ANTIQUITY

Before the discovery of fire, on the region beginning from Sakarya River extending to Porsuk River, there was fruitful and deserted land. After the discovery of fire, human beings had come and settled down on this fruitful land which is rich in mineral resources. Life began first in caves then lasted in towns with houses made of marble.

All this time passed by, man had arranged this region for living by cultivating this watery land and populated. However, those tribes living in unfruitful lands started to immigrate towards the region. Their aim was to share the land extending from Sakarya River to Porsuk River to build a common living there. People living peacefully in the region had met belligerence and war for the first time. Wars lasted for hundreds and thousands of years....

By the time, the world and the mankind had revolved and wars ended. Peace for the future was obtained. However, immigrants were allowed to use water and land only. In this existence struggle new opportunities created, discoveries exposed. Mine resource enriched, workshops and small factories were built and towns and villages were formed. As first human beings came and settled down that region and benefited from fruitful land and rich resources a very long time ago from now, the region developed to a city in a short time and called ESKISEHIR, which means old city in Turkish.

If you have traveled the wide area around Eskisehir, you would see some marks belong to antiquity period of mankind. Thousand of cultures had survived in Eskisehir region since Stone Age. Eskisehir was accepted to be most populated region in B.C. 4000’s. In researches done in the region old towns and cities are discovered. In addition, the region became a center to activate trade for merchants form Assure.

Eskisehir was inside the west border of Phrygia. Thus, Phrygian Age has importance in Eskisehir history.

The Richest King of All Ages

Hittites assembled a great government centralized in Eskisehir B.C.14. Century. The king of Phrygians declared his kingdom which lasted for 600 years in B.C.12.

Who is the richest king of all ages?

Midas, the king of Phrygia... Midas was the king of the place today known as the center of Eskisehir. The first time Midas appeared in history was his sovereignty in Delhi Mabet in B.C. 700’s. Midas was married to the daughter of Agememnon, the Greek king. He was charged for the management of trade in distant regions, thus, he became powerful and rich soon. He caught the spoils of Silenus (Step father of Baküs). Because of that he was punished by that “anything touched by him would turn to gold”. First time, he was happy with punishment but it did not last for so long. He had to face hunger since everything he touched turned to gold. However, the greatest sorrow he lived was the moment he hugged his daughter and she turned to a big golden pile. This event made him more aware of his horrible situation. He begged gods for help in regret. Dionysus, one of the gods who heard his begging let Midas to swim and sunbathe in Pantolus River that belonged to him to get rid of that curse. From that moment aluvions of Pantolus River turned to gold. However, in which part of the river Midas had bathe is unknown, not yet discovered. But King Midas had his place as the richest king of all ages in history...

There is another tale about Midas widespread through people. According to that tale, Midas was offered to be jury for the music contest in which God Apollo and Satyr Marsyas were contestants. (Silenus). Midas was continuously threatened by Satyr and Apollo. At the end of the contest, Midas gave his decision in a way like a judicious king had to be. As a result, Apollo lost the contest and became very angry and revolved the ears of Midas to donkey’s ears. Midas hid his ears under a hat but his barber saw them at last. He promised to keep the secret on Midas’s request. However, he could not keep the secret, after sometime he shouted out it toward to marshes. As marshes swigged by the wind, “Midas’s ears are Donkey ears” voices were heard. Thus, everybody learned Midas’s secret. This tragedy had ended by Apollo’s forgiving Midas.

Güngör Dilmen, one of the writers of Modern Turkish play, has dramatized the story and named the play as “Midas’s Ears”. In addition, an operetta named “King Midas Opera” has been composed by Ferit Tuzun. King Midas is very famous in other countries as well as in Eskisehir region and Turkey.

Archeological researches showed that first settlement was populated around Sarhöyük in B.C. 3500’s. In ages of Copper and Calcolitic (B.C. 3500-2500) the most populated areas were predicted to be shores of Porsuk-Seydi Su and Sarisu Streams. Traces found in Demirci Höyük shows that prehistoric settlement and culture around Eskisehir rose up in Early Calcolitic (B.C.5500) Age. Many legends of Anadolu are evidences showing that Phrygia was center of mining. Further more, other excavations done in Midas city (Yazilikaya) hundreds of new tumulus were discovered and determined that the region had a widespread culture since antiquities.

Cultural certificates belonging to Hittites Age were found in most of the tumulus discovered in the excavations done in Yazilikaya. Phrygians who put an end to the sovereignty of Hittites and become spread in a wide area had established a kingdom involving Eskisehir Plain, Sakarya branches and west and east parts of Ankara region. This kingdom whose center was Gordian, near Polatli, was known to have a powerful political structure. Pessinus (Ballihisar), Midaeum (Karahöyük), Dorylaeum (Eskisehir), Yazilikaya (Midas) were cities which were built in that period inside the borders of Eskisehir province nowadays. The best known kings of Phrygian history were Gordian and Midas. King Midas, had established Phrygian Empire however, it lasted not so long (B.C. 725-675).

Kimmers, coming over Caucasus, put an end to Phrygian sovereignty in the fist half of 7th century. Those cities of Phrygian Age, were demolished and fired by Kimmer’s attacks, then went under sovereignty of Kroizos, king of Lydia, who increased his power. According to historians, Midas killed himself because he could not resist Kimmer’s attacks (B.C. 546-333).

After Great Iskender had come to Anatolia and won Gronikos War (B.C.334), Phrygia went under his sovereignty. First, Iskender captured Pessinus and Gordion. By way, he bought Hellenism Age and culture to Phrygia at the same time. In addition, Greeks came and settled to Phrygia. In excavations done in Pessinus, temples dedicated to Phrygian Goddess Kibele, theaters and many architectural structures were found. The religion of Phrygians was bound to Goddess Kibele which is an ancient god.
After the death of Iskender the great, Galats made continuous raids on Phrygia. After that it passed to Romans’ control. The most glorious age was the years in which Romans had the control of Phrygia.

If you went to southwest of Eskisehir, you would reach to Midas city or YAZILIKAYA in today’s name. The remnants in that region, would attract your interest and admiration in ancient civilizations.

Midas City: Yazilikaya

Yazilikaya is 80 km far from Eskisehir. One can reach the village from Çifteler County on southeast of Eskisehir. The road departure from here reaches to Yazilikaya through Mecidiye, Bardakçi, Karagaç and Kayi. Besides, one can go to Yazilikaya through the way Seyitgazi and Afyonkarahisar or Emirdag.

The height of Yazilikaya village is 1315 meters. There is Eskisehir city on the North, Kütahya on the West, Afyonkarahisar on the South, and Seyitgazi on the Northeast. The exact location is on “Phrygian Plateau”. Height can be as high as Turkmen Mountain in some places. Because of that altitude, air is rather clean and it was named as “Phrygia Salutaris” which means “Healthy Phrygia”.

Yazilikaya Village is located on the foot of Acropol. The great Midas Monument is perceived at the very first look. Midas Monument is extremely important especially for Phrygian history. However, the monument has not been mentioned much until 19th century. It was discovered by an English officer W.M. Leake passing by the region for the first time. He stated that he had seen monuments which carved on rock and had writings on surface while he was traveling by Eskisehir to Seyitgazi and then to Hüsrev Pasa. Then he returned back to the monument and examined the writings on the surface and when he saw the name “Midas” on inscriptions, he named the monument as “Midas’s Grave”. W. Leake published that trip notes in 1824. Charles Texier, who came after him, copied the surfaces of three rocks and inscriptions and published actual information about the subject. Researches done on archeological monuments in Anatolia had risen in second half of 19th century. Archeologist Radet, who come that region in 1886 and 1893, had discovered Yazilikaya Village settled down just bottom of Midas monument.

