A symbol of Safranbolu, the Asmazlar Evi

The Asmazlar Evi is one of Safranbolu's largest homes and used to be an important stop for people interested in examples of regional architecture. Of course, now there are many other local boutique hotels and special homes open for tours that are similar to the Asmazlar Evi, but at the time, it was the only one. The former owner of this home, Gültekin Asmaz, began her role as a volunteer tour guide in 1975, a role she continued until her death in 2000.

Hacı Sabri Asmaz was the founder of one of Turkey's oldest hotels, the Turist Hotel in Ankara, which first opened its doors in the 1930s. After selling the Turist Hotel in 1975, Hacı Sabri Asmaz returned to his native Safranbolu, turning his attentions from that point on to local and regional tourism. At the time, he told his children in Safranbolu that “the day will eventually come when Safranbolu will be number one. The whole world will come here.” With that, he set the tone for the future of tourism efforts in the region as exemplified by the Asmazlar Evi. It was in 1989 that the Asmazlar Evi opened its doors as a boutique hotel and many others followed in its wake.

Although Safranbolu continued to attract visitors from all over the world curious to see its unique examples of architecture, there was still a noticeable lack of homes for tourists to visit. It was at this point that the Asmazlar family came to the city's rescue as a popular attraction for visitors to the city interested in touring homes that boast classical regional architecture.

Although Safranbolu continued to attract visitors from all over the world curious to see its unique examples of architecture, there was still a noticeable lack of homes for tourists to visit. It was at this point that the Asmazlar family came to the city's rescue as a popular attraction for visitors to the city interested in touring homes that boast classical regional architecture

Şerife recalls trying to get used to giving tours of the home when she was also carrying out the normal work of a young bride. “At first it was difficult, becoming accustomed to hosting visitors all of a sudden, as I was just going about my normal daily business at home.” She smiles at this memory, but then adds that over time she actually benefited quite a bit from her role as a tour guide in this historic home. She has learned new things from all the guests she hosted over time. “Now I'm unhappy when the doorbell doesn't ring,” she says.

Of course, the 20 years of experience showing the home to visitors has made Şerife quite sure of herself when talking about this Safranbolu site. Discussing the home's architectural attributes and cultural aspects with ease, she says, “This home was first built in 1873, with nine bedrooms and two living rooms and a total space of 635 square meters.”

The most distinctive and distinguishing aspects of the Asmazlar home are its indoor pools. The wing where Şerife lives contains a pool that is 4x4 meters, with a depth of 1.65 meters. These pools are used to meet all kinds of water needs and in the summer they serve as a type of natural air conditioner. Until 30 years ago, these pools were filled with water called “Paşa Suyu” from a natural spring, but now they are filled with water from the regular city water system.

Şerife first came to this home when she was just 21 years old, and as she describes it, the aspect of her new home that caused her the most difficulty was the sheer size of the “konak.” She recalls, “I had to walk 200 meters just to get to the kitchen.” But the biggest difficulty now facing Şerife is that she will soon have to leave this large Safranbolu home where she raised her three children as the home is being divided up after being left to her family and her husband's cousins in a will. Still, the younger members of the family are working on a plan to save the home, even while moving plans are being made.

All of these mixed memories have left their inevitable traces, not only on the walls of this home, but in the mind and character of Şerife herself. And though it is not yet clear what will happen to this historic home, nothing will ever be the same for Şerife once Asmazlar Evi changes hands.