Eskisehir history

Eskisehir, whose name translates from Turkish as "Old City," boasts a rich and centuries-old history rooted in deep antiquity. Its modern appearance is a harmonious blend of ancient traditions and dynamic modernity.

The city's history begins with its founding by the Phrygians around **1000 BC** on the banks of the Porsuk River. Initially, it bore the name **Dorylaeum** and was one of the important centers of the Phrygian Kingdom in ancient times. It is believed that the modern name, meaning "Old City," refers specifically to the ruins of Dorylaeum encountered by later peoples.

Eskisehir owes its development to several key factors. Firstly, its **strategic location** at the crossroads of trade and military routes contributed to the city's growth as an important center over the centuries. Secondly, the city held high **political significance**: after the Phrygians, it was part of the Roman and Byzantine empires, and in the early 14th century, it even became one of the first capitals of the emerging Ottoman Empire. Finally, **natural resources** played an important role—the fertile lands around the Porsuk River and the famous thermal springs.

Since ancient times, the region has been famous for its **thermal springs**, which attracted people for healing and wellness. However, the main cultural and economic feature of Eskisehir became the mining and processing of a unique mineral—sepiolite, known as **"meerschaum" (Lületaşı)**. Eskisehir remains the world center of this craft today. For centuries, local masters have created famous smoking pipes, jewelry, and souvenirs from this light, porous stone, bringing fame to the city far beyond the borders of Turkey.

Key Dates in the History of Eskisehir

• Around 1000 BC — The Phrygians found a city on this site known as Dorylaeum.
• 4th Century AD — As part of the Roman and later the Byzantine Empire, the city becomes an important Christian center and the seat of a bishop.
• 1097 — During the First Crusade, the famous Battle of Dorylaeum takes place at the city walls, where the Crusaders defeat the Seljuk Turk army.
• Around 1176 — After another battle, the city finally passes under the control of the Seljuk Turks and receives the name Eskisehir, which means "Old City."
• End of the 13th Century — The founder of the Ottoman Empire, Osman I, conquers Eskisehir, and the city briefly becomes one of the first capitals of the young state.
• 1892 — The Anatolian Railway passes through Eskisehir, giving a powerful impulse to its industrial and economic growth.
• 1921–1922 — The city becomes the scene of fierce fighting during the Turkish War of Independence and finally comes under the control of the Turkish army in September 1922.
• 1957 — Anadolu University opens, eventually turning Eskisehir into one of Turkey's largest student and educational centers.
• 1961 — The first Turkish automobile, "Devrim" (Revolution), is produced at the local TÜLOMSAŞ factory, cementing the city's status as an important industrial hub.
• 2013 — Eskisehir is declared the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World and included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Major Development and Transformation Milestones

The history of the transformation of the city of Eskisehir into a modern metropolis is a series of strategic decisions and large-scale projects. Several key stages can be highlighted that radically changed the economic, cultural, and architectural appearance of this region of Turkey.

• Construction of the Anatolian Railway (1894). The laying of the Berlin-Baghdad railway line was a turning point in the city's economy. Eskisehir turned into a crucial logistics hub connecting Istanbul with inner Anatolia, which stimulated trade and population influx.
• Creation of an Aviation Center (1920s–1930s). In the early years of the Republic, the city was chosen as a site for the development of national aviation. Aircraft repair workshops and a flight school were opened here, laying the foundation for the formation of a powerful military-industrial cluster.
• Founding of Anadolu University (1958). The opening of a higher educational institution (initially as an Academy) forever changed the social structure of the city. The influx of tens of thousands of students made Eskisehir one of the youngest, most dynamic, and progressive cities in the country, creating demand for cultural and leisure facilities.
• Birth of the Turkish Automotive Industry (1961). The first domestic car, "Devrim," was designed and assembled at the local TÜLOMSAŞ factory. This event secured the city's status as a center of advanced mechanical engineering and engineering thought.
• Urban Reform and Cleaning of the Porsuk River (from 1999). After the earthquake, a large-scale urban transformation program began. The cleaning of the polluted river, the improvement of embankments, and the launch of a modern tram network (EsTram) turned the gray industrial city into a "Turkish Venice" with a European quality of life.
• Launch of the High-Speed Train YHT (2009). Eskisehir became a key station on the country's first high-speed train line. This minimized travel time to Ankara and Istanbul, strengthening business integration and tourism appeal.
• Status of Cultural Capital of the Turkic World (2013). International recognition and the inclusion of historical sites in UNESCO lists stimulated the restoration of the Odunpazarı district and the development of event tourism, finally shaping the city's brand as a cultural center.

