Beypazari

About

Settled since the second millenium BC, Beypazari was a rural backwater until the Ottoman Empire, when it became an important trading center and military outpost. During this time, the town grew rapidly, leaving it with 3000 Ottoman-era houses for visitors to admire while exploring the narrow streets of the old quarter. Many of the charming half-timbered mud brick buildings have been restored and transformed into shops and restaurants, and there are a few cultural museums for those who want to learn more about the traditional Ottoman lifestyle. But the architecture isn’t Beypazari’s only claim to fame - the town produces nearly 60% of Turkey's carrots. There’s a giant carrot statue in the center of town, a carrot festival every June, and inventive carrot-based cuisine, including carrot Turkish delight and carrot ice cream.