Ottoman Palaces, great
mosques, fountains, madrasahs ... Those are generally well-known Ottoman urban
architecture highlights but what about the village towns and countryside?
Safranbolu is a very great example of traditional Ottoman town life with its
1125 houses listed in Unesco World Heritage Sites. Each house is constructed
with a great respect to other houses view and privacy. House plans similarity
is caused by their daily usage; for example kitchens and food storage are
located on the first floor. In the past, the barn was also in the first floor
to reach the animals easily and use their heat to warm up the houses as well.
When you climb up to second floor, there is a common area for general use or
welcoming guests. This section called “hayat” means life and totally
matchs its meaning. The whole area is surrounded with rooms. Attic is used as
cellar and also storage for some winter foods to keep them dry. 
Today, some of
those houses are converted into hotel complex to let the visitors feel the
atmosphere. Handmade cushions, embroidery canvases are primary decoration
items. While you are staying in those types of old buildings or mansions, you
should listen to the sounds of the houses. Every house has its own language with
their cracking sounds of dilations and has a lot to tell. That cosy houses and
the life that they depict will just give you a feeling of nostalgia as well as
make you happy with delicious local foods prepared in a traditional way of
cooking.
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