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Safranbolu, being a touristy town that mostly caters to other Turks and relatively few foreigners, is a great place to do relatively relaxed shopping at better prices. This is particularly true compared to places like Istanbul and Kusadasi, with heavy volumes of foreigners. The prices are better here, the items less geared to foreigners, and the pressure is much less. One can find some nice souvenirs for rather low prices.
What to buy:
Items include wood implements, bowls, tables, models of Safranbolu-style houses, linens, table runners, etc.
Safranbolu is a wonderful place to buy safron treats, especially candies. There are various sweet shops throughout the town, especially in the old town, selling safron Turkish delight and other safron candies.
We purchased candies from one called Zariftat.
What to buy:
Safron Turkish Delight, other safron candy, safron tea, etc. They also sell a range of other Turkish Delight and other candies.
Helpfulness
In the 1980s tourism authorities saw its value, and the government pledged to preserve it. Modern structures were prohibited in its historic neighborhoods, and traditional artisans were encouraged to ply their crafts in restored workshops. Costumed staff in cafes and restaurants serve Ottoman cuisine.
Luckily, it's not at all Disneyfied. The local people are real people, not performers, and they love their historic town.
What to buy:
all kind of spices ..included lokoum
What to pay:
not too much
This shop was everywhere in Safranbolu. Its main product is Turkish Lokum-Turkish Delight. Safranbolu is also famous with its lokums. I ate most delicious lokums here. There were people with boxes of lokums in the streets in Safranbolu. You can eat until you get sick, it is free.
What to buy:
Turkish delight a.k.a. lokum
What to pay:
Not much
Istanbul has it's own Arasta Bazaar located beside the Blue Mosque, Safranbolu has its own too. Arasta Bazaar means old bazaar, so you will surely find the same thing in many cities and towns of Turkey.
It was so early in the morning when I passed by the Arasta Bazaar in Carsi, so not many shops are open, besides, it was winter so I have not seen a single soul wandering around the small charming bazaar.
Local products, handmade native products and you could also see local artisans practice traditional trades like metalworking, woodworking, saddlemaking and shoemaking.
Helpfulness
In keeping with its touristy image, souvenir shops are aplenty in Safranbolu. Popular souvenirs are metalcraft, miniature models of Ottoman houses, accessories, and lots more. The shops, which usually bustle with activity on weekends (and when busloads of Japanese and Korean tourists) descend upon Carsi, are located around Carsi's two camiis (mosques) - Izzet Pasa and Koprulu Mehmet Pasa.
I spent a few hours wandering through the maze of shops, and along the way discovered some interesting finds, gorged loads of tasty lokum (Turkish delight), and guzzled complimentary cay offered by the hospitable shopkeepers, who were never too pushy.
Helpfulness
I was walking around Safranbolu's market area when I chanced upon Kazim Madenoglu, a tinsmith. He gamely showed his craft, complete with all the fiery effects. He then showed me his ''guest book" where hundreds of tourists from all over the world have left their comments on Kazim's talents and his hospitality. It was an honor to make the first Filipino entry in his guestbook.
We then went to his showroom where I met his wife and lovely kid. The whole family was so welcoming and hospitable that not once had I been pushed to buy anything. They even gave me some souvenir of old Turkish coins.
Another day, another case of Turkish hospitality.
What to buy:
Kazim's metalwork is exquisite although they could be quite bulky and heavy for backpackers.
What to pay:
Nothing if you're just looking around.
Helpfulness
facing cinci han huge entrance:
"astat",cinci hani yani 60,tel:370-7126529
attractive confectionery
tasty loukoums,try also succulent "yaprak helva",flaky pastry with,among others,walnuts!
enjoy!
What to buy:
textiles,wooded articles,iron articles,shoes...
Safranbolu is a place where local Turkish- Anatolian art kept alive. You can watch while the locals are making them, and also buy. Prices are much reasonable then Istanbul or other resort towns in the Mediterranian Coast
Helpfulness
The typical shop is situated in the center of the old bazzaar and this shop is very famous with the turkish delight ( lokoum) with saffron
What to buy:
lokoum with saffron
What to pay:
not too much
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