Beypazari

Last update September 26, 2026

Beypazarı is situated approximately ninety-eight kilometers to the northwest of Ankara, lying between rocky hills at the edge of the Central Anatolian plateau. Most visitors go there on a day trip, and you’ll understand why as soon as you enter the old part of the town: along the paved streets there are about 3,000 white Ottoman houses, each having carved wooden balconies and upper floors that project over the road below. You should first go up to Hıdırlık Hill, look down at the white roofs set against the hills, and then return down to stroll along the streets at ground level.

There is a history associated with the houses that is worth becoming acquainted with prior to booking one of them. A fire in 1884 destroyed a large part of the old town and as a result the Ottoman government sent architects from Safranbolu to carry out the reconstruction, which is the reason why the two towns have such similar house plans at present. A number of the houses that have been restored are now used as hotels, and when you stay in one you will encounter certain oddities: the bathroom door may be incorporated into a wardrobe, a feature that is typical of the original building rather than something added during the renovation. The Suluhan Caravansaray, which was built in 1612, still exists in the bazaar, together with two Seljuk mosques from the 13th century.

Beypazarı is in fact the principal area in Turkey for growing carrots, accounting for nearly 60 percent of the country’s total carrot production, and the town makes good use of this. Throughout the old town you can see carrot jam, carrot juice and carrot lokum being sold next to 80-layer baklava on almost every street. Silverwork is also a local specialty. Small workshops where filigree jewellery, known as telkari, is made can be watched from the street, and the jewellery produced there is a better souvenir than most of the items available in tourist shops.

If you are able to time your visit for June, that is when the town hosts its Traditional Historical Houses, Handicrafts, Carrot and Stew Festival. Outside of festival season, Beypazarı continues to function as a slower counterpart to Ankara, being close enough to make a day trip but differing enough in pace and in architecture to give the impression that it is not part of the same country. It would be worthwhile to stay overnight if possible. The old town takes on a completely different and quieter character after the day-trippers have left.