As it can be seen nowadays, there are Midas monument on an erupted rock, city wall surrounding Acropol, underground stairs, graves, altars and unfinished monuments and fountains in Northeast side of ancient city Acropol, just over Yazilikaya Village.

Midas monument is carved on tufa, covering an area of nearly 400 m2 with a rectangular shape and the surface is decorated with geometric meander motifs have Phrygian art features.

Small Yazilikaya

There is another monument 210 meter far away from Midas monument on Southwest. Top of the monument is excavated; however bottom side is left without handwork. Small Yazilikaya Monument has many things in common with Midas Monument. The frontal of the monument is in good condition. It is decorated by motifs of pine cone and palmet. Its height is shorter than its width. At the bottom of the monument there are two indentations on which there are figures resembling animal heads.
Dorylian

There was a city well-known as “Dorylaeum” or “Dorylaion” in Greek in this region in antiquity. Nowadays, there are three places which are said to be Antique Dorylian in Eskisehir. One of the places is Karacasehir, other one is Sarhöyük and Yukarimahalle, also known as Hamamlar or Köprübasi.

The third place that we could call naked Eskisehir before industrialization, is the city located on both sides of Porsuk creek. The region was under the control of Byzantines and was a populated city.

By the researches and investigations done at the end of 19th century, some inscriptions which include information about Dorylian and go back to 3rd century A.D. or i.e. from Augustus Age to Caracalla Age were found. One of the inscriptions has the name “Drylaous from Erythrai” who was the founder of the city written on the sculpture base discovered in 1893 in Haci Mahmut Bey Han in Eskisehir. Another inscription found in Sarhöyük was dedicated to “Akamantion Dorylaos from Herakles family”.

Akamas was the son of King Theseus in Greek Mythology. He was the founder of many cities in Anatolia especially in Phrygia. He was named as a hero.

According to the researches done in 1893, the most respectfully behaved and votive offered god was Zeus in the region (thundering Zeus). Foreign gods and goddess were “Jupiter Capitolnus” and documents written in his name were found. That the greatest God Inscription written belongs to Jews or Byzantines is not actually known.

In addition, there were documents found about Bennos, Phrygian religious associations in the region.

The region is an entertainment center with many famous Turkish baths and hot water resources taking away daily stress of people.

Pessinus

Remains of Pessinus, the famous city of Antiquity, is in Ballihisar region, near Sivrihisar, on the highway Ankara-Eskisehir. The place where the famous template of Kibele “Mother of Gods” was located and known as Kubebe or Kubaba by Hittites belonged to Phrygia state. The sculpture of Mother God, according to some beliefs, was a black stone which had fallen from sky so it is also called as “Black Stone”.

Pessinus was the greatest trade center of its time. In this age, the priests were also rulers. Although Pessinus stayed alive as a trade center in following years, the priests’ authority declined quite a bit. Through history ages, Pessinus was occupied by Lydia and Pers forces like other Phrygian cities. Galats who occupied the region in Hellenism age made Pessinus their capital.

In Bergama Kingdom period, Pessinus which was an independent princedom ruled by priests, was damaged during Pun wars between Roma and Kartaca.

Pessinus lived its most glorious period during Bergama Kingdom. Also, temples and artworks reached to our time were done in the period.

Mother God Kibele

Mother God Kibele had taken her name from Kybelon Mountain. There are many legends about Mother God. One of them is as follows:

“Mother Goddess fell in love with Ates or Attis, a young man who was pasturing his sheep. Attis sacrificed his sexual virility on a rock for the sake of Goddess and died. However, he returned to life in spring by tears of Kibele in spring. To keep this revival alive, Gallos, the priests of Pessinus Temple, castrated themselves and arranged a great ceremony. They brought a branch from the pine tree under which Atis sacrificed his sexual virility to the temple in March 22nd. All the coreligionists together with the priests beat their chest in sorrow and wounded themselves with pine cones. They turned around Galloslar Temple by music accompanying until they lost themselves. Sometimes one of them who became exulted cut his virility by stone knife and became Gallos who united with Mother Goddess. Suddenly, Chief priest “Archigallos” lighted up all lambs in March 25th. Attes had returned to life. All children and young girls wore white dresses. An enthusiastic celebration began.”

Magnificent Gordion

When going down Porsuk Creek toward South, Porsuk and Sakarya Rivers unites and then again depart from each other. The city at that point is “GORDION”.

Gordion was the capital of Phrygia State and is a magnificent station among the ruins on way called “Emperor Road”. This famous city links East and West, Persia and Mesopotamia. In addition, Gordion was the city where numerous tales about Great Alexander and Gordion King were told.

Due to the archeological excavations, Gordion, discovered at the end of B.C.3000 years, was one of the important cities of its time. Especially it lived its most glorious time during Phrygians were ruling.

During 600 years following Phrygian King, Gordion lived its worst time ever. Invasions and wars became intensive especially at the beginning of B.C. 18th Century. Kimmers, Lydians, and Perses and at last Great Alexander occupied the region respectively.

Great Alexander and his army, passing from Gordion 2300 years ago, conquered Asian way. Also young king, swinging his sword, challenged to Gordion King and wanted him to leave the management of city to him.

After the death of Great Alexander, city of Gordion had witnessed great wars. Location of city is the reason for that. Many commanders who wanted to control Anatolia tried to occupy Gordion city by their armies. Galats, after those Romans captured the region at the end of the year B.C. 189. Especially Romans, restored Gordion city, provide the city old glorious days back. Gordion which survived as a small village for a long time became a magnificent city soon.

HISTORY

MIDDLE AGE
When Roma parted into two regions in A.D.395, Phrygia remained in Byzantium region. Eskisehir and cities around lost their former importance in that period. Only Dorlion having hot spring resorts on the way of Pessinus trade road was able to stay alive. Arabian armies had invaded Byzantium lands, came the region near Eskisehir. In 708 Abbas Bin Velid and then in 778 Masan Bin Kataba occupied the region, respectively.

Byzantium-Arabian war, which lasted for 300 years beginning at the end of 7th century and continued until the end of 10th century, led to the creation of some legends and tales. The most important one of those legends is Seyit Battal Gazi legend. Seyit Battal Gazi legend was translated to “Digenis Aktiras” by Byzans.

According to the legend, Seyit Battal Gazi had lived at the age of Abbasi caliphs Mutasim and Vathig. However his birth was told to Hz. Muhammed by Cebrail before his death. For this reason one of the prophet’s men waited in a cave for 200 years. He fulfilled the prophet’s promise and gave Askar Divzade, the horse of Seyit Battal Gazi to himself.

According to another legend, the father of Seyit Battal Gazi was a commander in the army of Malatya Sultan. He died in a war against Greeks. Seyit Battal had learned all Islamic sciences when he was 13 years old. No one could compete with him in riding horse and using sword. He set out to take revenge of his father and he killed commander of hostile army, his brother and fourteen chief commanders within twenty-four hours. He traveled from India to Magrib, from one victory to another frightening his enemies far further the seven seas.

