Eskişehir is a modern, vibrant and intellectual city in Central Anatolia, known for its universities, canals, culture and special atmosphere of creativity.
The name "Eskişehir" translates to "Old Town", but the irony is that it is considered one of the youngest and most dynamic cities in the country.
Here, history meets urban comfort and tradition meets innovation.

📍 Geography and climate

• Region: Central Anatolia

• Population: about 900,000

• The: PorsukRiver (Porsuk Çayı) divides the city into two parts and gives it a "European" charm.

• Climate: is continental

  • Summer: is warm and dry (+28-32°C).

  • Winter: is cold and snowy (-2-5°C).

• Special feature: the city is located 790 meters above sea level and is surrounded by mountains and green valleys.

Due to the river, bridges and walking areas, Eskişehir is often referred to as the "Venice of Turkey".

🏛 History

Eskisehir is one of the oldest cities in Asia Minor, with a history dating back over 4000 years.

• In antiquity it was known as Dorylaeum and was part of the Hittite, Phrygian, then Roman state.

• Under the Byzantine Empire it was a strategic point on the way to Constantinople.

• In the XIII century it became an important center of the Seljuk sultanate of Ruma, and later became part of the Ottoman Empire.

• In the XX century it played a key role in the war for Turkish independence, becoming an important industrial and railroad hub.

Today Eskisehir is an example of Turkey's new generation urban model: eco-friendly, student-centered, technological and cultural.

🎓 A city of students and innovation

Eskisehir is one of the largest educational centers in Turkey.
It is home to two prestigious universities:

• Anatolian University (Anadolu Üniversitesi) is the largest in the country, with over 3 million students (including distance learners).

• Osmangazi University (Osmangazi Üniversitesi) - focus on science, engineering and medicine.

With thousands of students from all over Turkey and abroad, Eskişehir lives in the rhythm of youth, creativity and culture.

🏙 Main attractions

🏞 Porsuk River and waterfront

• The center of city life, lined with cafes, restaurants and art installations.

• Here you can take boat rides and gondola rides like in Venice.

• In the evening, the river is illuminated, creating a romantic atmosphere.

🧱 O dunpazarı Quarter (Odunpazarı Evleri)

• Old historical neighborhood, UNESCO-listed.

• Narrow streets, houses with wooden balconies, colorful facades - a reminder of old Anatolia.

• Here you'll find museums, craft workshops and boutique hotels.

🖼 O dunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM) Contemporary Art Museum

• One of the most impressive modern art museums in Turkey.

• The architecture of the building is in the style of Japanese minimalism (architect Kengo Kuma).

• The collection includes works by Turkish and international artists.

🏰 S azova Park (Sazova Bilim, Sanat ve Kültür Parkı)

• This huge science, art and culture park is the city's calling card.

• Here you will find:

  • Disneyland-style castle 🏰

  • Science Park with planetarium

  • Aquarium and mini zoo

  • Life-size ship "San Tomasso".

• A great place to walk around, especially with kids.

🚂 Wax Museum (Balmumu Heykeller Müzesi)

• The second largest wax museum in Turkey after Istanbul's.

• The founder is the former mayor of the city Yılmaz Büyükersen, the architect of the "new Eskisehir".

• On display are figures of Ataturk, Mevlana, Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein and many others.

🧿 Kurşunlu Külliyesi (Kurşunlu Külliyesi)

• A 16th century religious complex including a mosque, madrasa, turba and workshops.

• One part of the complex houses a glass and ceramics museum where you can observe the work of craftsmen.

🍽 Eskisehir's cuisine

The city's culinary culture combines Anatolian traditions with the influence of Balkan immigrants.

Try:

• 🍲 Çibörek (Çiburek) - crispy meat patties, the symbol of the city (came from Crimean Tatars).

• 🧆 Balaban kebabı - meat kebab with yogurt and bread, drenched in ghee.

• 🧀 Met helvası - a sweet made of flour, butter and sugar with caramel flavor.

• 🫓 Haşhaşlı çörek - poppy seed bun served with tea.

• 🍷 Boza - a thick drink made of millet, especially popular in winter.

🎭 Culture and events

• International Theater and Jazz Festival - held every year in the spring.

• Odunpazarı Sanat Günleri Festival - contemporary art on the streets of the old city.

• Çibörek Festivali is a gastronomic event in honor of Eskisehir's main dish.

The city is famous for theaters, philharmonic and art schools as well as street culture - graffiti, performances, fairs.

🚗 How to get there

• ✈️ Hasan Polatkan Airport (AOE) - flights from Istanbul, Ankara and Europe.

• 🚄 YHT high-speed train - 2.5 hours from Istanbul, 1.5 hours from Ankara.

• 🚗 Via D200 highway - excellent access from all directions.

✅ Why go to Eskisehir

✔ Turkey's most modern and eco-friendly city
✔ Youthful atmosphere, channels, culture
✔ Unique combination of old and new
✔ European level of infrastructure
✔ Cuisine, museums and promenades
✔ Excellent destination for family and cultural tourism

📌 Conclusion

Eskisehir is a symbol of modern Turkey: open, cultural, smart and lively.
A city where yesterday's history neighbors the future, where the laughter of students, the smell of chiburek and the peaceful Porsuk River flow.
If you want to see Turkey off the beaten track, Eskisehir will inspire you and make you feel at ease.