SHOTLIST

SAFRANBOLU, KARABUK PROVINCE, TÜRKİYE (DEC. 30, 2025) (ANADOLU-ACCESS ALL) (OVERLAID WITH MUSIC)

1. VARIOUS DRONE SHOTS OF TOWN WITH OLD BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTED IN OTTOMAN ARCHITECTURAL STYLE BLANKETED WITH SNOW


SAFRANBOLU, KARABUK PROVINCE, TÜRKİYE - DEC. 30: Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its Ottoman-era architecture, has been transformed into a winter wonderland as record snowfall blanketed the historic district in Türkiye's northern Karabuk province on Tuesday, Dec. 30.

Drone footage captured spectacular views of the centuries-old town, famous for its well-preserved traditional houses and cobblestone streets, buried under thick snow following days of continuous precipitation.

Snow depth in Karabuk's city center reached 75 centimeters, surpassing the previous record of 70 centimeters set on Jan. 19, 2022, according to the provincial governor's office.

The heavy snowfall, which began on Dec. 26 and continued uninterrupted, has created the highest snow accumulation seen in recent years across the province.

Added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994, Safranbolu served as a crucial caravan station on the main East-West trade route from the 13th century until the early 20th century, when railway development altered traditional trade patterns.

The town features remarkable examples of Ottoman architecture, including the Old Mosque, Old Bath and Suleyman Pasha Medrese, all constructed in 1322. During its peak in the 17th century, Safranbolu's architectural style influenced urban development throughout much of the Ottoman Empire, according to UNESCO.

Known as the "Fingerprint of the Ottomans" for its exceptionally preserved architecture, the district first gained national attention with the 1976 documentary "Time in Safranbolu," directed by late Turkish filmmaker Suha Arin, which won the "Best Short Film" award at the 14th Antalya Film Festival and highlighted the area's cultural significance.

Since its UNESCO designation on Dec. 17, 1994, Safranbolu has remained a living museum of Ottoman civilization, continuing to attract visitors from around the world seeking to experience its timeless atmosphere and architectural splendor.