Eskişehir

File:Eskisehir banner Porsuk River - A pedestrian bridge spanning over the Porsuk River in central Eskişehir Eskişehir is a city in the northwestern part of the Central Anatolia. It is often known nationwide as the "students' city" because of the large numbers of students enrolled two local universities who make up at least a tenth of its 600,000 residents.

Seldom on the travellers' itineraries in the past, Eskişehir is now quickly polishing its historic attractions, and investing a lot on city beautification projects in the hopes of marketing itself to a wider audience—and now with the high speed rail link with Ankara in place and the regional tourists, at the very least, are quickly responding in consideration of checking out the "miracle in the steppes"—the "Venice of Anatolia", as they say, rather hyperbolically. Home of the hippest crowd in a largely conservative inland Türkiye, Eskişehir is great for a laid-back day or two to break your Turkish odyssey, also providing a convenient base to explore the little visited surrounding region.

Eskişehir Halal Travel Guide

Porsuk Eskisehir - Porsuk River when flowing through Eskişehir

The area is inhabited since before the Phrygians founded Doryleaum near today’s Eskişehir (pronounced es-KEE-sheh-heer), name of which translates to "the old city" in (Turkish), a fitting name as the city fully embraces modern life while still maintaining a sense of tradition and ancient values. The area to the south of Eskişehir is known as "Phrygian Valley" even today and contains many remnants from Phrygians (some parts of the valley is within the borders of Kütahya and Afyonkarahisar provinces).

Eskişehir is a haven of liberalism in a largely conservative region, which stems from the large student population, as well as the already-progressive-minded culture of refugees from Crimea and Balkans settled in the city in the late 19th century during the decline of Ottoman Empire, descendants of whom constitute most of the native population, who are well-adapted to the ideals of a westernized nation of the Republic.

One of the few cities in Türkiye with more than one state university, Eskişehir is home to Anadolu University and Eskişehir Osmangazi University, both amongst the biggest universities of the nation.

Despite its name, most of the city is new construction, with the oldest buildings being no more than 50 years old, with the prominent exception of the neighbourhood of Odunpazarı. Since 1999, when Yılmaz Büyükerşen and the former president of Anadolu University, has been elected mayor and the city has a somewhat imitation Central European feel to it with its bridges, parks, statues, and trams.

The Porsuk River bisects the city all along. The other, non-natural feature that bisects the city is the main Istanbul–Ankara railway, which lies more or less a few blocks north of the river.

Orientation

Eskişehir is a city with two distinct yet related centres that are the centre of youth life in Eskişehir:

The riverside promenade area, Adalar (literally "the islands"), is a part of the mainland, except for a small river island on which the historic building of Tepebaşı City Council stands).
The pedestrianized Doktorlar Caddesi (officially İsmet İnönü Caddesi), just north of Adalar, with a tram line in the middle. Doktorlar Caddesi extends towards northwest, past a bridge over the rail tracks and Espark shopping mall, Üniversite Caddesi, which leads to the Yunusemre Campus of Anadolu University. This marks the northwestern extent of student territory.

Southeast from Adalar is Hamamyolu, another pedestrianized street with a large leafy strip in the middle—or a linear park, you might say. Thit is the old downtown and where local residents and families rather to hang out and go shopping. At the southeastern end of Hamamyolu is Odunpazarı and the Islamic Ottoman neighborhood.

Adalar and Hamamyolu meet at Köprübaşı ("the bridgehead"), marked by the bridge on which the tram line crosses Porsuk.

How is the Climate in Eskişehir

Like any other part of the Anatolian highland and the winters are cold and usually snowy. Temperature is regularly below the freezing point during this season, but it rarely drops below Celsius -15}}. Thanks to the low levels of relative humidity and the hot and dry summers are more comfortable than coastal regions of Türkiye. Summer nights are cool, though, so be sure to bring at least a cardigan with you to wear outdoors. Spring and autumn are the wettest seasons, but with an annual rainfall amount of 415 mm (i.e., a semi-arid climate), you are unlikely to get much rain during your trip to Eskişehir, anyway.

