UNESCO-listed Safranbolu now a Cittaslow town

Safranbolu, celebrated for its UNESCO heritage, now gains Cittaslow status, highlighting its dedication to cultural preservation and slow living

The historic district of Safranbolu in Türkiye’s Karabuk, already renowned for its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List, has now been admitted into the Cittaslow network. This is a significant endorsement of its efforts to preserve its unique cultural heritage and slow-paced lifestyle. Safranbolu Mayor Elif Kose announced the achievement on Wednesday, marking a milestone for the district’s international recognition and awareness.

This inclusion follows a yearlong effort by the Safranbolu Municipality to meet the Cittaslow criteria, emphasizing the preservation of local identity amidst globalization. The district’s application was officially accepted on March 4, 2023, positioning Safranbolu as the only city to hold both UNESCO and Cittaslow distinctions.

“Cittaslow, initially established in Italy, signifies the slow city movement to which Safranbolu has now been included,” Mayor Kose stated during a press gathering. “For nearly a year, we have been working toward this inclusion, which evaluates cities on several criteria to ensure they fit the Cittaslow philosophy.”

These criteria are designed to help cities maintain their unique character against the homogenizing effects of globalization. Safranbolu’s rich history and adherence to these standards have earned it a place in the Cittaslow network. “We fulfilled many of these criteria, earning us our spot in this network in 2023. The journey that started last year is nearing its end with the invitation to the certificate ceremony,” Kose added.

The certificate ceremony, scheduled for March 23 in Brussels, will officially welcome Safranbolu into the Cittaslow network, celebrating a proud moment for both the district and Türkiye.

Source: Newsroom