God had given supernatural forces to him. He had such a voice that seventy two thousand infidels fell into pieces in battlefield.

Rumour has it that, the daughter of a Greek castle’s commander fel in love with Seyit Battal. During the siege of that castle, while Battal was sleeping on grass, the daughter of commander saw aid sent by emperor to the castle. In order to awake Seyit Battal, she wrote note on paper and wrap up a stone with the paper and threw it to him. This little stone felt by chance to his heart and killed him immediately. In this accident God’s decree was proved. Otherwise, it is impossible that such a hero with supernatural powers to be beaten by his enemies.

In antiquity age Seyitgazi which was called as Nakoleia, was an important city for the time. However, in Christian Age the city lost his former power and bonded to Synnada Metropol Administration. In 198 it became Metropol again. After 9th century the name Napoleia was not seen. Seljuks, who spread Byzantium provinces, came to the borders of Phrygia in 1074. Then because of incursions one after another Napoleia lost its importance. It has been rumored that the Crusaders came to interior regions of Anatolia passing through Napoleia in 1079.

After Malazgirt Pitched Battle, Turks coming from east captured Eskisehir in 1074. After the city captured, Manuel Kommenos who wanted to stop Turkish tribes coming from east, withdrew to west as he became unsuccessful. Eskisehir became a location on the way of the Crusaders in Alparslan and I. Kiliçarslan periods of ordering. There are not much traces belonging to this ages in Eskisehir city center.

NEW AGE
Eskisehir region which was one of the centers of Ottoman Empire was on the way of militaries’ East expeditions. After Ertugrul Gazi died, his son Osman Bey took the control. After a while Osman Bey became governor, he became powerful and captured Eskisehir, Inönü, Seyitgazi, and Sivhisar, respectively. When Osman Bey was married with Sheikh Edebali’s daughter Malhatun, Eskisehir and its surroundings gained more strength. Osman Bey shared out the lands he gained in his healthy ages among his relatives. According to that, his brother Gündüzalp took the control of Eskisehir and surrounding area. Recent researches showed that the region Sultan-Öyügü Inönü belonged to Germians, out of Ottoman’s lands.

In 14th century, to the end of the period of Orhan Bey, Sultanönü was captured by Karamanogullari. During period of I. Murat, son of Orhan Bey, this region became a question of power among them. When I. Murat ascended the throne, he decided to organize a military expedition to Rumeli. Taking the advantage of the opportunity, Karamanogullari united their forces with Varsaks, Turguts, Türkmens and Sivas Governor against I. Murat. Sultan, having learned that plan, went back to Anatolia. He beat all of them and captured Ankara. While he was returning, he took Sultanönü in 1363 from Karamanogullari. Borders of Ottomans reached to Karamanogullari lands and at South to the North of Hamitogullari State. When Germian Governor’s daughter Devlet Hatun was married to Sultan’s son Bayezid in 1381, control of the Northwest part of Germian State was passed to Ottomans.

In early years of Ottoman State, names of Seyitgazi or Sivrihisar did not appear especially in entries about battles, because conquests were towards to Byzantium, Northwest for early years. Seyitgazi was pronounced to be an important center for Bektasizm for this period.

On the other hand, Sivrihisar was inside the borders of Karamanogullari State in first half of 14th century. It was added to Ottomans’ lands after the military expedition to Ankara by I. Murat.

While Ankara Battle in 1402, as Sultan Yildirim Bayezid was beaten by Timur Han, who was willing to end Ottomans’ sovereignty, gave Sivhisar and many other regions to Karamanogullari to strengthen other states. It is said that Timur had settled his headquarters in Sivrihisar for a while. After Yildirim Beyazid died, Sivrihisar had passed to Ottomans’ control again.

At the end of 15th century, the struggle among II. Bayezid and Cem Sultan had resulted in important events in Eskisehir, or i.e. Sultanönü region. Cem Sultan, who rushed into Bursa in 1481, beat Ayas Pasa’s army sent by II. Bayezid. After that II.Bayezid attacked to Bursa and beat Cem Sultan. Cem Sultan escaped to Eskisehir firstly and then went to Konya. He reached to Egypt in 1482.

In 16th century, Eskisehir gained importance according to its location. There is an interesting document that reached to us from Ottoman Empire in 16th century. The document includes pictures of miniature art, belonging to different centers of population, by Matrakçi Nasuh. He had participated Iran military expedition with Kanuni Sultan Süleyman.

In that age, talents about geometry, mathematics, history, military, battle tactics was called as “MATRAK”. His works left to present time are two books of mathematics, six books of history one of which is a translation about battle and army. In his books, there are also miniature pictures demonstrating Ottoman Army and battle strategies he told about.

Until early years of Faith’s governance, Eskisehir was a village under the control of Ankara State and then Kütahya State for 1451-1831. Eskisehir was governed by colonels between years 1451-1831 and then became a city bounded to “Hüdavendigar” (Bursa) State in 1841. Eskisehir won its own identity as a province merely in 1925.

Eskisehir public started to feel the movement especially in economy created by railways in new age. The advantage of carriage of agricultural products and other raw materials had arisen. In addition beginning with the construction of railway here, new work places were opened. The population of Eskisehir had risen by immigrants in early 20th century and the appearance and social structure of the city had changed. After the great fire happened in Asagi District in 1905, marketplace and its surround burned out ad the city had to be reconstructed.

REPUBLICATION PERIOD
As Ottoman Empire was defeated in First World War, Empire signed Mondros Armistice with Allies in October 30th 1918. Due to the 7th term of the armistice which was a provision that the occupying powers might occupy areas deemed to be of strategic importance; English arms started therefore to occupy strategic regions and railway routes, claiming that their security was threaten. They confisticeted railways. English Arms took the control of stations beginning from Haydarpasa, going to Izmit, Eskisehir and Ankara respectively. They located a set of Scottish soldiers in Eskisehir. Two squadrons of Scottish soldiers which were controlled by Misler Vi-tol and captain Forbin, were located in Ankara train station. French army sent a detachment under the command of Commander Buazo. These two important cities were occupied. Both cities’ governors were loyal to the Sultan. Ali Fuat Pasa (Cebesoy) who attended to twentieth army corps as commander was successful in preparation of an organized regiment immediately. Atatürk came to Ankara after war in December 27th 1919. He was to go to Eskisehir to talk to the members of Istanbul Deputy Assembly. Rifat Börekçi, Mufti of Ankara told to Atatatürk that:

“- My lord, don’t go to Eskisehir, there are English forces there. They may arrest you. We took an oath to protect you...” Atatürk abandoned going to Eskisehir and stayed in Ankara. The headquarters of Representatives Committee came Ankara. At this time, English arms occupied Istanbul officially in March 16th 1920. They attacked to Sehzadebasi Police Station and six Turkish soldiers were killed and also fifteen Turkish soldiers were wounded. After that English forces secretly left Ankara at night and went to Eskisehir. Atatürk was to open Turkish Grand National Assembly. While all that events were taking place in Ankara, Eskisehir was occupied by English forces. They were holding that railway junction in control. As the commander of twentieth army corps, Ali Fuat Pasa, had accepted Atatürk with a Seymen regiment by public demonstration; Istanbul government denounced his duty, sentenced him with execution and then appointed Kirazli Hamdi Pasa as the commander of twentieth army crops instead. Kiraz Hamdi Pasa came to Eskisehir and cooperated with English forces. Soon he was executed in Ankara. Eskisehir Governor was Serez’i Hilmi Bey but he was not liked by public in Eskisehir. Greeks and Armenian were acting cruel to Muslims but Governor Hilmi was not interested with requests and complaints of public. One of the members of Kuvayi Milliye came to city and shot him. Eskisehir was in agitation, letters were sent to English forces telling them to leave the city. There were English soldiers more than a battalion with Legion soldiers formed by Turks living in Cyprus. A man named Kemal was working as translator.

