Located in the Western Black Sea Region, southwest of Bolu, Göynük is one of Türkiye’s most distinctive settlements with its deep-rooted history and well-preserved urban fabric. Situated approximately 98 km from the city center, the district borders the provinces of Bilecik, Eskişehir, Ankara, and Sakarya. With a history dating back to ancient times, Göynük came under Ottoman rule after the Phrygian, Roman, and Byzantine periods. It continued to develop especially during the Ottoman era, becoming an important settlement. The urban texture that still stands today is one of the strongest reflections of this historical continuity.

Göynük offers one of the best-preserved examples of Ottoman civil architecture. With its bay-windowed houses, narrow streets, mansions, mosques, tombs, and public buildings, it presents a holistic urban texture.

The declaration of the town center as an urban conservation site in 1983 and the implementation of a conservation-oriented development plan in 1991 have played a significant role in preserving this heritage. Today, more than 160 immovable cultural assets across the district are under protection. Akşemseddin Tomb, Zafer Tower, and traditional mansions are among the landmark structures that reflect both the architectural and cultural identity of Göynük.

In Göynük, cultural heritage is not merely a value of the past but an active part of everyday life. Traditional lifestyles, local production practices, and handicrafts are still vibrantly maintained in the district. As you walk through its narrow streets, the wooden craftsmanship, local markets, and daily rhythm offer visitors a genuine sense of being immersed in this culture. The local culinary tradition is also an essential part of this experience. Geographically indicated specialties such as uğut dessert, dik börek, and pumpkin phyllo dessert reflect Göynük’s rich gastronomy. In addition, weaving, wood carving, and traditional handicrafts are presented to visitors through experience-oriented activities.

Commemorations of Akşemseddin, local fairs, and traditional events are among the key elements that reinforce Göynük’s cultural continuity.

Göynük offers a rich experience to its visitors with both its historical and natural assets. Landmark structures such as Akşemseddin Tomb and Zafer Tower reflect the town’s historical identity, while natural sites around Çubuk Lake and Sünnet Lake provide an experience intertwined with nature. Moreover, Gürcüler Mansion and other historic mansions, which reflect the traditional way of life, carry Göynük’s cultural continuity into the present day.

Göynük offers a settlement intertwined with nature, with its forests, valleys, and natural water resources. These natural areas, which make up a large part of the district, are not only ecological assets but also key elements that define the quality of life.

Natural sites such as Çubuk Lake and Sünnet Lake provide visitors with a მშვიდ, nature-integrated experience, while Göynük’s inclusion in the “Cittaslow” (Slow City) network demonstrates that this lifestyle is also recognized at an international level.

In Göynük, the approach to sustainability goes beyond environmental practices and manifests itself as an integral part of daily life. Zero-waste practices, the use of renewable energy, and recycling systems are among the tangible examples of this approach on the ground.

In Göynük, the economic structure is largely based on agriculture and livestock farming. Local production plays a crucial role in both the economic sustainability of the district and the continuity of its cultural heritage.

This structure also presents a significant opportunity for sustainable tourism. Integrating local production with tourism not only ensures that economic value remains within the community but also offers visitors a more authentic experience.

Göynük is one of the destinations addressed within the scope of the SENTRUM project, with a focus on sustainable tourism and local development. In this context, the priority areas include:
• preservation and promotion of cultural heritage
• support for local production and women’s entrepreneurship
• sustainable use of natural resources
• strengthening community-based development models
öncelikli çalışma alanları arasında yer almaktadır.
Göynük’s existing conservation approach and lifestyle provide a strong example for the practical implementation of SENTRUM’s green destination model.