Let’s go: History of Eskişehir
The city of Eskişehir, which means “old city” in Turkish, is believed to date from the first century BC. Known variously as Dorylaion in Greek, Dorylaeum in Latin, and Drusilya in Arabic, Eskişehir was, according to ancient sources, a rich commercial city famous for its thermal springs.
In the 14th century BC, the Hittites established a large state based in what is now Eskişehir. Subsequent rulers included the Phrygians, the Lydians and the Persians, as well as the Macedonians under Alexander the Great. The area later came under the governance of the Seljuk and Ottoman States; it was the site of three of the five key battles during the War of Independence. These included the First and Second Battles of Inonu, and the Great Offensive, the largest and final military operation of the Turkish War of Independence. Considerable investments have been made in Eskişehir since the city’s liberation from occupiers on September 2, 1922.
Places to Visit in Eskişehir
Eskişehir is well-known for its upbeat atmosphere and generous hospitality. The city’s scenery is a delightful blend of the traditional and the modern, punctuated by expansive municipal parks, recreation areas and the Porsuk River. It is a thriving center for commerce and manufacturing as well as arts and culture. Keep reading to explore Eskişehir!
Historical sites in Eskişehir
With its long history, Eskişehir’s historical sites bear traces of many cultures and civilizations – qualities that also offer insight into the spirit and character of the city.
Odunpazarı Houses
Settled since the 11th century, the Odunpazarı (“wood market”) Historical District is on the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The neighborhood is home to the famous Ottoman-era Odunpazarı Houses, colorful half-timber structures that often feature bay windows and carved wooden elements. Many of the houses have been restored by Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality. Several museums, a mosque complex and other historical sites are located in the Odunpazarı Historical District.
Atlıhan Crafts Bazaar
Set within the Urban Protected Area, the Atlıhan Crafts Bazaar was built in the 1850s to serve travelers, traders, and people from the surrounding villages. When it was established, the structure included areas to shelter and feed animals. The historic inn also featured a tea house where visitors and townspeople could gather.
In 2006, Atlıhan was rebuilt by the Odunpazarı Municipality according to its original architecture, launching a new era for the building. The two-floor bazaar has workshops where traditional handicrafts are produced and sold, including various items made from meerschaum, large deposits of which were found around Eskişehir.
Kurşunlu Mosque and Complex
Also in Odunpazarı district is the Kurşunlu Mosque and social complex, which is believed to have been built in the 16th century by Ottoman architect Acem Ali, who served as the chief architect for the Ottoman state prior to Mimar Sinan’s appointment to that role.
The Kurşunlu Complex consists of a mosque, a fountain, a madrassah, a small monastery, a harem (women’s section), a training house, tombs and two caravansarays. The current structure also includes a glass-blowing workshop and Glass Arts Center in the caravansaray area, while the Meerschaum Museum – the first of its type in the world – is located in the madrassah.
Yunus Emre Shrine and Complex
The tomb of Yunus Emre, a noted Turkish folk poet, is in the Mihalıççık district of Eskişehir; The Yunus Emre Shrine and Complex has been open to visitors since 1976. Yunus Emre’s tomb, discovered in Eskişehir in the 13th century, was destroyed during the Greek occupation. A cultural house, a mosque and a fountain were added in 1982.
The Seljuk-style structure features a statue of Yunus Emre and inscriptions from his verses, as well as architectural elements and ethnographic works from his original tomb.
Midas Monument
Dating from 600 BC, the Midas Monument, known as Yazılı Kaya, is in Yazılıkaya village in the Han district, 80 kilometers from the Eskişehir city center. The area is also called Midas City, because of the monument. The 17-meter-high monument features Phrygian inscriptions that, significantly, mention King Midas and the Mother Goddess Matar.
A Collection of Museums: Museums in Eskişehir
For a relatively small city, Eskişehir has numerous museums, focusing on a wide array of topics! Keep reading to discover some of these gems.
Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Sculptures Museum
Opened on May 19, 2013, the Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Museum was Türkiye’s first wax museum. Set in the Odunpazarı district, the museum displays more than 160 wax sculptures of Turkish and international celebrities, commissioned by Eskişehir Metropolitan Mayor Yılmaz Büyükerşen.
