ornaments

Visitors can watch craftsmen shaping and engraving copper by hand, preserving a tradition that has existed in Safranbolu for centuries.

Arasta Bazaar

The historic Arasta Bazaar is another must-visit shopping area. Originally built to serve merchants and local residents during the Ottoman period, it remains one of the town’s liveliest commercial centers.

The bazaar features small family-owned shops selling:

• Handmade souvenirs
• Traditional clothing
• Local handicrafts
• Jewelry
• Turkish textiles
• Decorative household items
• Natural cosmetics
• Regional food products

Shopping here offers a chance to support local artisans while experiencing the authentic atmosphere of an Ottoman marketplace.

Traditional Yemeni Shoes

Safranbolu is particularly famous for its handcrafted Yemeni shoes, one of Turkey’s oldest forms of traditional footwear.

Made entirely by hand using natural leather and traditional stitching techniques, Yemeni shoes are known for their:

• Comfortable fit
• Breathable natural materials
• Durability
• Elegant craftsmanship
• Timeless design

Many workshops allow visitors to observe the shoemaking process before purchasing a pair as a unique and practical souvenir.

Local Handicrafts

Traditional craftsmanship remains an important part of everyday life in Safranbolu.

Popular handmade products include:

• Copperware
• Wooden carvings
• Handwoven textiles
• Leather goods
• Ceramic pottery
• Embroidered tablecloths
• Decorative wall hangings
• Handmade jewelry
• Glass ornaments

Each item reflects the region’s rich artistic heritage and makes a memorable keepsake.

Regional Products from Kastamonu

Many shops also sell high-quality handicrafts produced in the nearby province of Kastamonu, a region well known for its skilled artisans.

Popular products include:

• Handwoven fabrics
• Traditional towels
• Wooden kitchenware
• Leather accessories
• Ceramic dishes
• Handcrafted home décor
• Natural soaps

These regional goods showcase the craftsmanship of Turkey’s Western Black Sea region.

Local Food and Gourmet Souvenirs

Food lovers will find plenty of delicious products to take home.

Popular edible souvenirs include:

• Safranbolu Turkish Delight (Lokum)
• Yaprak Helvası
• Saffron products
• Chestnut honey
• Homemade jams and preserves
• Herbal teas
• Local spices
• Dried fruits
• Roasted nuts
• Traditional Turkish coffee

Many shops offer beautifully packaged gift boxes that make ideal presents for family and friends.

Antique Shops and Collectibles

Safranbolu’s historic streets are home to several antique shops offering:

• Ottoman-era furniture
• Brass and copper antiques
• Vintage household items
• Traditional lamps
• Old coins
• Handwoven carpets
• Kilims
• Decorative ceramics

Collectors and history enthusiasts will enjoy browsing these unique stores for one-of-a-kind treasures.

Shopping Tips

• Visit the historic bazaars early in the day for a quieter shopping experience.
• Watch local artisans at work to appreciate the craftsmanship behind each product.
• Purchase directly from family-run workshops to support traditional trades.
• Look for authentic handmade Yemeni shoes and engraved copperware, two of Safranbolu’s signature crafts.
• Don’t leave without sampling locally produced Turkish Delight, Yaprak Helvası, and saffron-flavored specialties.

Best Souvenirs to Buy in Safranbolu

Some of the most popular souvenirs include:

• Handmade Yemeni leather shoes
• Engraved copperware
• Turkish Delight (Lokum)
• Yaprak Helvası
• Saffron products
• Handwoven textiles
• Wooden handicrafts
• Ceramic pottery
• Leather accessories
• Traditional Turkish tea sets

A Memorable Shopping Experience

Shopping in Safranbolu is about much more than buying souvenirs—it’s an opportunity to experience centuries of Ottoman craftsmanship and support local artisans who continue to preserve traditional skills. From beautifully engraved copperware and handcrafted Yemeni shoes to regional textiles, ceramics, and delicious local sweets, every purchase reflects the rich cultural heritage of this remarkable historic town.