The Mayor of Eskisehir was Lawyer Takyeddin Bey in 1920. He was educated and a patriotic man. When Seyh Sunusi came to Eskisehir, he stayed in his house. Accountant Sabri Bey and Takyeddin Bey were supporting Kuvayi Milliye. Recognizing the situation, Kiraz Hamdi Pasa escaped to Istanbul.

Yesil Efendi established Müdafaai Hukuk Cemiyeti. Emin Sazak, Osman Isik from Eskisehir joined to that association. Wealthy persons of Eskisehir donated gold on their will to this association without any deed and left the money to liberation of motherland. The association gave 30 liras to each one who joined to Kuvayi Milliye forces and provided guns and horses to them. One day these militia rebels made demonstration in the city center. Everyone was dressed strangely, wearing different guns and hats. They wander around the districts, threatening English soldiers and honoring Turkish public.

“- My lord, don’t go to Eskisehir, there are English forces there. They may arrest you. We took an oath to protect you...” Atatürk abandoned going to Eskisehir and stayed in Ankara. The headquarters of Representatives Committee came Ankara. At this time, English arms occupied Istanbul officially in March 16th 1920. They attacked to Sehzadebasi Police Station and six Turkish soldiers were killed and also fifteen Turkish soldiers were wounded. After that English forces secretly left Ankara at night and went to Eskisehir. Atatürk was to open Turkish Grand National Assembly. While all that events were taking place in Ankara, Eskisehir was occupied by English forces. They were holding that railway junction in control. As the commander of twentieth army corps, Ali Fuat Pasa, had accepted Atatürk with a Seymen regiment by public demonstration; Istanbul government denounced his duty, sentenced him with execution and then appointed Kirazli Hamdi Pasa as the commander of twentieth army crops instead. Kiraz Hamdi Pasa came to Eskisehir and cooperated with English forces. Soon he was executed in Ankara. Eskisehir Governor was Serez’i Hilmi Bey but he was not liked by public in Eskisehir. Greeks and Armenian were acting cruel to Muslims but Governor Hilmi was not interested with requests and complaints of public. One of the members of Kuvayi Milliye came to city and shot him. Eskisehir was in agitation, letters were sent to English forces telling them to leave the city. There were English soldiers more than a battalion with Legion soldiers formed by Turks living in Cyprus. A man named Kemal was working as translator.

The Mayor of Eskisehir was Lawyer Takyeddin Bey in 1920. He was educated and a patriotic man. When Seyh Sunusi came to Eskisehir, he stayed in his house. Accountant Sabri Bey and Takyeddin Bey were supporting Kuvayi Milliye. Recognizing the situation, Kiraz Hamdi Pasa escaped to Istanbul.

Yesil Efendi established Müdafaai Hukuk Cemiyeti. Emin Sazak, Osman Isik from Eskisehir joined to that association. Wealthy persons of Eskisehir donated gold on their will to this association without any deed and left the money to liberation of motherland. The association gave 30 liras to each one who joined to Kuvayi Milliye forces and provided guns and horses to them. One day these militia rebels made demonstration in the city center. Everyone was dressed strangely, wearing different guns and hats. They wander around the districts, threatening English soldiers and honoring Turkish public.

GEOGRAPHICAL STRUCTURES
Eskisehir is at Northwest of Interior Anatolia region. The city is neighbor to Black Sea region at North, Marmara region at Northwest, Aegean region at Southwest. A little part of Seyitgazi, one of the counties of Eskisehir, is under the influence of Aegean region and the whole Saricakaya County and some pert of the city center with Mihalliççik County are under the influence of Black Sea region. However, the geographical structure of Eskisehir to that of Interior Anatolia region.

Area of the province which is surrounded by Bozdag and Sündiken Mountains at North, Emirdag at South, Orta Asya Valley at East, Türkmen Mountain at West, is about 13653 km2. That much of area covers 1.8% of Turkey. Elevation of the city center from sea is 792m.

Eskisehir province is surrounded by Emirdag and Insaniye counties of Afyonkarahisar at South, Yunak county of Konya at Southeast, Polatli, Nallihan and Beypazari counties of Ankara at East, Göyük county of Bolu at Northwest, Gölpazari, Sögüt, Bozüyük counties of Bilecik and Kütahya province at West.

About 22% of the province area is composed of mountains while plains have %26 share of the area.

Topographical structure of Eskisehir province which is Northwest corner of Interior Anatolia, is consists of plains in Sakarya and Porsuk river basins and mountains surrounding those plains. Bozdag-Sündiken mountain chain from North, Türkmen Mountain located at the east corner of Interior West Anatolian threshold, Yazilikaya Plateau and Emirdag from West and South, surround plains of river basins.

The valleys generally became deep as a result of wearing of outer factors for a long time. Shoulders of valleys have a little inclination and wearing of shoulder is strong. Top of the hills are pressed and round except new formations in the province where closed basin situation is not observed. There is continuous slope towards to sea.

Mountains surround plains of province from different sides. The shapes that are formed as a result of different kinds of wearing and dissolution are generally clear in mountainous areas. There are plateaus lying from plains to mountains in different elevations. There are Bozdag and Sündiken Mountains that are Interior Anatolian mountain chains at North of the province on the direction of west-east and the extensions goes to Sakarya river that constitutes province border.

Sivhisar Mountains which begin inside the arc of Sakarya, at Southeast corner of Eskisehir province, lies in the direction of Southeast-Northwest direction. Sivrihisar Mountains lying towards Kaymaz sub district is located on a plateau which has a threshold appearance.

After passing Kaymaz sub district, high hills are observed on the wide threshold which has a plain appearance. That structure of wavy area with plain like appearance continues to West.That structure forms Türkmen Mountains at the South of Sarisu Plain and unites with Domaniç Mountains outside the borders of province. The most important altitude between Kaymaz sub district and Eskisehir city center is the foot of Koca Kir Plateau going down to Porsuk Plain. While going to West from Porsuk Creek, one reaches to Küçük Türkmen Mountain at 1255m height. At far more West there are Kozdogru and Göktepe hills.

The real Türkmen Mountain begins at South of Porsuk Dam and lies to Sakarya Plain with its extensions. The highest point of province is 1825m, the top of Türkmen Mountain. Other important high points are: Kirgil, Kuyu, Yaylacik, Deve Erigi, Deve hills and Oluk Mountain.

PRINCIPAL MOUNTAINS
The borders of Eskisehir province are within the river basins of Sakarya River with Porsuk Creek and Sarisu Creek. Slope of these river basins are not so high, so river formed very wide plains by accumulating materials which they carried from higher parts of basin to lower areas. The ratio of plain area to total province area is about 26%.The topography of Eskisehir is ordinary formed of plains surrounded by mountains and plateaus.

