Photo: Muhsin Kadıoğlu (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source 10 places to visit in the Göynük district of Bolu: Akşemseddin Tomb, Gazi Süleyman Paşa Mosque and Historic Ottoman Houses of Göynük. Plan your trip to Göynük with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Göynük is a district in the south-west of Bolu Province. Göynük is famous for its sugar beans, uğut marmalade, clasped textiles and woodcarving.
The first settlers in the Bolu region are thought to have been the Bebrikes. Written works from the Byzantine period have been found in the villages of Susuz, Kilciler, Narzanlar and Boyacılar in the district. History books state that the Roman military road passed through present-day Göynük.
The tomb that Mehmed II (the Conqueror) had built in 1464 for his teacher Akşemseddin has a hexagonal form. Gazi Süleyman Paşa Mosque was built between 1331 and 1335 with a single balcony, a single minaret and a single timber dome. Zafer Tower was built in 1923 by Hurşit Bey, the first kaymakam of the Republican era, to immortalise the achievements of the War of Independence.
The district is one of the rare Ottoman towns whose historic fabric has remained intact. It has been declared an Urban Conservation Area (Kentsel SİT Alanı) because of its 158 civil architectural works, including 137 historic houses, 21 mosques, tombs, fountains, baths, towers and cemeteries.
Göynük is one of the Ottoman towns whose historic fabric has been preserved. Göynük was declared an Urban Conservation Area (Kentsel SİT Alanı) because of its 158 civil architectural works. In the district, a mosque, bath and mansion built in the 14th century by Gazi Süleyman Paşa can be found. Akşemseddin Tomb was built by Mehmed II in 1464. Evliya Çelebi praised the Göynük bath, comparing it with those in Ankara and Istanbul.
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The Ottoman houses in the historic centre of Göynük, with their timber bay windows and stone foundations, are fine examples of civil architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. Some of the houses have been restored and converted into boutique hotels.
View on mapA double hammam built near the Akşemseddin Tomb in the same period as the mosque.
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Photo: Muhsin Kadıoğlu (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source A mosque in Cuma Quarter, attributed to Gazi Süleyman Paşa, son of Orhan Gazi.
View on mapA tomb in Çeşme Quarter, belonging to Ömer Sekkin, a disciple of Hacı Bayram Veli.
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Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source The canyon near Göynük district, with its walking trails and natural beauty, is a focus of interest for nature lovers. Pools and waterfalls are found along the canyon.
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Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source Sünnet Lake, within the boundaries of Göynük, is a quiet lake surrounded by forests. It is an ideal area for camping, picnicking and walking.
View on mapWhile you are in Göynük, you can also see the highlights of Bolu province. These places are in other districts; Göynük is about 50 km from the provincial centre.
"Bolu Göynük Uğut Tatlısı" was registered as a protected geographical indication on 9 December 2020 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 622). Product group: bakery and confectionery products, pastries, desserts. Registered by: Bolu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
"Göynük Dik Börek" was registered as a protected geographical indication on 7 December 2020 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 618). Product group: bakery and confectionery products, pastries, desserts. Registered by: Göynük Municipality.
"Göynük Kabaklı Yufka Tatlısı" was registered as a protected geographical indication on 7 December 2020 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 619). Product group: bakery and confectionery products, pastries, desserts. Registered by: Göynük Municipality.
Uğut marmalade, counted among Göynük's famous products.
Göynük is the home town and final resting place of Akşemseddin, the spiritual architect of the conquest of Istanbul. Commemorative events held every year keep this heritage alive.
Göynük, together with Mudurnu, is one of the districts that best preserves the Ottoman-period urban fabric of Bolu.
The economy of Göynük consists of agriculture, livestock farming and tourism. Cultural tourism is developing thanks to the historic Ottoman houses and the Akşemseddin Tomb. Beekeeping and forest products are important sources of income.
Göynük is 50 km from Bolu city centre. Regular minibus services run from Bolu. It is close to the Ankara–İstanbul motorway.
The ten highlights of Göynük are: Akşemseddin Tomb, Gazi Süleyman Paşa Mosque, Historic Ottoman Houses of Göynük, Göynük Canyon, Sünnet Lake, Gazi Süleyman Paşa Mosque, Gazi Süleyman Paşa Hammam, Çubuk Lake, Zafer Tower and the Tomb of Ömer Sekkin Hz.
Bolu Göynük Uğut Tatlısı, Göynük Dik Börek/Göynük Oklava Tatlısı, Göynük Kabaklı Yufka Tatlısı and Uğut marmalade are the standout dishes on tables in Göynük.
Göynük is known for Göynük Bombay Bean and the Akşemseddin Heritage. It is a product registered as a protected designation of origin with TÜRKPATENT.
Göynük is 50 km from Bolu city centre. Regular minibus services run from Bolu. It is close to the Ankara–İstanbul motorway.
Suggested visit time: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn.