Handcrafted examples of traditional Turkish guest rooms in Gümüşhane

In the village of Sarıçiçek, which is connected to the center of Gümüşhane, guest rooms reflecting the atmosphere of traditional Turkish hospitality, shaped by the hands of master and apprentice, have been standing for 1.5 centuries. Established in 1873 by Hacı Ömer Ağa, who lived in the village of Sarıçiçek, to host the tired guests and animals of caravans on the Silk Road, the guest rooms continue to serve the same purpose today and also contribute to tourism. It is rumored that a disagreement between the master and the apprentice, who competed to create the most beautiful work, led to the master giving up his profession when the apprentice’s work received more attention. These two guest rooms, which have been serving for 1.5 centuries along with the lower floors and sides with the stables for horses and donkeys, which were the means of transportation of that period, exhibit early examples of Turkish architecture and attract attention with their architecture and wooden decorations. The harmony of the decorations, the liveliness of the colors used, make these rooms stand out. These rooms, which the villagers have preserved by carrying the traces of history to the present day, are described as works of art made solely by hand, adorned with fine craftsmanship and years of experience. Every corner of the rooms, from wall decorations to ceiling ornaments, from floor cushions to wooden carvings, carries the spirit of the past to the present with the meticulous handcraft of the master and the apprentice. The dining table of the same age in the room, which is one of the most beautiful reflections of the hospitality culture passed down from the past to the present, has been serving guests for 1.5 centuries. Sarıçiçek Village Headman Metin Gündüz, who mentioned that there are 2 guest rooms in the village that attract attention with their construction stories, said, ‘We have two rooms. They preserve their historical value. In summer, our local and foreign tourists come to visit. As tourists come, we try to host them. These were built for guests. Because there were no vehicles at that time, those who came at that time stayed here. Horses, donkeys, and such animals would come. The guests would stay here for three days, five days. These rooms were made for guests in those conditions. Both the master and the apprentice started here. There was a small problem between the master and the apprentice. When the apprentice was about to leave, another elder down there also told him to make a room if he could. So, he started working there. Some people like the master’s room, some people like the apprentice’s room. There was such a matter between them. When they were building here, they didn’t let anyone in. After finishing, the master didn’t complete it. We don’t know exactly where the masters came from, where they were from. It is said that they came from the Trabzon region. Its feature is handcraft. Of course, nowadays there are many people who make these rooms. But in those conditions, a man made them with just a trowel and a hammer.’ Arif Şenel, a villager, also stated that these rooms are evidence of how hospitable Sarıçiçek Village is, saying, ‘Under these rooms, there were places made for the horses of the guests, which we call the horse stable. Not only the guests were hosted here, but also their horses. In fact, there is now a land of about 30 acres in front of this village. It is a valuable place. The owner of that land endowed that land to the room. So, the next generation after us should host, feed, and entertain the guests here. Whoever hosts the guest here, that land belongs to him. The man who made it was thinking about today. He endowed that land there so that it could take care of the guests coming to the room. That’s why Sarıçiçek village is truly a hospitable and loyal village.’