Porsuk Plain begins in Kütahya province border, lies towards Northeast direction through Prosuk creek basin. It goes toward East after passing Eskisehir city center and enters to the borders of Ankara province.

Porsuk Plain is surrounded by Bozdag and Sündiken Mountains at North, Sivrihisar Mountains and East extensions of Türkmen Mountains at South. The plain is in a form of narrow valley having high slope from Kütahya province border to Eskisehir city center. This part called as “Porsuk Depression”, start to widen as it approaches to the city center. The width of plain, which reaches to about 13 km. between Sultandere and Muttalip villages, narrows at East near Çavlum village and declines until 1 km width. After that throat it widens again and reaches to its maximum width. The width of plain reaches 21 km between Sepetçi and Fevziye villages. Thereafter it begins to narrow again. The plain becomes especially a narrow valley after Refahiye village.

The slope of Porsuk Plain that inclined on the direction of West-to-East is not very high. The height of Plain from sea level is 876m in Sultandere village and 835m in Sögütönü region. The height in region where Porsuk Creek unites with Sakarya River, changes between 650-700 m. That means the highest difference in elevation is 125m in the plain.

Porsuk Plain, covered with a thick alluvial soil layer, is very productive. Wheat, barley, rye, oat, corn, rice, and sugar beet are planted in the plain.

The west extensions of Porsuk Plain ends in a plain named “Sarisu Plain” which lies on both sides of Sarisu Creek on the direction Northwest-to-Southeast direction.

The plain surrounded by Bozdag at North and Küçük Türkmen Dagi at South is 840 m height from sea level. The plain beginning from North of Inönü lies towards to East direction and is not so inclined. The widest region of Sarisu Plain is between Inönü and Istasyon. It reaches to 4 km width at this point and narrows step by step towards to East. Sarisu Plain widens again after passing a throat in Oklubali region. The plain unites with Porsuk Plain at the West of Karagözler village near Eskisehir city center. Wheat, barley, rye, corn, rice and sugar beet are planted in Sarisu Plain, covered with a thick alluvium soil layer.

Yukari Sakarya Ovasi enters into Sivrihisar county center through Yagverviran and Gerenli villages at East. The width of plain that is 14 km at the beginning, then it decreases to 4 km at North of Sivrihisar.

Yukari Sakarya Plain is not as flat as Porsuk Plain. The most discernible bulge is “Kirgiz Mountain” at 1,301m height at West part of Mahmudiye County. There are Congerçali and Çerkezçali hills in the same region. Çal Mass, which is the highest point at Southeast of Çifteler County center, covers a wide area with its extensions.

The widest part of Yukari Sakarya Plain is between Aksakli and Yukari Kepen villages. The width of the plain reaches to 76 km in that region.

The plain which is covered partly with a thick soil layer, is not as productive as Sarisu and Porsuk Plains. Generally wheat, barley, rye, corn, sesame, sun flower and sugar beet are planted in Yukari Sakarya Plain.

High plateaus in Eskisehir province are over the East extensions of Türkmen Mountain and over Bozdag, Sündiken Mountains. Sivrihisar Mountains that part Sakarya and Porsuk river basins have plateaus also.

Eskisehir province is generally covered with plains and mountains. Plateaus cover a small part as much as 0.6% of Eskisehir province.

General geographical structure of Eskisehir province is formed of Sakarya and Porsuk river basins and mountains surrounding those basins. As a result, province land is divided into parts by main valleys and numerous smaller valleys connected to those main valleys. The valley which gathers all streams of the river basin in which Sakarya River flows, is called as “Sakarya Valley”. The valley is narrow and deep at the very first resource area of Sakarya River, i.e. on the East extensions of Türkmen Mountain mass. The base of valley widens after Seyitgazi region and reaches to Ankara province border. At that part, Yukari sakarya Plain exists over wide base of the valley. Sakarya Valley turns to North near Anakar province border and unites with Porsuk Creek. This part of the valley is called “Middle Sakarya Valley”.

Interior Anatolia steppes, North Anatolia and West Anatolia forests constitute vegetation in Eskisehir. On South side of Sündiken Mountains, facing Porsuk Valley, there are oak bushes after 1000 meters, and then squat oak trees are seen. If the side of Sündiken Mountains where after 1300 meters, black pine trees are observed and contains Türkmenbaba, Esekli Türkmen Hill and Sakarya Valley of Bozdag is examined (especially the area between Tandirlar and Dagküplü villages are very narrow), it is observed that the land is covered with black pine trees. There are red pines also among black pines at the place. There is ground Scotch pines around Tastepe and Mihaliççik. High oaks are seen in pine forests near Yapildak. In the plateaus at South of Eskisehir and Çifteler Plain there is no forest but distinctive steppe plants. Vegetation in Sarisu Porsuk Valley contains festuca species, veronica and thyme. The vegetation on the shores of Porsuk and Keskin brooks is composed of willows, poplars, elms, groves.

CLIMATE

As Eskisehir is inside the region influenced by regional climates of Interior Anatolian, West Black Sea and Mediterranean regions, it has its own climatic properties. Annual average temperature is 10.9oC. According to monthly average temperatures, the coldest month of the year is January with average temperature of -2oC. Very cold days and frost are seen from second half of December until first half of February. Temperatures between -10oC and -25oC may be observed. However, there may be also lukewarm days with temperatures between 10oC and 15oC. Frost generally observed in March. At the second half of spring maximum temperature reaches over 20oC.

The hottest days are seen on months June, July and August. The lowest temperature is between 10oC and 15oC. The highest temperature changes between 30oC- 40oC from second half of July until first half of August.

The most obvious evidence showing terrestrial climate is the temperature difference of night and day changes between 12oC and 29oC in the region, which is quite high.

Autumn is felt as the temperature falls under 20oC in the second half of August. At the end of September the temperature may fall to even 0oC. The highest temperature may change between 20oC and 30oC as summer continues in again September. The average temperature is about 10oC in October.

The precipitation is observed as snow and rain in winter in Eskisehir. Precipitation is in the form of snow after December. Weather gets warm after the end of April.

Spring rain comes from west and southwest and falls as downpour. Annual average precipitation is 378.9 kg/m3.

The climate exposes Mediterranean summer drought properties. Howevere, sometimes summer rain may fall lightly from Black Sea region. Rainfall in October and sleet in November are the signs of coming winter.

Wind blow from east to west in winter in Eskisehir. Winds from Northwest direction are dominant in first month of spring. At the end of the spring wind blows from Southwest, West and Northwest.

Strong winds from East rarely may blow daily in summer season. In autumn, from the end of September, winds from East, Northeast, Southeast are observed.

RIVERS

Porsuk Creek and Branches: The river form of two branches. The first of them is Porsuk stream. Its source is in Murat Mountain. It flows in Altintas basin that has a small slope. The other branch comes from West of Kütahya. This branch passes from North of the city and called “Porsuk Creek”. Two branches unite in Çukurova and passes by Kalburcu Farm near Incesu Village at borders of Eskisehir province. Then it unites with Kunduzlar, Kargin Brook, Ilicasu, Mollaoglu Brook, Sarisu, Keskin-Muttalip Brook respectively and takes Pürtek Creek into while approaching to Sakarya River.

DAMS

Porsuk Dam: The dam is built on the Porsuk Creek. It is built to avoid city center from flood and to provide irrigation and drinking water. The place is also used for fish production and promenade also.