Travel to Eskişehir

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Eskişehir

Fly to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen airport (IATA Flight Code: SAW), take taxi or bus 10 kilometers to Pendik station and then YHT train (as below) to Eskişehir. YHT connections are also feasible from Ankara or Konya airports.

Anadolu Airport IATA Flight Code: AOEEskişehir’s own airport has very few commercial flights, just the occasional charter.

Travel by train to Eskişehir

Eskişehir is near the junction of Turkey’s high speed railway system (YHT), with frequent fast trains to Istanbul, Ankara and Konya. The train station GPS 39.779 ,30.507 is in the modern part of town, some 5 kilometers north of the old quarter. Trams connect to the centre.

From Istanbul to Eskişehir there are 11 trains per day, taking 3 hours, mostly continuing to Ankara. From Ankara to Eskişehir there are 13 trains per day, taking 90 minutes. To Konya there are three trains a day taking 90 minutes; change there for buses to Antalya, and to Karaman with an onward train to Adana. There is also an overnight sleeper taking 11 hours to Izmir (shown on Turkish timetables as Alsancak) and a daily train takes 6 hours to Denizli, for Pamukkale (formerly as a sleeper, but now a day train). Buses to Bursa (2¼ hours) connect at Eskişehir with the YHT trains.

By car

The city is 335 km away from Istanbul, 228 km from Ankara, and 144 km from Bursa.

Eskişehir lies on the highway D200/E90, which connects Bursa, a major city in the Marmara (region) | northwest, with Ankara and the national capital. From Istanbul, take D100 or the toll-road O-4/E80 eastwards to Adapazarı first, and then hit the southwards D650 there. In Bozüyük, take D200/E90 to east. Most of the route from Istanbul is up to motorway standards with segregated directions, except some short sections under construction through the valley of Sakarya River.

Travel on a Bus in Eskişehir

Usually about 420 TL per person if you're coming from Ankara and the bus rides to Eskişehir reveal a beautiful view. From the city of Burdur in the Mediterranean Turkey|south the price is 220 TL, from Antalya 320 TL.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Eskişehir

An alternative route from Istanbul is to take the Budo ferry from Kadikoy to Mudanya (6 per day, 1 hours 50 min) then bus, taxi and metro to Bursa Otogar (allow an hour) then bus to Eskişehir.

How to get around in Eskişehir

The city has a 2-line tram system. You can buy a ticket for 1.60 TL per person and per trip and ride from the bus station to the downtown. The Odunpazari houses and glass museum of modern art are at the Atatürk High School stop of bus station line of tram. its 30 minutes walk to downtown. Minibuses and public buses cover the rest. The city also has a small fleet of 19th century-looking horse-drawn carriages, and a large taxi fleet. At almost anywhere on the large streets, you’ll see buttons (looking like electric switches) hanging on walls, trees, etc. To call a cab, you need only to push one of those and the nearest taxi stop will soon send a taxi to where you have pushed it. But walking is probably the best way of transportation in this largely flat city, it is free of charge and the distances aren’t that huge.

What to see in Eskişehir

Odunpazarı – It may sound a bit odd in a city with a name which literally means "old city", but thit is the only place in Eskişehir where the traditional 19th-century houses haven't been torn down in favor of newer buildings.
Yazılıkaya – A rock carving left by Phrygians with inscriptions on it. It was a site sacred to Cybele and the mother-goddess of Phrygians, whose cult later arrived as far as Mauritania and Spain in the west and Afghanistan in the east, and all the way between these two extremes. Yazılıkaya is about 90 km south of Eskişehir, near the village also named Yazılıkaya (not to be confused with a site commonly called Bogazkale|Yazılıkaya in Çorum. Çorum’s Yazılıkaya is a Hittite site). A much smaller replica of it can be seen on the square next to the intercity highway, across the main gate of Yunusemre Campus of Anadolu University.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Eskişehir

