History
The area has a long history of occupation going back to the Phrygians, Lydians, Persians and Ancient Romans. The Çatak Hamamı bathhouse dates back to the Roman times. Göynük was absorbed into the Ottoman Empire in the early 14th century. In the late 19th and early 20th century, Göynük was part of the Kastamonu Vilayet of the Ottoman Empire.Sights
Göynük has over 100 early 20th century Ottoman Empire period houses, these plus the even older mosques, tombs, fountains, and Turkish baths makes it a town of great historical interest, and an attractive location of narrow streets, with a pretty stream running through the centre. The victory tower on the hill at the top of the town and the old Ottoman mansion called "Müderrisoğlu Konağı" at the centre are important landmarks of Göynük. The most significant entombed saint of Göynük is Akshamsaddin ( tr, Ak Şemsettin) (1389-1459), an influential Ottoman Empire, Ottoman Alim, religious scholar, poet, mystic Wali, saint, and guide of Mehmed the Conqueror.Trivia
Göynük was used as a location of films including ''Akrebin Yolculuğu'' by Ömer Kavur, ''El Yazısı'' and a number of Turkish TV series e.g. ''Aynalar'' and ''Rüzgarlı Bahçe''.Notable natives
* Göynüklü Ahmed Efendi, 18th-century Ottoman bureaucrat, diarist and historian. * Bıçakçı Ömer Dede, original name Omar Sikkin, an edge tool maker and student of Haji Bayram Wali. * Debbağ Dede, a tanner known for his miracle during the Hajj pilgrimage. * Aksungur Dede, one of the first ghazi (warrior), ghazis to cross from Anatolia to Rumelia, 14th-15th century.References
Populated places in Bolu Province Towns in Turkey Göynük District Cittaslow {{Bolu-geo-stub