Eskisehir City Guide

Eskisehir City Guide

Placed at the Central Anatolia Region, Eskişehir was founded by Phrygians on the banks of Porsuk River in B.C. 1.000. The city is the homeland for some of the famous Turkish thinkers. Yunus Emre who is one of the profound Turkish intellectuals and Nasreddin Hodja who made substantial contributions to the world’s humor culture are two of these world-renown thinkers. Eskisehir is famous for its meerschaum and thermal waters used in the treatment of various diseases. Looming large by its cultural wealth, Eskisehir attracts tourists through its quality cuisine and shopping locations.

Tourist Attractions

Hosting miscellaneous tourism highlights, Eskisehir is the cynosure of tourists with its thermal springs and ancient cities. Also, the city is known by its mosques, tombs and museums.

The historical ruins and ancient cities are the most fundamental historical values of the city. Placed 39 km away from Cifteler district, Midas Monument (Yazilikaya) ranks among the most significant highlights of the city that you should absolutely visit. Standing as one of the best examples of Phrygian art, this monument is 1315 m high and rectangular. Due to the writings on the monument, it is named as Yazilikaya. And, because “Midas” word is included in the writings the monument is identified as the Midas Monument. Pessinus, Doryleaum, Karacasehir and Frig Valley are among the historically most valuable ancient cities of Eskisehir. The historical pieces taken out of these locations are displayed at the city museums.

Occuring as a quite wealthy city by its thermal waters, Eskisehir is one of the spots where the country-wide thermal tourism is developed at the very most. Harboring thermal waters, the city is home to thermal water resources at every point including the city center. Eskisehir, Hasirca, Kizilinler, Sakarilica, Yarikci and Cardak are among the major thermal springs of the city.

Eskisehir has museums harboring cultural values and witnessing the history. Eskisehir Archaeology Museum, Yunus Emre Museum and Eskisehir Province Meerschaum Museum are some of the main museums of the city. 

Culture & Entertainment

Eskisehir has a wealthy and versatile culture. Handicrafts, local activities, public libraries and the world-famous intellectuals grown out of the city are among the most profound aspects of Eskisehir. Yunus Emre, Seyh Edebali, Nasreddin Hodja and Seyyid Battal Gazi are the great Turkish thinkers that were born or passed a certain period of their life span at the city.

Many public libraries are found in Eskisehir. Eskisehir Public Library, Ataturk Children Library, Malhatun Public Library, Yenikent (New City) Public Library and City Public Library are examples to this kind of libraries placed at the city. Also, Eskisehir State Fine Arts Gallery is one of the best culture centers of the city.

Eskisehir is pretty opulent by its various handicrafts. Rahle is a movable or immovable table which is used as decor or the Holy Koran is read on. Kavuk (quilted turban) being special to the people with high status, and made of fabric and felt are among the best examples of local handicrafts. In addition, wood crafts and pottery are well developed at the city.

Eskisehir is a city where innumerable cultural activities are held throughout the year. Conventional Milk Festivals, Kirka Culture Festivals, Tepres Carnivals, Nasreddin Hodja Birth Festivals, Yunus Emre Culture and Art Week and Hidirellez Carnivals, International Eskisehir Festival, are among the major cultural organizations held at the city.

Food & Drink

Eskisehir has a culinary culture in which vegetables, meat and cereals are amply used up. While mostly cereals are consumed in rural areas meat is more in the foreground at the city center. Poppy is amply consumed. The best delicacy of the city is cigboregi (flaky pastry). Bulamac, toyga, sutlu ovmac and goceli tarhana are some of the most popular soups of the local cuisine. 

Shopping

The shopping world of Eskisehir is mostly known with its local handicrafts and modern shopping malls. The local goods made of meerschaum which is the symbol of the city are the commodities that you should take with you before leaving Eskisehir.

Eskisehir Kanatli Mall, Eskisehir Espark Mall and Eskisehir Neo Mall are the major shopping malls of the city.