Eskişehir has been continuously inhabited for over 8,000 years — the Phrygians built their capital here, and the city later became a major Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman centre. Modern Eskişehir is a synthesis of these layers: two major universities (Anadolu and Osmangazi) have created an exceptionally young, educated and culturally active city, while the Odunpazarı district preserves some of the finest Ottoman vernacular architecture in western Turkey.
Eskişehir is also the centre of meerschaum (lületaşı) carving — the soft white mineral found only here was once the most prized material for pipe-making in Europe, and workshops still produce extraordinary meerschaum sculptures.
- Region
- Central Anatolia / Marmara crossroads
- Distance to Ankara
- 235 km (2.5 hrs)
- Distance to Istanbul
- 330 km (3.5 hrs)
- Known for
- Odunpazarı, Porsuk River, meerschaum, universities
Odunpazarı historic district
Odunpazarı(the Woodmarket) is Eskişehir’s greatest attraction — a hilltop district of 19th-century Ottoman houses painted in vivid pastels (terracotta, yellow, blue, ochre), their upper floors projecting out over the cobblestone streets on carved wooden brackets. A UNESCO Creative Cities Network member for craft and folk art, it has been transformed into a destination of galleries, cafes and artisan workshops while remaining a lived-in neighbourhood.
Porsuk River promenade
The Porsuk Çayıflows through the centre of Eskişehir and has been developed into a European-style promenade of cafes, bars, small theatres and pedestrian bridges. Gondola rides on the river — unusual for Central Anatolia — have become the city’s most iconic activity. The evening promenade is the social heart of the city.
Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM)
The OMM, opened in 2019, is one of Turkey’s finest contemporary art museums — a striking building by Japanese architects Kengo Kuma, with stacked wooden lattice boxes that echo the vernacular architecture of Odunpazarı around it. The permanent collection focuses on Turkish modern art from the 1950s onward.
Museum of Contemporary Glass Art
The Çağdaş Cam Sanatları Müzesiin Tepebaşı is one of the world’s few dedicated glass art museums, reflecting Eskişehir’s long tradition of meerschaum and glass craftsmanship. Works from international and Turkish artists, with demonstrations of glassblowing and kiln-forming techniques.
Seyitgazi and the Phrygian Valley
Seyitgazi, 45 km south of Eskişehir, is a small town with a remarkable complex — the tomb of the Arab warrior Battal Gazi and a Byzantine monastery converted into a Seljuk complex. Beyond it, the Phrygian Valley(Frig Vadisi) hides an extraordinary landscape of volcanic rock formations carved with Phrygian reliefs, temple façades and rock-cut tombs from 800 BCE. One of western Turkey’s most rewarding half-day excursions.
Eskişehir in pictures
Frequently asked questions
Eskişehir
3High-speed train (YHT) from Pendik station: 1.5 hours — the fastest and most comfortable option. Buses from Istanbul take 3–4 hours. The high-speed train from Ankara takes 1.5 hours.
Eskişehir is famous for its Odunpazarı Ottoman district, the Porsuk River promenade, the university atmosphere, meerschaum (lületaşı) pipe carving, and as the home of Turkey's best football clubs (Eskişehirspor).
One day is enough to cover the Odunpazarı district, the OMM, a gondola ride and the evening promenade. Add a half-day for Seyitgazi and the Phrygian Valley if you have a car.