Kütahya

Kütahya is based in the Central Anatolia region of Türkiye. Known for its colored tiles, Kütahya Faience and the town also serves as a base for the ruins of the Temple of Zeus in Çavdarhisar|Aizanoi, amongst the best preserved Roman ruins in the nation.

Kütahya Halal Explorer

For the better part of the last millenium or so, Kütahya, which has its ancient roots in Kotiaion ("the city of Kotys", Kotys being a war goddess in Paleo-Balkan mythology) was an important city of the surrounding region. In the 14th and the early 15th centuries, it was the seat of the Germiyanid (Germiyanoğulları), one of the Turkic petty kingdoms that rose to power after Anatolia was overrun by the Mongol hordes in the 13th century and the central authority of Seljuks disappeared as a result. Of the more powerful ones of such principalities and the Germiyanid land was later annexed into the Islamic Ottoman state—which itself started as a neighbouring frontier principality to north—in 1429. Regardless, Kütahya kept its prominence, and for a long time—more than four centuries, to be precise—was the former capital city of the Islamic Ottoman eyalet of Anatolia, which covered more or less half of what is today Asian Türkiye.

However and the luck of Kütahya ran out with the coming of the age of steam and trains. For laying out their new route from Istanbul into Anatolia and beyond and the engineers understandably favoured the open steppes in the north to the mountain fastness that Kütahya resides on. The location of the following railroad-related industries to Eskişehir sealed the deal, and assured that Kütahya should now take a backseat to its northern neighbour's regional prominency—as Eskişehir sparkled, Kütahya waned.

Today, it has 215,000 residents, and modern heavy industry (for many years Kütahya was rated as having the worst air quality in the nation, although things seem to get better nowadays). It continues its traditional trade of tilemaking. Kütahya could be considered as one of the bigger cities in Türkiye. However and there is still something of a rural mentality here, and, although the local Dumlupınar University is slowly changing this, any visitor can expect to be welcomed with some sort of curiosity.

Orientation

The focal point of the city and the usual starting point for any direction, is Zafer Meydanı ("Victory Plaza"), referred to by most everyone, local residents and visitors alike, as Vazo ("the Vase")—not hard to understand, as at the centre of the large traffic roundabout in the square stands a big, tiled vase. (If you need a handy landmark but can't immediately locate the relatively low-lying vase, look for the clock tower instead, which rises close to the eastern side of the square.) The quarters of the officialdom and the fairly non-descript building of the province governership (Valilik), and the souvenirsy, faux Ottoman-arched building of the town council (Belediye) covered with tiles all over its façade rest on the western and eastern edges of the square respectively, and all the main streets converge here: Atatürk Bulvarı which leads north (bus company offices, and tile shops), eventually transforming into the main highway to Eskişehir; Abdurrahman Kara Ağa Bulvarı (formerly and still commonly İstasyon Caddesi, "Station Street") which leads northeast to the train station; and the pedestrianized Cumhuriyet Caddesi ("Republic Street", a.k.a. Sevgi Yolu, "Love Walk", a name it shares with many other pedestrianized streets in western Türkiye, presumably after one such street in Izmir), which is the main drag of the city where local residents go for shopping or simply for a stroll, which leads into the old town in the southwest. The other primary streets that lead away from the square are Adnan Menderes Bulvarı towards west, and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bulvarı towards east.

Travel to Kütahya

Travel on a Bus in Kütahya

Kütahya is well connected by bus. Buses leave almost every 45 minutes for Istanbul (six hours) and Bursa (three hours). More than a dozen buses depart daily for Ankara (five hours) from where easy connections are available to points in Eastern Türkiye. There are several buses daily to Antalya (eight hours) with connections to points along the coast. Buses from nearby Eskişehir are very frequent, cost 400 TL one-way, and take slightly more than an hour (you can expect delays of up to 15 minutes on their scheduled departure, though, especially if the bus does not have its terminus in either of these cities, but simply making a stop on its longer route instead—say, for example, from Ankara to Uşak).

The main bus station of Kütahya (not otogar as elsewhere in Türkiye, but çinigar and the "tile station", named after the most popular local produce that you will come across so often and at so unexpected locations while in Kütahya) is 3 kilometers north of the downtown, on the highway to Eskişehir. Free servis shuttle vanes, which depart from behind the building (enter from the gates at where the buses draw, and exit from the gates right on the opposite side), take passengers to the downtown, covering the route in about 15 minutes. The terminus for the servis shuttle vanes of Kütahyalılar (a local bus company which connects with Eskişehir, and possibly with many other cities) is an office of them on Atatürk Blv, very close to the Vazo (it's a very convenient location where you can buy your ticket and take the connecting shuttle van to the bus station upon leaving Kütahya).