Eti Archeology Museum
The collections of the Eti Archaeological Museum include approximately 22,500 artifacts from the Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Bronze, Hittite, Phrygian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman periods collected in the Eskişehir province. Exhibits feature marble sculptures and steles, architectural elements, weapons, jewelry and coins. The museum is in the Odunpazarı district and is open daily.
Museum of Contemporary Glass Art
Türkiye’s first glass art museum, the Museum of Contemporary Glass Art features works by local and international artists. The museum is in the Odunpazarı district.
Tülomsaş Revolutionary Cars Museum
Opened to visitors on March 3, 2018, the Tülomsaş Revolutionary Cars Museum is in the Tepebaşı district of Eskişehir. Featuring exhibits of Türkiye’s first domestically produced vehicles, the collection includes models of the “Revolution” automobile, manufactured in 1961, and the first Turkish locomotive, the K2200 locomotive produced by Tülomsaş also in 1961.
Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM)
Opened in 2019, the OMM is set among the historical Odunpazarı houses in Eskişehir. The modern structure blends Odunpazarı civil architecture, domed Ottoman architecture and traditional Japanese architecture to great effect. In addition to its contemporary art collection, the museum has workshop areas, a café and a shop. It is open every day except Monday.
Lungs of the city: Parks in Eskişehir
A visit to Eskişehir isn’t complete without stopping in a park – because this city has plenty of relaxing green spaces!
Sazova Science, Art and Culture Park
A swath of land formerly owned by the faculty of agriculture, the 400,000-square meter Sazova Park offers residents and visitors a wealth of sights and activities, including a 25,000-square meter pond, a galleon ship, a science center, a zoo, the Sabancı Space House, and Eti Underwater World. The park’s fairy-tale Masal Castle has led to Sazova’s nickname as the “Disneyland” of Eskişehir.
In addition, there is a theater that can seat 1,200 people, along with various dining facilities and a nostalgic train. Tours of the park are available. Sazova can be reached via taxi or via public buses (Nos. 11 and 17) departing from Odunpazarı.
Kanlıkavak Park
Set between the Osmangazi and Kırmızıtoprak neighborhoods, Kanlıkavak Park is green and serene, offering relaxation areas as well as playgrounds, walking paths, fitness facilities and an ornamental pond.
Kent Park
Located between the New Bus Station and the Gökmeydan neighborhood, Kent Park is notable for its artificial beach – the first in Türkiye! The 350-meter-long beach has real sand and faces the Porsuk River. In addition, the park features indoor and outdoor pools, playgrounds, horse-riding areas, and restaurants.
Dining in Eskişehir
Like so many places in Türkiye, Eskişehir sits at the intersection of many cultures. The regional cuisine was influenced by the area’s Balkan and Tatar immigrants and spotlights red meat and pastry-based dishes. The most famous local flavor is çibörek, a deep-fried turnover with a filling of onions and ground or minced meat.
Some other Eskişehir dishes worth sampling include:
- Balaban kebab (meatballs with yoghurt, pita bread and butter)
- Met halva (a type of regional halva)
- Lamb soup
- Göbete (Tatar-style savory phyllo dough pastry)
- Buryan (phyllo dough meat pie)
- Poppyseed pastry with walnuts
- Chickpea cookies
Some notes on Eskişehir
If Eskişehir beckons, keep reading for more information on visiting this delightful city!
Where to stay in Eskişehir
With three universities, Eskişehir welcomes many visitors and offers a wide range of accommodation, from upscale hotels to simple hostels. The most accessible areas are the Islands, where the Porsuk Stream flows, as well as the lively and central Köprübaşı and Doktorlar streets. Some of the historical Odunpazarı houses have been converted into charming hotels.
Planning a trip to Eskişehir is easier with assistance from Turkish Airlines Holidays holiday packages. You can book flights, accommodation and even transfers!
Flights to Eskişehir
The easiest way to reach Eskişehir by air is via Ankara Esenboğa Airport. From Ankara, visitors can travel to Eskişehir via high-speed train, bus or car. The HAVAŞ buses at the Ankara airport operate routes to the bus and train stations in Ankara.
Transportation in Eskişehir
Although Eskişehir is a very walkable city, it has a robust and convenient public transportation system that includes trams, buses and minibuses along with taxis. The Eskart, available in ticket offices throughout the city, is used for public transport.
Have a wonderful trip!