Sariyer Dam: Eregli Iron-Steel Institution is built on Sakarya River near Ankara province border. It provides the energy requirement of West Anatolia.

Musaözü Dam: The dam is on Mollaoglu Brook, 28 km far from Eskisehir. It is built to avoid floods and irrigation purposes. Surrounding of the dam covered with trees is a popular promenade place in holidays. Fish production is also done.

Gökçekaya Dam: The dam is on Sakarya River at Northeast of Eskisehir. It is built for electricity production.

Dodurga Dam: The dam is built on Sarisu Brook. It is one of the dams that are serviceable for Eskisehir. It is built to avoid flood and irrigation of Inönü County.

Çatiören and Kunduzlar Dams are also benefited.

GROUND WATER
Eskisehir region is rich in groundwater sources. Let’s have look to Turkish baths of Eskisehir from past to nowadays.

Hot water spring of the city is on the right shore of Porsuk Creek, inside an area of 8 hectares. The heat of water at the center of source is 47°C. In some regions it decreases to 35°C or increases to 55°C. At the end of 19th Century there were 4 Turkish baths in marketplace in Eskisehir. Three of them are for men and one of them is for women (Yenice, Erler, Kiymet, Alçik Hamam). The water of baths is lightly sulfuric and has a little iron. Then, Asker Hamami and Sengilcik Hamami were opened. Nowadays the baths in service are: Erden Hamami, Ethem Hamami, Isik Hamami, Günes Hamami, Yeni Hamam, Keçeciler Hamami, Erkal Banyo, Erler Hamami, Alçik Hamami ve Has Termal.

Hot water springs and Turkish baths also exist outside Eskisehir province.

Çifteler Hamami; is at South of Eskisehir, in the beginning of Sakarya. It cures aching patients. The water is hot, has a natural taste and sulfuric scent.

Uyuz Hamami; There is Yellice Village an hour far from Alpu Station at South. The bath is near the village. The proportion of calcium and magnesium is high in water, which is good for dermatological illnesses.

Alpanos Ilicasi; is in Alpanos village at Northwest of Seyitgazi, 20 km far. The bath is said to be good for rheumatism aches.

Yarikçi Dag Hamamlari; is built next to Hamam Brook in Yarikçi Village at Southeast of Mihalliççik County. The water contains sulfur, chlorine, carbon dioxide and iron and its heat is 39°C. It is good for dermatological illnesses and patients with paralysis or rheumatism.

Gümele Sakari Ilicasi; is in Sakarya Valley and the water heat is 53°C. There are beautiful foundations around to benefit.

Ilica; The water of the hotspring which is between Aktay and Agaç villages, 30 km far from Souteast of Seyitgazi is said to end aches. Furthermore, there are works of antiquity.

Ihsaniye Ilicasi (Ilicabasi); The Brook formed of few sources, unites with Bardakçi Stream near Ihsaniye Village. As the water contains sulfur, it is good for skin and rheumatism aches.

Inönü Ilicasi: The hot water spring is open source and located at west of Inönü County.

Hasirca Farm: There is a hot water spring near Hasirca Farm. The temperature of water is between 37-39°C. As it has a sulfuric scent and containing gas, it is good for aches.

MEERSCHAUM " WHITE GOLD"

Meerschaum may have white, yellowish, gray or reddish and mat colors. Its hardness degree is between 2-2.5, and it is lightly adhesive and porous. It is extracted from 20-60-130 meters depth of the ground as big and small rounds. Small rounds are collected by digging deep wells and tunnels connected to these wells.

Some wells are watery, some wells are dry. Stones of watery wells are much better. Meerschaum is produced in different places like Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Mexico, Madrid, and Nairobi; however, they are unimportant in quantity and low in quality. Meerschaum with the highest quality is found in Eskisehir. The property that while drying it keeps the remains of moisture and gases in its body, makes Meerschaum a suitable material for making tobacco pipes as well as a good filling material for absorbent, filter or isolation in industry. It became an indispensable material in industry for years. It is used in making cigarette-holder, tobacco pipe and decorative goods and in automobile paint industry. It is added to porcelain paste, insecticides, powder and stain removing medicines.

There three geological periods in its formation:

First Order: It is an ore in sandy- clay soil at 10-14 meters depth.

Second Order: It forms between 40-60 meters depth. It is an ore existing in clay.

Third Order: Meerschaum with the highest quality forms in Conglomera series and it exists in 80-130 meters depth fitting with the topography.

Other kinds of meerschaum are: cotton-piece, granular cast, unit unity and puny.

The places where Meerschaum extracted from are: Sarisu, Yenisehir, Türkmentokat, Gökçeoglu, Karaçay, Sögütçük, Sepetçi, Margi, Nemli, Kümbet, Yeniköy, Kepertepe, Karahöyük and Basören.

Export of Meerschaum has brought 800-900 dollars income between years 1978-1987. In addition to tobacco pipes, products like chess sets, bracelets, necklaces and earrings have an important ratio in export. Customers are USA, Austria, Holland, Belgium and Germany. Nowadays, the amount of export is at least 1-1.5 million for a year. Furthermore, some value is added to Turkish economy by selling handworks made by Meerschaum to tourists come to Turkey.

HISTORICAL PLACE

Kursunlu Mosque:
The mosque is in Pasa district of Odunpazari quarter. When one entered form the door with stairs, there is a foundation of water in center, a menzilhane at right, a kitchen at left, a mosque at opposite side.

The mosque was built by Veziri-sani Mustafa Pasa in 1525. It was renewed between 1961-1962 years. At the back of the mosque, there is a semahane and there are medresse rooms, in front there is an open place, which is evidence that the mosque is a Mevlevi tekke.

Seyit Battal Gazi Kulliye (Collection of buildings surrounding a mosque):
It is in Seyitgazi, on the shoulder of Üçler Hill, facing East at an altitude of 150 m. The buildings were devoted to Seyit Battal Gazi (1207-1209).

While Anatolia was under the control of Byzantium Empire through A.D. 700 years, Islamism was not spread widely through interior Anatolia. Emevi people who accepted Islamism wanted to capture Anatolia and spread the Islamic movement through Anatolia by military expeditions to interior Anatolia from East, against Byzantium Empire.During those military expeditions, becoming frequent between years 720-740, Seyit Battal Gazi who is a public, legendary hero died during the war in the region known as Mesih Castle whre nowadays Seyitgazi county (named as Nakolea in antique) exists in 740. Seljuk Sultan, 1.Alaattin Keykubat’s mother Ümmühan Hatun was ordered to build a tomb and a mosque in 1027-1208 devoted to Seyit Battal Gazi who showed heroic actions in wars against Byzantium and contributed much for spreading Islamism through Anatolia,and whose heroic actions are told through generations. Then, another tomb for Ümmühan Hatun was built, which has two floors and a shape like eyvan. During the establishment and development periods of Ottoman Empire, new buildings were added and maintenance of the buildings was carried out. It became a foundation in Osmanli State period and used as medresse and dervish lodge where ceremonies, meetings were done and religious education was given until Republication period.

The buildings which now belong to Vakiflar General Management was in a ruined situation until 1954 when restoration work and arrangement of surroundings were done. The place is lightened at nights by an illumination system and this impressive appearance draws attention of tourists and visitors for religious purposes, which keeps Seyitgazi County alive.