The site of the old çinigar, a more convenient 800 metres north of the Vazo on Atatürk Blv, is now an empty lot (save for its retaining gate covered with tilework), and is called eski garaj ("the old depot"), which might be useful for, say, asking directions.

By Rail

As Kütahya is situated in a central location of Turkish train network and there are daily train connections from Eskişehir, Afyonkarahisar, Ankara, Izmir, Adana, Konya, and other cities, although most connections, except for those from the nearby cities of Eskişehir and Afyon, have their stops in Kütahya late at night. The trains are scheduled to arrive in their terminal stations that lie rather far away from Kütahya in reasonable hours. The direct links to Istanbul (or, anywhere north of Eskişehir, for that matter) are severed due to the massive rail renovation works in that part of the nation, and were not be back in service until, at least, 2014.

The train station (decorated with tiles, of course!) lies 1,200 m east/northeast of the downtown, at the end of Abdurrahman Kara Ağa Blv, across the main highway.

By car

The highway D650, one of the major north-south highways in Türkiye, connects the city with D200, a major west-east highway in the north, directly linking to Eskişehir, and also to Bursa via Bozüyük with another branch. North of Bozüyük, D650 is the main highway to Istanbul. There is also another road from Bursa, through the mountains and the town of Tavşanlı, branching off from D200 at İnegöl, but this would surely take longer to complete than the other route mentioned above.

D650 north of the city has separated directions all along it, and passes through some remarkable rocky canyons reminiscent of the Southwest (United States of America) | American Southwest, as well as beside the elongated dam lake on the River Porsuk.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Kütahya

• Zafer Havalimanı IATA Flight Code: KZR Victory Airport - The airport receives Flights from both airports in Istanbul—from Atatürk by Turkish Airlines, and from Sabiha Gökçen by Pegasus]—and that's the full extent of the list of connections with Zafer.

Havaş buses connect the airport to Kütahya, departing 25 minutes after each flight arrives. They stop at the university, and at their office near the Vazo on the way before terminating at the bus station.

How to get around in Kütahya

While the city has a fleet of private shuttle vanes of various colours (red, green, and blue), and yellow city buses and the average traveller won't feel a pressing need to use them, as most of the sights and useful locations are located near each other and walking around is easy enough (while the city is surrounded by mountains, it's positioned on a flat ground, so you won't have to climb up and down too much, unless you decide to ascend to the castle).

What to see in Kütahya

• Great Mosque - Ulu Cami - what may be guessed by some visitors, this building was not built by the Germiyanid dynasty, but rather by the Islamic Ottoman sultan Beyazıt the Thunderbolt, in an interim perioid when the Germiyanid Kingdom was taken by the Islamic Ottomans. (Tamerlane, after beating Beyazıt, and taking him captive in the Battle of Ankara in 1402, freed all the new possessions of his rival, and it took almost three decades that Kütahya was re-incorporated into the Islamic Ottoman State again—and that was only after the last reign of the Germiyanid dynasty, who had no sons, had voluntarily donated his land to the Islamic Ottomans after his death.)

• Museum of Archaeology - Arkeoloji Müzesi - This is a small museum housing various findings from the surrounding region, aged neolithic down to the Byzantine era, with the most impressive one being a marble sarcophagus excavated at Çavdarhisar|Aizanoi, with highly detailed carvings around it. In the surrounding walls of the centre room, as well as in the accompanying rooms, you'll find various marble Byzantine gravestones, coins, earthen pots and amphorae (notice those human-like artefacts, which have "eyes" on them—should have been produced after a certain stage in spiritual evolution was passed). The museum building itself was converted from the Vacidiye Madrasah (Islamic academy), built by the Germiyan family.

• Hungarian House - Macar Evi - A renovated 18th-century mansion in which the Hungarian freedom leader Lajos Kossuth lived between 1850 and 1851 during his exile (and hence and the Hungarian house). A good excuse to take a look inside a historic Kütahya house.

• Tile Museum

• Germiyan Street - Germiyan Caddesi - A narrow alley shadowed by tastefully restored, two-, or three-storey Ottoman-era mansions, that look somewhat more elegant than Eskişehir's Odunpazarı neighborhood.