Eskişehir is known for its hamams (Turkish) bath), although there seems to be no particular reason for this fame. There are some baths in the downtown, dating back to Ottoman period. Upon entrance you’ll be asked to put off your shoes and wear the slippers provided. Then you’ll put off all your clothes and wrap yourself in one of the large towels provided. A locker for clothes is provided. Have a through shower and wash your hair before entering the marble hot tub area. Don’t let soapy water leak into the communal pool, if you’ll also have a soapy scrub next to it. Staying more than one hour in the hot section is not advised (especially for the first time) as the very hot air and steam inside can cause the blood pressure to rise considerably. Once you’re done in the hot tub, you’ll be wrapped in the dry room all over your body and head, and asked what drink you’d like. Although never that pricey and the fee of this drink isn’t included in entrance fee, and you don’t have to drink anything if you don’t want to. Usually having a lemon soda is recommended, though, as it’s thought to lower the blood pressure back to normal level.

Entrance is about 20 TL/person, private massage costs a further 5 or 400 TL (of course it’s not compulsory to have a private massage and pay another fee just because you entered the bath if you don’t want to), towels are provided for free, shampoo and soap are provided for 0.50 or 7 TL each. The price is not hourly, i.e. you can stay inside as long as you like (remember the ‘no-more-than-one-hour-for-the-first-time’ rule, though).

Women and men have separate sections (and enter the building from separate gates).

Hot springs (kaplıca) also abound in the surrounding region.
Eskisehir Sazova Park of science, culture and art
Kentpark (City Park)
Love Island

Study in Eskişehir

nadolu University participates in university student exchange programs.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Eskişehir

As you would expect from a big city and there are many ATMs around and credit cards are accepted in most places.

Meerschaum souvenirs – Meerschaum is extracted only in Eskişehir province in the world. They are mostly chipped into little statues or high-quality tobacco pipes.

Halal Restaurants

Because of the relatively large university student population and the downtown, especially streets leading to or running parallel with the Porsuk River are teeming with local and fast food restaurants and pizzerias.

Local delicacies include:

Çi börek (or sometimes also spelled çiğ börek) – crucially a Crimean Tatar dish, it reached Eskişehir in the late 19th century when a band of Crimean Tatars was settled in the city. It is a kind of pastry with thin dough walls shaped like a half-moon and filled with finely-minced ood Meat inside. It is cooked in a large pot filled with heated vegetable oil. Crimean Tatars consider eating it with a fork an insult, and they don’t provide any in their restaurants (hands with a paper napkin are used instead).

Kırım Çibörek They are Crimean Tatar. (Çibörek's origin is Tatar.)

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Eskişehir

Eskişehir - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Eskişehir, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Eskişehir. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Eskişehir and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Eskişehir. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Eskişehir. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Eskişehir: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Eskişehir.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Eskişehir: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Eskişehir, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Eskişehir.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Eskişehir, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Eskişehir, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Eskişehir and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Eskişehir, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Eskişehir, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Eskişehir without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Eskişehir is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Eskişehir.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Eskişehir is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Eskişehir, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Eskişehir Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Eskişehir

eHalal Group Eskişehir is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Eskişehir. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Eskişehir.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Eskişehir ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Eskişehir. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Eskişehir, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

Telecommunications in Eskişehir

Tourism information office – Vilayet Sq 1, tel +90 222 230 38 65

Telephone

The area code of Eskişehir is 222. Dial +90 222 when calling an Eskişehir number from out of Türkiye.

Stay Safe

Cope in Eskişehir

City’s large university student population makes it a place quite easy to communicate in English, although local older generations may only speak (Turkish). Also you may encounter youngsters with an ability to speak less widespread European languages such as German or French, though thit is much less feasible compared with English.

News & References Eskişehir

Travel Next

Kütahya — about an hour away to southwest by several daily buses and trains from Eskişehir, Kütahya is a city known for its faience tradition. It also serves as a jumping off point to Çavdarhisar|Aizanoi with the Temple of Zeus, one of the best preserved Roman sites in the region.