Seyh Edebali Tomb:
Seyh Edebali is the father-in-law of Osman Bey who is the founder of Ottoman Empire. His tomb is inside Odunpazari Cemetery in Odunpazari district of the city. The tomb was restored by II. Abdülhamit.

Seyh Sahabettin Tomb:
The building has a rectangular-like shape and there are two sanduka inside and is at the West of Kursunlu Mosque.

Yunusemre Külliye and Tomb:
The structure is in Mihallicçik County, Yunusemre village (Sariköy). It passes near the railway Eskisehir-Ankara. Yunusemre was a man filled with admiration for God, who calls people for love, unity and cooperation.

There is writing saying “Come, Let us all be friends for once, Let us Make Life Easy on us, Let us Be Lovers and Loved Ones, The Earth’s shall be Left to No One.” which summarizes his philosophy of life on his gravestone.

The house of Nasreddin Hodja:
Nasreddin Hodja, a famous humorist, was born in Hortu Village of Sivrihisar County in 605 (1208-1209). He took his first lessons from his father who was imam of the village. Later, he went to Aksehir where he met and learned much from Seyyid Mahmud Hayrani and Seyyid Haci Ibrahim who were well-known scholars of that age.

Hodja had also attended to Konya Medresse. He gave lectures and worked as imam and preacher in Aksehir and Sivrihisar. Other than that, his death is wriiten as 683 (1284) on an old gravestone which is claimed to belong to Hodja. His grave is Aksehir County of Konya province.

Nasreddin Hodja is a well-known philosopher by his intelligence and his jokes all over the world. The way that he caricaturize human being in life, nature and society with his witty remarks by his sharp sight and intelligence, is satisfactory for not only one nation but also for whole humanity; thus this Turkish intelligence is known and liked by other nations. Turkish public intelligence found its own humor genius in those jokes, loved and spread them, integrated and multiplied soon. Nasreddin Hodja jokes are also translated to European languages. Nasreddin Hodja is a well-known humorist in countries like Iran, Egypt, Iraq,also in Caucasus, Balkan and European countries.

Doganli Castle:
The castle is near Çukurca Village of Seyitgazi County. The castle took “Doganli”, which means “with falcon” since one of the rocks on the castle resembles to falcon. Underground passages and grave are added to the interior part of Doganli Castle that is a Phrygian building in Byzantium and Roma ages. The structure displays a vision full of holes with steps and rooms.

Gerdek Kaya Monument
It is a grave monument, 500 m far away from Southwest of Çukurca Village. In a grave monument which was engraved by imitating a Dor style temple, there are two doors opening to two separate death rooms. The monument whose face looks to East, gives an idea about Greek- Roma ages. There is a lion figure with his head lost on the rock on the frontal part.

Yazilikaya (Midas City):
Yazilikaya, 39 km far away from Çifteler County, was built on rocky platform thousands of years ago. It is on Phrygian Plateau which has a shape like rectangle and 1315 meter elevation.

The writers, lived in Roma age, had written that air on this region was healthy and soil was fruitful. Bardakçi stream passes from there also. Midas monument is typical sample of Phrygian art. This monument is not a grave monument, and done for placing a Kybele (Mother God) statue like seen in many samples of rock monuments in Phrygia. Since there are Phrygian writings on the monument, it is called as “YAZILIKAYA” (which means rock with writings on) and “MIDAS Monument” because writings are about “MIDAS”. It is a cult monument. Midas Monument is supposed to be built in B.C. 550. It is processed as a side of a temple on a rock. Its face looks to East. The most interesting issue about the monument is that there are three writings which are not solved yet and were published by Ch. Texiker in 1839 for the first time.

First Inscription:
The inscription has writing with letters of 45 cm size and a length of 11 m on the frontal rock extension. The words “ATES” and “MIDAI” are read well, which are related with Phrygian language. Ates is one of the Phrygian gods. According to the legends, Midai is the mother of King Midas and protector of the products. At the same time, discovery of iron is related with the goddess. As a result, the monument is related with the iron industry.

Second Inscription:
The inscription is written on a rectangular indentation on both sides of Midas monument with letters of 45 cm height.

Third Inscription:
The inscription is written on a rectangular pole with letters of 25 cm height, beginning from top to bottom. The word “BABA” is read easily at beginning of the inscription.

Small Yazilikaya:
The monument was started to be processed and craved from up to down at 210m far from Southwest of Midas Monument, however bottom part of the monument was undone. It has specialties like Midas Monument. There is a decorative frontal on top, geometrical motives on both sides unites on the top by a horizontal motive. The part worked on is 180 meters. It is assumed that the monument was started to be built for religious celebrations like Midas Monument.

Kümbet Asar Castle:
The castle in Kümbet Valley has the properties of Phrygian Ages. Steps, caved on rocks, underground passages, geometrical decorations worked on rocks’ faces are the best examples of a typical Phrygian Rock Castles.

Yapildak Asar Castle:
The castle is at South of Kümbet Valley, at Northwest of Yapildak Village.

Ballik Castle:
The castle is at East of Kümbet. It is a typical example of Phrygian settlement areas and observation castles.

Keskaya Monument:
It is at West of Karacaalan Village. Stone blocks of the monument were carried to Eskisehir city and used in building of Merkez Bank.

Arezastis Monument:
The monument was done by carving inside a rock at West, 1500 m far away from Midas City. As the word “Arezastis” could be read on the inscription which is at right on top of frontal, the monument is called so. The monument is on a perpendicular plane that 7 m height. The most interesting specialty of the monument is that it could carry Phrygian inscriptions very well. It is thought that the monument was built in 674 for religious celebrations.

Bahsayis Monument:
The monument is near Bahsayis Village (at 7 km far South of Kümbet). It is decorated with motives. It is assumed that this monument was also used in religious celebrations like others. There is a grave room carved on rock at the back of the monument.

Salon Grave:
It is a Phrygian work of art carved on rock at West of Yazilikaya monument. There are two embossed lion figures facing one another over the door.

Alemsah Kümbeti:
The building was made by Seljuks dedicated to Melik Sah’s brother Sultan Sah in 1321 in Sivrihisar. The roof has a pyramid style. The building that is an ancient structure has two floors: one of them is a small mosque, the other is a grave.

Ulucami (Emineddin_i Mikail Mosque):
This work of art which was used as caravansary in Sivrihisar County was converted to a mosque by E. Mikail in 1257. The most interesting specialty of the mosque is that its planar roof is hold by 67 tree columns.

Pessinus City:
The city was built at 16 km South of Ballihisar Village and dedicated to “Goddess Kybele” by Phrygians. Tolistobogs, a tribe of Galats who made a raid on this area during Helenism age, located to the region and made Pessinus the capital. Pessinus had lived it’s the most glorious time during Bergama Kingdom. Bergama Kingdom had built a marble temple with a Greek style and decorated in the place of old Pessinus Temple. This temple had brought a great liveliness to the fair that is organized every year during religious festivals. Assembly building, roads, canals, bazaar and theater of the city have been rebuilt and redesigned during Greek domination.

RESORTS IN FOREST
Musaozu:
If you would like to have pleasure with rowboat on a lake surrounded by forest suitable for daily trips, this is the place at 21st km of Eskisehir-Kutahya road.

Kalburcu:
The place that is covered by pine trees is 3km far from Mihalliccik County and suitable for daily use.

