Taraklı is a distinguished town in greens in the south of Marmara Region with its long history and
unique nature. It was the first city of the Ottomans in Anatolia. It has 60 km distance to city center.
According to its location, it is 28 km away from Bolu-Göynük district at the east, 37 km away from
Geyve district at the west, 30 km away from Bilecik – Gölpazarı district at the south. The population
of Taraklı is native Turk. It is called ‘Manav Turk’ in Sakarya. The Ottomans conquered Taraklı in 1289.
It has been a municipal since 1954 and a district since 1987.
History
In the first ages it was a city of Hittites then Bithynia and Byzantine and a trade point in
Seljuks. However its real value lies in its quality of being the first settlement of the
Ottomans. It is known that Taraklı was mentioned with the name of ‘Dablar’ in the
ancient age and it was in the region taking the name of ‘Bithynia’ in Hellenistic age. Two
cisterns found in Hisartepe dates between 2000 and 1000 BC. According to Aşıkpaşaoğlu
history the conquest Geography
The district located at the southeast Marmara Region takes place between Ankara and İstanbul
cities. It is 270 km away from Ankara and 221 km from İstanbul. The district’s area is 334
square kilometers. % 20 of this area is agricultural, % 60 is forested and shrubbery, % 10 is
meadows and pastures and %10 is non-agricultural area. The height of the district from the
sea level is 450 meters.
of Taraklı was immediately after the conquest of Karacahisar. 1289 is the year of this date.
Joseph Von Harmer indicates Taraklı’s conquest in his book entitled ‘History of the Ottoman
State’ among the first series of conquests of Osman Bey. The date of conquest is varying in
different sources; nonetheless it is certain that Taraklı was within the Ottoman territory when
the Ottoman State was first founded. Evliya Çelebi gave the following information in his
famous 17th-centurybook ‘Seyahatname’ (Book of Travels): “Taraklı is a small city tied to
Bursa Feudal Administration. It was conquered by Osman Bey. The budget of Taraklı is one
hundred and fifty akce. It’s castle is ruinous, but it has five hundred garden houses made from
wood and plant. It is a charming town. It has eleven mosques and seven villages. The mosque
in the center is beautiful.(Yunus Paşa Mosque). It has a hammam, five inns, six neighborhood
schools and two hundred shops. Since comb and spoon are made in this city, nearly
everybody calls it Taraklı. It’s mountains are covered with forests and they are hunting places.
It’s brook flows through the city and reaches the Sakarya River through with other river.
Today’s developing Taraklı is, together with its significant route, quiet and lush green with
the plenty of fruits and vegetables. It is one of the rare cities in Anatolia with its pristine city
and street plan.
Climate and vegetation
It has characteristic Marmara transition climate. Between winter and summer, the temperature
differences are not too much. Winters are influenced by the continental climate and snowy.
Summers are hot and dry. Annual average temperature is 14-15 C. Annual fall average is 630
mm. The flora of Taraklı is fairly rich. The mountains are covered with the forests. Pine, oak,
hornbeam, beech, fir, boxwood kinds are found in these forests
Settlement
With the abundance of oxygen and water, it has old –Ottoman style wooden houses and new
concrete houses. There is not a shortage of housing in the district however, central heating
houses are less, but they are built recently
Population and administrative structure
According to the current data of 2012, the total population of the district is 7112. 3000 live in
district center and 4112 in 18 villages. In 1990 the population was 10906. Now it has
decreased to 7000 because of emigration and administrative re-regulations (i.e. some villages
connected to other neighboring district administrations). Approximately 26 people live in 1
square kilometer area. Taraklı was transformed to a district in 1987. Directorates of education,
security, finance and title deed serve in the sub-provincial governorship building. There are
four doctors, one health center and an emergency service in the district. A post office also
serves to the citizens.
Economy
The subsistence source of district public is based on agriculture and animal breeding.% 27
percent of agricultural area is cultivated. Furthermore, thanks to its thermal facilities, cultural
and historical assets, Tarakli has been continuously attracting domestic as well as foreign
tourists. Thus, tourism has recently become a new source of income. Trade – %10 of the
population engaged in small-scale commercial affairs. There are 350 tradesmen registered in
the chamber of commerce. Handicrafts – Wood engraving, spoon and comb making from
boxwood and weaving are the old handicrafts. They are very important for the promotion of
the district. Saddle making and hot forging are other continuing activities
Tourism
Taraklı Houses: they are old historical Ottoman wooden houses. The houses that have been
standing for more than three centuries have a wonderful view between Hıdırlık and Hisar
Hills.
YunusPaşa Mosque: During the Egypt expedition, Yavuz Sultan Selim gave a directive to his
grand vizier Yunus Pasha to build this mosque in 1517. It was built in 15 days. Its dome was
made of lead. Its eaves are embroidered. Front side of the mosque is decorated with marbles.
This mosque says welcome with its beauty to its guests.