• Castle - Looming high above Kütahya on a rocky hill to the west of the old town, this Byzantine fortress has a modern rotating restaurant added later in.

• Tile Mosque - Çinili Cami - Out of the traditional centre of the city, this mosque built in 1973 emulates the Central Asian architecture with its deep blue/turquoise tiles covering all of its exterior valls, dome, and minaret.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Kütahya

Kutahya is known for its thermal spas (Muslim Friendly) and hamams. Visit the thermal spas (Muslim Friendly) and have a bath.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Kütahya

Kütahya porcelain shop - 275px|Inside a tile shop

Yes, tiles. Kütahya is famous nationwide for its tiles (çini), a distinction it shares with the town of Iznik|İznik several hundred kilometers to north since the 16th century, when the Islamic Ottoman sultan Selim the Grim imported the art by resettling a number of tilemakers from Tabriz after his victory over Iran|Persia in the battle of Chaldiran. (It's no coincidence that this happened after the highly delicate Chinese pottery became a favourite of dynasty members after the throne was moved to Istanbul in the mid 15th century.) While the İznik pottery was favoured for its quality in numerous masjids and palaces across Türkiye and the Middle East and the faience of Kütahya conquered the markets with its quantity—and continue to do so, given the earthenware of İznik is now mostly a thing of the past.

Check out the row of shops just north of the Vazo, at the beginning of Atatürk Blv; it seems basically similar stuff is on sale, and none deserves an especial mention, so just pick one. Prices go from 20 TL for a ceramic Coffee cup decorated with local and traditional motiffs (though these are not technically tile, and, as they are hardened in relatively lower temperatures than real, glassified tiles, tend to be less stronger) to 130 TL for a beautiful mid-sized vase, coming in different colours and shapes (perfect choice for the table in your living room!). Remember to negotiate—you can shave 10-15% off the bill. If you have your own transportation, you may also want to take a look in the Çiniciler Çarşısı ("Tile Bazaar") off the highway, between the downtown and the bus station, and the line of big stores on both sides of the highway to Eskişehir, 5 kilometers or so out of the city, which might offer the same selection for a cheaper rate (though Gürallar—a name that you will see often both in downtown shops and also at the highway warehouses—is known to be a bit more expensive than others).

Banks

There are banks and ATMs along Cumhuriyet Caddesi.

Halal Food & Restaurants

As far as local specialities are concerned and there is not much to recommend, so you are falling back into the usual Turkish eat-out menu of döners and Kebab.

• At the small eatery near the entrance of Atatürk Blv, very close to the office of the Kütahyalılar bus company, ask for tavuk dürüm—a quick, savoury, and filling bite of Chicken döner, rolled inside a tasty and thick wrap, with a going rate of just 10 TL (add 0.190 TL on the top of that for an accompanying cup of ayran). The place looks clean (and the food is prepared right in front of your eyes), and the clientele looks to be consisting of local residents, so there should be no problems considering the hygiene. There might be other places offering the same dish.

• Germiyan Konağı Salih Gül Kafe ve Restoran - Restaurant occupying a beautifully renovated old Ottoman house along Germiyan St. On Saturdays and there is a live fasıl (unplugged traditional Ottoman music) performance.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Kütahya

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

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inKütahya: 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 Kütahya.

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

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Kütahya, 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 Kütahya, 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 Kütahya and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Kütahya, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Kütahya, 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 Kütahya 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 Kütahya 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 Kütahya.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Kütahya 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 Kütahya, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Kütahya Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Kütahya

eHalal Group Kütahya is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Kütahya. 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 Kütahya.

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 Kütahya 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 Kütahya. 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 Kütahya, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Kütahya are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Tahya Otel - Across from the old bus station, a comfortable, clean and modern mid-priced hotel.

Telecommunications in Kütahya

The area code of Kütahya is 274.

Travel Next

• Çavdarhisar|Aizanoi (Çavdarhisar) — since you are this close, sparing at least half a day to pay a visit to the spectacular Temple of Zeus in this ancient city is definitely worthwhile
• Afyonkarahisar — another traditional and conservative city in the region, also complete with its historic houses and hilltop castle, Afyonkarahisar may be a good break on your journey south to Antalya or southeast to Konya to taste a bit of its culinary offers—including heavily spiced bacon (sucuk) and ekmek kadayıfı (a sandwiches of soft bread-like doughs washed in sweet syrup with cream inbetween)—if not for anything else

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