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7 places to visit in the Eflani district of Karabük: Ulu Plateau, Taşhan and Eflani Castle. Plan your trip to Eflani with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Eflani is a district in the north-east of Karabük, covering 674 km² and lying at an altitude of 911 metres. In the centre and surrounding villages there are rock tombs, historic water channels, tombs and mosques. The district has marble quarries, and most of the marble extracted is exported. Every year the Turkey Festival (Hindi Festivali) and Ulu Plateau Festivals are held; the Ulu Plateau Festivals open with Sinsin Team and Mehter performances. Eflani’s history begins with a defensive castle founded here by the Bithynians. The region was captured by Kara Tigin Bey in 1084, came under Byzantine rule for a time, and returned to Turkish rule in 1213. Eflani became a district under Law no. 6068, published on 3 March 1953, and in 1995, when Karabük became a province, it was attached to Karabük with 54 villages and 5 neighbourhoods. The area retains the features of Taşhan, Evliyahanı, the Refikdayıoğulları Hotel and Tabaklar Bridge.

History and Culture

Eflani returned to Turkish rule in 1213. Every year, in the second week of December, the Turkey Festival (Hindi Festivali) is held. Eflani became a district of Karabük in 1995.

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Places to Visit in Eflani

  • 3 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 2 Nature
  • 1 Cultural
Nature

Ulu Plateau

The place that holds the title of the longest plateau in Türkiye.

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Cultural

Taşhan

A building in the area that has preserved its historic structure.

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Historic

Eflani Castle

Castle ruins on the hilltop above the district centre, dating from the Byzantine period. The castle offers panoramic views of the Eflani Plain.

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Nature

Eflani Plateaus

The plateaus in the higher parts of Eflani, with their cool air and natural beauty, are popular summer rest spots.

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Religious

Historic Eflani Mosque

A historic mosque built in the Ottoman period, notable for its woodwork and stone walls.

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Historic

Tabaklar Bridge

The Tabaklar Bridge is among the protected historic structures of Eflani.

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Historic

Gelicek and Karacapınar Houses

Many houses in the villages of Gelicek and Karacapınar are protected historic buildings.

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Places to Visit Around Karabük Province

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While you are in Eflani, you can also see the highlights of Karabük province. These places are in other districts.

  • Historic Houses of Safranbolu (UNESCO) — A historic town that preserves its 18th- and 19th-century Ottoman townscape as a whole, with whitewashed mansions with timber overhangs.
  • Cinci Han — A large caravanserai in the centre of Safranbolu Çarşı, built between 1640 and 1648 by Cinci Hoca (Hüseyin Efendi), the tutor of Sultan İbrahim.
  • Yemeniciler Arasta — A covered market street in Safranbolu Çarşı dating from the 17th century, where yemeni (leather shoe) makers once worked.
  • İncekaya Aqueduct — An aqueduct with one main arch and five supporting arches, spanning Tokatlı Canyon north of Safranbolu.
  • Tokatlı Canyon and Glass Viewing Terrace — A deep canyon just north of Safranbolu, with a glass viewing terrace extending over the canyon and a walking path along the valley.
  • Hıdırlık Hill — A viewpoint overlooking Safranbolu Çarşı, with the Hasan Paşa Tomb; the finest panorama of the houses is seen from here.

Practical Information for Visiting Eflani

Suggested time
Half a day
Best time to visit
Summer months
Places to visit
7 places

What to Eat in Eflani

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  • Eflani Pidesi (Eflani flatbread)

    Thin-dough Eflani pide with minced meat, baked in a stone oven. This flavour, prepared with traditional recipes, holds an important place on local tables.

  • Keşkek (wheat and meat porridge)

    Keşkek, made by slow-cooking wheat and meat and then pounding them, is the traditional dish of wedding feasts.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Eflani

  • Village Life Culture

    Eflani is one of the districts that keeps the traditional Black Sea village life alive. Livestock-rearing, farming and handicraft culture have been passed down through generations.

Local Products

  • Eflani Çember Bezi (Eflani hoop cloth) — Eflani Çember Bezi was registered as a geographical indication on 3 November 2015 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 191). Product group: woven textiles. Registered by: Eflani Social Solidarity and Support Foundation.
  • Eflani Hindi Bandırması (Eflani turkey stew) — Eflani Hindi Bandırması was registered as a protected designation of origin on 22 December 2017 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 304). Product group: dishes and soups. Registered by: Eflani Municipality.

Economy

Eflani's economy is based on agriculture and livestock. Grains, pulses and fruit are the main agricultural products.

How to Get to Eflani

Eflani is 60 km from Karabük. Minibus services run from Karabük.

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Eflani: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Eflani?

The 7 main places in Eflani are Ulu Plateau, Taşhan, Eflani Castle, Eflani Plateaus, Historic Eflani Mosque, Tabaklar Bridge and the Gelicek and Karacapınar Houses.

What is there to eat in Eflani?

Eflani Pidesi and Keşkek are the standout flavours on Eflani's tables.

What is Eflani famous for?

Eflani is known for its Eflani Çember Bezi and Village Life Culture. It is a registered geographical indication product with TÜRKPATENT.

How do I get to Eflani?

Eflani is 60 km from Karabük. Minibus services run from Karabük.

How much time should I allow for a visit to Eflani?

Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: summer months.

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Other Districts of Karabük

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