Eskisehir

Eskisehir, a city in northwestern Turkey, is home to over 800,000 people, including a large student population. In Eskisehir, you can walk through the Ottoman-era Odunpazarı district, view contemporary art at the Odunpazarı Modern Museum, or take a boat ride on the Porsuk River. The city is a center for meerschaum crafts and has several thermal springs where you can relax.

Wandering Through Odunpazarı Historic District

In Odunpazarı, the old town of Eskisehir, you'll find narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful Ottoman-era houses. Many of these buildings now contain museums, art galleries, and cafes. The Kurşunlu Mosque complex, built in the 16th century, is an example of Ottoman architecture in the area. You can spend time in the district admiring the traditional craftsmanship and browsing local shops for meerschaum pipes and other handmade items.

Discovering Eskisehir's Museums

Eskisehir has several interesting museums. At the Odunpazarı Modern Museum, opened in 2019, you can view contemporary art in a wooden building inspired by traditional architecture. The Eskisehir Archeological Museum displays artifacts from the region's ancient civilizations, including Phrygian, Roman, and Byzantine periods. In the Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Museum, you'll see lifelike wax figures of important Turkish historical figures and celebrities, giving you insight into Turkish culture and history.

Relaxing in Eskisehir's Parks

The Porsuk River flows through the center of Eskisehir, with pedestrian walkways and cycling paths along its banks. You can take a boat tour or ride in a gondola to see the city from the water. At Sazova Science, Art and Culture Park, you'll find a fairy tale castle, pirate ship, and science center. Families with children often visit this park. Kent Park has a beach area and walking trails, where city dwellers can unwind and enjoy nature.

Experiencing University Life and Student Culture

Eskisehir is home to two major universities: Anadolu University and Eskisehir Osmangazi University. The large student population creates a lively atmosphere in the city. You'll find many cafes, bookshops, and cultural events that cater to students. The area around Espark shopping mall and the streets leading to it are particularly active, with restaurants and shops frequented by young people.

Tasting Local Cuisine and Specialties

Eskisehir's cuisine incorporates various cultural influences. You can try çibörek, a deep-fried pastry filled with minced meat, which came from Crimean Tatar cuisine. Balaban kebab, a local dish, consists of meatballs served on pide bread with tomato sauce and yogurt. For dessert, you might like met helvası, a sweet made from tahini and flour. The city also produces boza, a fermented millet drink that locals enjoy during winter months.

Navigating Eskisehir

Eskisehir has an efficient public transportation system. The city's tram network connects major areas of interest. Buses and minibuses (dolmuş) cover routes not served by trams. The flat terrain of the city makes it suitable for cycling, with bike rental services available. Many points of interest in the city center are within walking distance of each other, allowing for easy exploration on foot.

Taking Day Trips from Eskisehir

Several interesting sites are near Eskisehir. The ancient Phrygian Valley, about 90 km from the city, contains rock-cut tombs and monuments, including the Midas Monument. The town of Sivrihisar, approximately 100 km away, has a historic Great Mosque and traditional architecture. For nature walks, you can visit the Çatacık Forest, about 50 km from Eskisehir, which has hiking trails and picnic areas.