Bilecik province straddles the boundary between the Marmara region and northwestern Anatolia — a hilly, forested area between Bursa and Eskişehir. The Karasu River (upper Sakarya tributary) cuts dramatic gorges through the province.
The province has significant Byzantine heritage (Bilecik Castle) alongside its Ottoman founding mythology. The Söğüt area preserves the landscape where the earliest Ottoman presence established itself in the late 13th century, after the Mongol invasions disrupted the Seljuk state.
- Region
- Northwestern Anatolia / Karasu Valley
- Historical significance
- Söğüt — Ottoman Empire founding site, Ertuğrul Gazi tomb
- Byzantine heritage
- Bilecik Castle — major Byzantine stronghold
- Known for
- Ottoman origins, Söğüt, Ertuğrul tomb, ceramics
Söğüt — Ottoman Foundation
Söğüt (Willow Tree) is a small town of 10,000 people that holds an outsized place in Turkish historical consciousness — this is where the Kayı Türkmen tribe, led first by Ertuğrul Gaziand then by his son Osman Gazi, established the embryonic Ottoman state. Ertuğrul Gazi’s Türbesi in the town centre draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims annually, especially after the Diriliş: Ertuğrul television series (2014–2019) created global awareness of the founding narrative. The annualErtuğrul Gazi Şenlikleri festival in September recreates Ottoman ceremonies.
Bilecik Castle
Bilecik Kalesisits on a spectacular rocky spur above the Karasu River gorge — originally Byzantine, it was captured by Osman Gazi in 1299 (the same year he declared his independent sultanate). The castle’s capture was significant enough that it’s recorded as one of the first Ottoman military victories. The walls and towers are partially preserved; the castle interior has views down the dramatic Karasu canyon. The Şeyh Edebali Türbesi— mausoleum of Osman Gazi’s father-in-law and spiritual advisor — is nearby.
Pazaryeri Ottoman Village
Pazaryeri(Market Place), 30 km north of Bilecik city, is one of western Anatolia’s most intact Ottoman market towns — a planned 18th-century commercial settlement with uniform two-storey timber-frame commercial buildings around a central market square. The regular Ottoman grid plan and the intact building stock (some restored, most original) represent rare urban heritage. The town has been designated a conservation area and retains its market function on specific days.
Northwestern Anatolia in pictures
Frequently asked questions
Bilecik
3By bus from Bursa (1.5 hrs), Eskişehir (1.5 hrs) or Istanbul (3 hrs to Bilecik city). From Bilecik city, Söğüt is 40 km east by road (dolmuş available). No direct rail service to Söğüt. The Bilecik train station has connections to İstanbul-Eskişehir rail line. Söğüt is an easy day trip from Bursa or Eskişehir.
Diriliş: Ertuğrul is a Turkish historical drama (2014–2019) about Ertuğrul Gazi, the father of the Ottoman Empire's founder. With over 150 million international viewers (particularly popular in Muslim-majority countries), it created enormous global interest in Ottoman founding sites. Söğüt's Ertuğrul Gazi Türbesi has seen visitor numbers multiply dramatically since the show's international distribution on Netflix (2020).
Worth combining with Bursa or Eskişehir rather than a dedicated trip from Istanbul. Söğüt + Bilecik city can be done as a half-day excursion from Bursa (80 km). If you're a Turkish history enthusiast or have watched Diriliş: Ertuğrul, Söğüt is genuinely moving. The Pazaryeri Ottoman town is an excellent bonus for those interested in Ottoman urban heritage.