Historical Inn: It is a masterpiece on the route of Taraklı-Baghdad, where caravans
accommodated. This historical inn says with its grandeur to domestic and foreign tourists ‘I
am here, come and be my guest!’
Taraklı Streets: They are narrow cobblestone streets between the historical sites. There are
historical houses on it.
Historical Hammam: It is in the district center. It was built for heating of the Yunus Pasha
Mosque.
Sycamore Tree: Ottoman tradition to plant sycamore tree to the cities that they conquered
continued in Taraklı too. One of the most spectacular examples of this tradition is in Taraklı.
In the near of city center, there is a seven-centuries-old sycamore tree which is 11 meters
length. There is a fountain next to it. It has a beautiful view.
Hisar: It was built for purposes of defense 1000-2000 BC. It looks like city’s castle.
Water Mill: It was built on Güleyik Stream in Mahdumlar Village. People named it ‘Black
Mill’ which has five stones and is still in use.
Commodity Fair: A commodity fair is held annually in the beginning of September for three
days. Many tradesmen open their stands and many visitors from neighboring towns and cities
visit Taraklı on the occasion of this fair.
Nature Tourism: Taraklı is a rare region for nature tourism. It is a spectacular part of Anatolia
which has wonderful promenades such as Karagöl Wold, Güngörmez Waterfall, Keme
Bridge, Acısu, Hıdırlık Hill, Gürleyik water, Güngörmez Hamza Fount, Ak Well and Çoban
Well. %60 of this area is surrounded by forests.
Karagöl Wold: KargölWold with 1200 m elevation is located in 21 km North-East of the town
over the mountains which are part of Saman Mountain. The Wold is surrounded with bushy
forest full of pine, fir, oak, beech and box trees. In spring, the Wold turns into a natural
wonderland with the melt of snow.
Hıdırlık Hill: There is a full Taraklı landscape on the top of the hill which is completely
covered with pine trees. The name of the hill was inspired by one of the frontier people called
Hıdır Dede who came to this area before the conquest of Anatolia.
Hıdırlık Pilaff Activity: It is a big reunion of people who live in Taraklı and who were born in
Taraklı but lives in other cities. It is held in Hıdır Dede Tomb in the first weekend of June
annually. Besides, all the villages hold similar activities in their village square. This ancient
tradition is a unique sample of sharing cultures and slaking of craving.
Health Tourism: As much as cultural and natural tourism, health tourism is also rising in
Taraklı with significant spa and curative water. The vicinity is considerably rich in terms of
mineral waters. The spring water resources in high places are clear and cold.
Clay Bath Spa: This spa is located 8 km outside of the town. Because of the argillaceous soil
around the spa, it is called "Clay Bath".
Taraklı Thermal Facilities: Construction of Taraklı Thermal Facilities began in 2011 and
expected to be completed in 2014. The facilities are designed according to the Ottoman
architectural style. Houses are being built similar to Taraklı and Safranbolu Houses. The
project is being applied on the 700 acres of land. The facilities will have 1250 apartments
which are sold according to timeshare system. Additionally, the project includes spa,
shopping center, congress hall with 1500 capacity, sport fields as well as a 50-bed physical
therapy rehabilitation hospital.
With its pristine nature, therapeutic reserves of high thermal water, proximity to big cities and
unique beauty, Taraklı is an old Ottoman city. Taraklı Thermal Facilities will serve to its
guests in the fields of holiday, health, congress and cultural tourism.
Socio-cultural structure
Local people of Taraklı are called as "Manav". This is a local concept which is used to
distinguish the resident population from those who immigrate to a place.
Houses: All the houses in the town reflect the traditional Turkish architectural structure.
Taraklı is first degree protected (SIT) area consisting of 80 registered houses. Large family
structure, rainy and cultural richness are influential on the shapes of the houses.
Family Life: Taraklı has conserved the traditional family structure. %90 of the families is
large family in which two or three generations live together. Important decisions are set inside
the family.
Traditions: Taraklı has preserved both the cultural heritage and the traditions of Ottoman.
Ramadan fests, fests, wedding traditions, funeral traditions and sendoff of soldiers are just
like how those were in the past.
Local Foods: The first thing which should be tasted in Taraklı is “Uhut” and “köpük helvası”
(foam halva). Uhut is a kind of sweet which is made without adding any sweetener. The main
ingredient of Uhut is wheat and it is an outcome of a laborious and difficult process. It’s taste
and flavor lies in its own consistency. In addition to these foods, further local foods of Tarakli
are keşkek (keşkek), değirmen böreği (millrolls), üre tatlısı (üre sweet), kabak tatlısı
(pumpkindessert), kabak çiçeği dolması (stuffed squash blossoms). YALAZA Yalaza is a
must of Taraklı which is a commonly used metaphor technique of public language. This
metaphor technique is not a saying which occurs deliberately but occurs by itself thanks to
deep conversation. Ahi Naci İŞSEVER is one of the most successful-masters of this rhetorical
art which comes from old times of Taraklı.