The architectural appearance of Eskisehir represents a unique combination of historical eras and bold modern solutions, reflecting its journey from an ancient settlement to one of the most progressive cities in Turkey. Urban development can be roughly divided into three key stages.

Ottoman Period: Traditional Development

The historical heart of the city is the Odunpazarı ("Wood Market") district, included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. This district is a living museum of traditional Ottoman urban architecture. It is characterized by narrow cobblestone streets lined with closely packed two- and three-story houses. Buildings were constructed from wood and clay; their distinctive features are protruding upper floors (bay windows), colorful facades, and intricate wood carving. The ground floor was usually used for household needs, while the upper floors were residential. Iconic structures of this era are the Kurşunlu Mosque (1525), considered a model of 16th-century Ottoman architecture, and the Alaaddin Mosque, erected back in the 13th century during the Seljuk era.

Republican Period: Industrialization and Growth

With the proclamation of the Turkish Republic and, especially, with the construction of the railway in the late 19th century, Eskisehir began to transform into an important industrial and transport hub. This stage is characterized by the appearance of more functional architecture. Industrial buildings, train stations, and public institutions were erected, featuring elements of early modernism and neoclassicism typical of the early Republican era in Turkey. The city began to expand beyond the historical center, and new neighborhoods with more regular planning appeared.

Modern Era: Urban Transformation and Postmodernism

The most striking changes in the appearance of Eskisehir occurred at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. This period is associated with a large-scale beautification program that turned the city into a model of modern urbanism. Key projects of this time include:

• Revitalization of the Porsuk River: The polluted river was cleaned, and its embankments were turned into landscaped walking areas with bridges, cafes, and gondola docks, giving the city center a European look.
• Modern Architecture and Landscape Design: Ambitious architectural projects appeared. A prime example is the Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM), designed by the famous Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Its design, inspired by traditional wooden houses, represents a striking example of contemporary architecture harmoniously integrated into the historical context.
• Creation of Theme Parks: Large parks were established, such as Sazova — a park of science, art, and culture with a futuristic Science Center and a fairytale castle resembling Disney palaces, adding elements of postmodernism to the cityscape.

Today, Eskisehir demonstrates how careful preservation of Ottoman heritage can be successfully combined with innovative urban planning solutions, creating a comfortable and aesthetically attractive urban environment.

Notable Figures Associated with Eskisehir

The city and its surroundings have been the birthplace of many iconic figures who left a mark on the history and culture of Turkey. Here are just a few of them:

• Nasreddin Hodja (13th century) — A semi-legendary folk sage and satirist. According to many sources, his birthplace is the village of Hortu in the Eskisehir province. His short humorous parables and anecdotes have become an integral part of folklore not only in Turkey but far beyond its borders.
• Yunus Emre (c. 1240–1321) — A great Turkish mystic poet and Sufi. He is considered one of the founders of poetry in the Turkic language, and his works had a huge influence on all Anatolian literature. His mausoleum, located in the Eskisehir province, is an important pilgrimage site.
• Yılmaz Büyükerşen (born 1937) — Academic, sculptor, and politician. A native of Eskisehir who, serving as the city's mayor from 1999 to 2024, became the main ideologue of its modern transformation. It is thanks to his efforts that Eskisehir turned into a thriving cultural and tourist center.
• Cüneyt Arkın (1937–2022) — Legendary actor, director, and producer. Born in one of the villages of the Eskisehir province. Over his long career, he starred in more than 300 films, becoming one of the most iconic figures in the history of Turkish cinema.
• Neslihan Demir Darnel (born 1983) — Famous volleyball player. Born in Eskisehir, she is one of the most titled and recognizable athletes in the history of Turkish volleyball, having long been the leader of the national team.
• Fatih Karahan (born 1982) — Economist and statesman. A native of Eskisehir who became the Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey in 2024.
• Nuri Alço (born 1951) — Famous film actor. Born in Eskisehir, he became famous for playing charismatic villains in Turkish cinema, becoming a cult figure for several generations of viewers.