Odunpazari Historical Urban Site

Odunpazari Historical Urban Site

Odunpazarı, a district located in the heart of Eskişehir, Turkey, takes its name from the Turkish words for "firewood market". The area has a rich historical legacy dating back to the Dorylaion War in 1097, during which I. Izzeddin Kilicarslan set up camp in Odunpazarı, eventually leading to the establishment of the city of Eskisehir.

Odunpazari Historical Urban Site

Located on the northern slope of a series of hills, the "Odunpazarı Historical Urban Site" stands out from the rest of Eskisehir, which is mostly flat. The site boasts a wealth of historical artifacts from the Seljuk, Ottoman, and Turkish Republic eras, including the Alaadin Mosque (1271), Kursunlu Mosque Complex (1525), and Haci Hasan Mosque (13th century). One unique feature of the Kursunlu Mosque complex is the Meerschaum Museum, which houses stunning meerschaum artwork.

The traditional Turkish architecture of the konaks (large houses) reflects the family life and customs of the past, while fountains serve as important markers of traditional patterns in Turkish neighborhoods and social relationships.

The Odunpazarı Historical Urban Site is one of the few examples in Turkey that was built entirely by Turks. It is a working urban space that preserves a great deal of Turkish architecture and serves as an open-air museum showcasing traditional Turkish town quarter structures. The site has been designated as a tentative World Heritage List site, and is considered one of Turkey's most iconic landmarks.