Eskişehir

With its name literally translating into “old city,” Eskişehir is located in the northwest of Turkey, right between the capital, Ankara and the country's most crowded city Istanbul.

The history of Eskişehir dates back to ancient times. It was founded by the Phrygians around 1000 BC, although it has been estimated to be older than 4000 years, known as Dorylaeum in Greek or Şarhöyük in Turkish.

Located on the banks of the Porsuk River, now Eskişehir is one of the most developed, livable and safe cities of Turkey. Affordable living costs and easy transportation make Eskişehir a top study destination for international students.

Today, the city is known mostly as a student city with three universities: Anadolu University, Eskisehir Technical University and Osmangazi University. Although its population is a little more than 800.000, the city is vigorous and lively, densely populated by young students. The city streets are full of cafes, sculptures, pubs, restaurants, shops, malls and the prices are very affordable for students.

Some of the popular tourist attractions in Eskişehir include:

• Yazılıkaya (King Midas Monument) and Phrygian Valley: Located 90 kilometers away from Eskişehir, the village has rock carvings with inscriptions from Phrygians.
• Sivrihisar Great Mosque (inscribed on the UNESCO Tentative List) from the 13th century located in Sivrihisar county of Eskişehir province (100 kilometers away).
• Ancient city of Pessinus in Sivrihisar county
• Odunpazarı: The only place in the city where its 19th century buildings are well maintained and cared for, the Odunpazarı or ‘Old City’ if you want to walk in the city’s history and see the Ottoman Mosque and social complex, Kurşunlu, visit old handicrafts bazaar, Atlıhan. Some museums to see are; Museum of Contemporary Art, Independence Museum, Museum of the History of Turkish Republic.
• Underground city in Han county
• Esminiatürk
• Tülomsaş (railway factory) Museum
• Seyyid Battal Gazi mosque and social complex in Seyitgazi county

Eskişehir was declared to be the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World in 2013-2014.