Catacik:
The place is located on a high plateau among Sundiken Mountains on the way Mihaliccik-Eskisehir, 93 km away from city center. This is one of the most beautiful places in Middle Anatolia where cold water resources flow. The plateau is a place where you can feed deers by your hands without going to zoo.

Soforler Foundation:
If you would like to run away from the city noise, you would better travel towards to Bozdag for about 15 km. You could drink cold water coming from high plateau and flowing just before you in a green and cool atmosphere. You could make a good picnic and have a nice day with your family.

HOT AND MINERAL SPRING

If you would like to recover health you don’t need to search brochures for hot springs. Eskisehir is a city of Hot Springs.

Sakari Hot Springs:

When you drive 32 km to North and pass over Bozdag Mountain, you will meet a wonderful hot spring center with a tourist certificate, where you can be with nature and tent.

Hasirca:

This is a beautiful place among pine forest where cure and green meet, over Porsuk Dam that was built to restrain Porsuk Creek. There are two pools, one of which is open and the other is closed; which are good to dermatological diseases.

Hamamkarahisar Hot Springs:

The place is in Hamamkarahisar Village on the way Sivrihisar-Polatli. The hot spring water has the specialties of Eskisehir resources and is good for dermatological diseases.

Eskisehir can be accepted as rich in point of hunting areas. However, Çatacik forests are the most suitable place for stock-breeding. Partridge, rabbit, wild duck, bear, wild pig, woodcock, quail and ruffed grouse can be hunted in there. The most distinctive region of Sakarya Valley is the North of Eskisehir. There are wild pig, bear, rabbit, woodcock, and partridge in that region covered with forests. Çatacik forests are selected as a deer production and preservation region since number of deer, the best hunting animal of the region; has decreased because of irregular hunting.

Fishing is another type of hunting in Eskisehir where streams are dense. Porsuk Creek and Sakarya River are two hunting areas with well-known fresh water fish species. Carp, catfish and red sea bream can be caught in those regions.

NATUREL TOURISTIC AREAS

Bademlik:
Going up through Odunpazari district where the city was first built and old Turkish Houses that are living samples of Turkish and Ottoman architecture exist, there is the place among almond trees where you may drink tea and coffee or eat various kebabs if you are hungry or you may rest and feel relieved in the open pool with warm water.

Inonu Glider Camp:
Here is a great chance if you would like see the earth by bird’s eye view, feeling free in excitement inside endless blue sky. You can do every kind of air sports like glider, parachute, etc. with accompaniment of trainers and instructors of world standards in the camp where there is an Education Center of Turkish Aeronautical Association. In addition there is a pool with warm water and a picnic resort.

Sakarya Basi:
Fish restaurants that are on the way Eskisehir-Konya highway, in Çifteler County where Sakarya River spring, are open in every hour of the day. You can catch fresh water carps, living in pool and cook there immediately. If you would like to eat trout, you can select one from pool just next to you and order it. If you go summertime, you can have your table set inside stream. You can have fun until evening and swim with fishes in open pools in the place where looks like a fair in weekends.

Balik Dami:
The place is 40 km far away from Sivrihisar where you can feel side by side in nature. You can pitch your tent and fish for days or watch various kinds of birds, take their pictures and become overexcited by sounds of birds in this birds’ paradise.

Caves of Eskisehir

Sarikaya Cave

Location: Eskisehir, Mihaliççik District, Yalinkaya Village

Following the branch of Eskisehir Mihaliççik road in the direction of Büyüdüz - Sasa - Yalinkaya, Yalimkaya village is reached. To reach the cave, an hour of walking inside the deep canyon of Domya creek from Yalinkaya is necessary.

Properties: The total length of the cave is 665 meters and it has two main entrances. The cave is formed of three layers connected to each other. The floor of the cave contains sand, pebbles and rubbles and because of the humidity of the lower layer, there are numerous damlatas formations. These damlatas are at the shapes of stalactite, stalagmite , pillar, wall and drapery damlatasi and their formation is still in process. The damlatas pools are mostly in colors of black and brown. The upper layers contains fossils. These layers are poor of damlatas.

The atmosphere of the cave is cold and moistured. The upper layer has a temperature of 13ºC, 80 percent humidity, the lower layer has temperature of 10ºC ve90 percent humidity.

The cave contains Flintstones chipping, ceramic and brick pieces and human bones displaying that this cave was in use at the prehistoric and historic periods.

Yelinüstü Cave

Location: Eskisehir, Günyüzü District, Kayakent Sub district

The cave is located at the southeast part of the Sivrihisar Mountain extending between the Sivrihisar - Günyüzü road and Sakarya river. Reaching to the Kayakent sub district is possible via Ankara-Eskisehir or Ankara -Polatli - Yunak highways. The cave is close to the Kayakent Subdistrict.

Properties: The total length of the cave is 420 meters and the depth of the final point in respect to the cave entrance is at -90 meters.

The second chamber is reached via a narrow gallery having small downward descends branching from the right side of the cave entrance. There are different damlatas formations inside the chamber covered with large blocks. This saloon gives opening into two different saloons having the same formations.

The cave is mostly dry except the periods at which water drips from the ceiling. There are cisterns and pools constructed to collect these dripping water. The average temperature inside the cave is 20ºC and the humidity is 70 percent.

This cave displays similar properties with Yelini Cave and remains and shapes showing that this cave had been used by humans for a long time are also present in this cave.

Yelini Cave

Location: Eskisehir, Günyüzü District, Kayakent Subdistrict

This cave is located at the south of the Yelinüstü Cave and is at the southeast of Sivrihisar Mountains extending between Sivrihisar and Günyüzü Sakurada river. Reaching to the cave is possible via Ankara-Eskisehir or Ankara - Polatli -Yunak highways.

Properties: The total length of the cave is 271 meters and the deepest point in respect to the cave entrance is at -26 meters. The cave had been divided into many saloons and chambers by the large blocks fallen from the ceiling and damlatas and is covered with extremely beautiful looking damlatas.

Generally, the temperature inside the cave decreases while humidity increases as advanced from entrance to the end. The cave has temperature of 25.5ºC and humidity of 45 percent at the entrance and temperature of 16.1ºC ve79.5 percent of humidity at the final saloon.

This cave displays similar properties with Yelinüstü Cave and remains and shapes showing that this cave had been used by humans for a long time are also present in this cave. In front side of the cave and at the slopes and fields, flint stones, chipping, axes and spearheads were found. At the entrance part, various tools, bones, pottery pieces were found. There are cisterns and pools with depths exceeding 2 meters made of bricks were present at the saloon.

Thermal Resorts

Saricakaya - Sakar Thermal Resort

Location: The resort is around 33km north of Eskisehir, southeast of Bursa in Central Anatolia.
Transport: Eskisehir is easily accessible by road or air, and the Sakar resort is off the road to Mihalgazi.
Water temperature: 56°C
pH value: 7.6
Physical and chemical properties: Hyperthermal, hypertonic mineral waters. Bicarbonate, sodium, magnesium, calcium, sulphate, nitrate.
Recommended: Applications Bathing
Helps to heal: Diabetes, obesity, gout, certain blood disorders, excess sugar and fat, prevents kidney stones.
Accommodation: Municipality Facilities - 400 beds. Aytac Tourist Facilities - 40 beds.