Have you ever dreamed of a place that could whisk you away from the dizzying pace of modern life to a completely different time? A place where you feel like you're on a movie set, where every street and every house tells a different story... Well, right in the heart of Eskişehir, such a fairytale land awaits you: Historic Odunpazarı. This is not just a tourist spot, but a living, breathing open-air museum. In this article, we will offer you a guide that goes far beyond a list of things to do in Historic Odunpazarı, showing you how to feel this unique atmosphere to your very core. If you're ready, let's hop into our time machine and take a pleasant walk to Eskişehir's first settlement, among those famous houses!

Get Lost in the Narrow Cobblestone Streets with Colorful Bay-Windowed Houses

The moment you step into Odunpazarı, the first thing that greets you is a vibrant dance of colors. The famous bay-windowed houses, painted in the sweetest shades of yellow, blue, pink, and purple, leaning lovingly against each other, will instantly captivate you. As you walk through the winding and sometimes dead-end cobblestone streets, a new photo opportunity, a new discovery awaits you at every corner. Don't rush this moment; let your feet take you wherever they want, because getting lost in Odunpazarı is actually about finding yourself.

So what makes these houses so special? The charming protrusions extending from the upper floors of the houses towards the street are called 'cumbas' (bay windows). These are not just an architectural detail but also a reflection of Ottoman social life; a clever design that allows the inhabitants to watch the street while maintaining their privacy. Don't be surprised if this architectural style seems familiar; Odunpazarı, much like Safranbolu and Beypazarı, showcases the finest examples of Traditional Anatolian Turkish Architecture, and with this feature, it is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

The beauty of these houses lies not only in their facades but also in their living spirit. Behind one door, there is a museum, behind another, a charming café, a boutique hotel, or a family still sipping their morning coffee. Thanks to a successful "Preservation Project," the area has been reborn from its ashes, integrating the historical texture into modern life. This allows you to wander through history with the comforts of today. To discover other beauties Eskişehir has to offer, you can also check out our page Eskisehir Travel Guide.

Buy Meerschaum Souvenirs from the Atlıhan Handicrafts Bazaar

After your delightful walk through the colorful streets of Odunpazarı, it's time to get acquainted with the handicrafts that reflect the soul of the region. And the best address for this is the Atlıhan Handicrafts Bazaar, which will once again enchant you with its historical texture. This is not an ordinary bazaar, but a structure that holds layers of history. It was built in the 1850s as a caravanserai (han) for merchants from surrounding villages and other travelers to stay with their animals.   

If its walls could speak, they would tell tales of the War of Independence, the early years of the Republic, and the stories of countless travelers. After falling into disrepair over the years, this inn was brought back to life by the Odunpazarı Municipality in accordance with its original form and has now become a home for meerschaum masters and other artisans. One of the main goals behind the revival of the bazaar was to introduce Eskişehir's "white gold," meerschaum, to the world and to support the masters who keep this art alive.   

When you enter one of the 25 workshops in Atlıhan, you can see firsthand how the masters meticulously carve this soft stone into pipes, jewelry, chess sets, and figurines. This is not just shopping; it is witnessing a living craft. Even a small meerschaum object you buy from here will not only be a beautiful memento but also a contribution to the survival of this ancient craft and the revitalization of the local economy.   

Feel the Authentic Atmosphere and Living History of the Region

Visiting Odunpazarı is not just about seeing historic houses or shopping. The real point is to breathe in the "living history" atmosphere that is hard to describe in words. Do yourself a favor and slow down. Sit in a tiny café under a wooden bay window, order a cup of coffee, and just watch your surroundings. Try closing your eyes and imagining the sounds of horse-drawn carriages from centuries ago, the conversations of travelers in the inn's courtyard.

The real magic of Odunpazarı lies in its perfect blend of past and present. On one side stands a 300-year-old mansion , while right across from it, a contemporary structure like the world-renowned Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM) greets you. This delightful contrast adds a unique dynamism and character to the area. This place is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. But don't just chase after popular shots. Try to notice the craftsmanship on an old doorknob, the color of a flower on a window sill, the texture of the stones on the cobblestone pavement. It is then that Odunpazarı will whisper its true secrets to you.

If you want to take your experience to the next level by staying in this authentic atmosphere, the boutique hotels in the area are a great option. For information on other boutique hotel havens in Turkey, you can check out our article Boutique Hotels in Turkey.

While You're Here...

The magical streets of Odunpazarı will keep you so occupied that you won't realize how time flies. But if you still have energy, there are other wonders waiting to be discovered right next to this historic district, within walking distance. Odunpazarı is like a "museum district" and offers an option for every taste.

Kurşunlu Complex: This 16th-century Ottoman complex, right next to the houses, hosts the Hot Glass Blowing Workshop and the Meerschaum Museum, which is considered one of the best in the world. Don't miss this museum, where admission is free!

Yılmaz Büyükerşen Wax Museum: Taking photos with historical and famous figures at Turkey's first wax museum offers both a fun and educational experience. It's a great stop for both children and adults.

Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM): In the midst of the historical texture, this wooden marvel of a modern art museum, designed by the famous Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, will fascinate you with its architecture alone. The exhibitions inside open the door to a whole different world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is there an entrance fee for Odunpazarı, and what are the current museum ticket prices?

Exploring the Historic Odunpazarı district, its houses, and streets is completely free. However, the museums in the area have entrance fees. Although prices may change over time, here are the estimated ticket prices for some popular museums for 2025 to give you an idea:

2. How long does it take to visit Odunpazarı?

This completely depends on you and your interests! If you just want to walk the streets and see the general atmosphere, 2-3 hours might be enough. However, if you plan to visit a few museums, spend time at Atlıhan, and take a break at a café, we recommend setting aside a full day.

3. Can I go to Odunpazarı by car, and is there parking?

The streets of Odunpazarı are narrow, cobblestoned, and mostly closed to traffic. Therefore, it is not possible to enter the area by car. The best option is to leave your car in the parking lots around the district and explore on foot. Eskişehir's well-developed public transportation network is also a great option for reaching the area.

References

For some of the information in this article and more official details about the region, you can visit the official website of the Odunpazarı Municipality: (https://www.odunpazari.bel.tr/).