🏘️ Odunpazarı 2026: Ottoman Houses, Kurşunlu Complex, Museums and Craft Bazaars

حكايات تركية · Sep 28, 2026

Odunpazarı: exploring historic Eskişehir

Odunpazarı brings together traditional houses with projecting windows, paved lanes, mosques, museums and craft workshops. Its historic quarter occupies the hills south of central Eskişehir, where traces of Ottoman life sit alongside contemporary art.

For a first visit, allow half a day for the houses, Kurşunlu complex and Atlıhan bazaar. Extend the outing to a full day if you want to visit more than one museum.

Historic houses: details to look for

The houses have white or colourful façades, timber frames and upper floors projecting over the street. Winding lanes and closely spaced buildings reveal the traditional neighbourhood's form and its relationship with the terrain.

Walk slowly, looking at doors, windows, courtyards and wooden details. Begin with photography if you wish, then return to some of the streets after visiting the main sights.

Odunpazarı's historic centre was placed on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List in 2012. This identifies it as a potential future nomination; it is not an inscription on the World Heritage List.

Kurşunlu: architecture and crafts

Kurşunlu Camii ve Külliyesi, the mosque and its associated complex, is a central stop in the quarter. Most of its buildings were constructed between 1517 and 1525 on the orders of the vizier Çoban Mustafa Pasha.

The mosque takes its name from the lead covering its dome. The complex includes buildings originally serving religious, educational and social purposes, some of which now host cultural and craft activities.

Among its attractions is Lületaşı Müzesi, the Meerschaum Museum, devoted to objects made from this locally associated stone. There are also facilities for glass arts. Check programmes beforehand if you want to watch a craft demonstration or take part in a workshop.

Atlıhan: crafts and gifts

Atlıhan originated in the 1850s as an inn for travellers, traders and their animals. It was rebuilt in 2006 with regard to its original architecture.

Today its shops and workshops sell meerschaum, silver, pottery and glass. Exploring both floors reveals a variety of work even if you do not intend to buy.

Ask about the material, manufacturing method and artisan, and compare carving and finishing before choosing a more expensive piece.

OMM: contemporary art and timber architecture

Odunpazarı Modern Museum, OMM, opened in 2019 and was designed by the Japanese practice Kengo Kuma and Associates.

Its interlocking timber forms and use of light draw on the quarter's architecture and Ottoman and Japanese traditions. The building can interest architecture enthusiasts as much as art lovers.

Check the current exhibition and visitor information before travelling. Exhibitions, entry times and ticket prices change, and installation periods can bring temporary closures.

Other museums to choose from

• Çağdaş Cam Sanatları Müzesi, the Museum of Contemporary Glass Art: for glass artworks.
• Yılmaz Büyükerşen Balmumu Heykeller Müzesi: for wax sculpture.
• Kent Belleği Müzesi, the City Memory Museum: for Eskişehir's history and local memory.

Choose one or two according to your interests, leaving time for the lanes and historic complex. Check each museum's tickets and opening hours separately.

Reaching the quarter and walking around

OMM's official directions recommend Atatürk Lisesi tram stop or Odunpazarı bus stop, followed by a short walk to the museum and surrounding quarter.

OMM has no dedicated car park. If driving, arrange parking before beginning the visit.

Expect slopes and paved surfaces in the historic area. Wear suitable shoes and take the terrain into account when bringing a pushchair or accompanying someone who needs to limit walking.

A suggested route

Begin with the houses and lanes, then visit the Kurşunlu complex and Meerschaum Museum. Continue to Atlıhan for a look around and a short break.

After lunch, choose OMM or a municipal museum according to your interests and opening hours. Finish at the Porsuk River if you wish, allowing for the journey back to the station if you have a return train.

Official sources

UNESCO: Odunpazarı's Tentative List entry
Türkiye Culture Portal: Odunpazarı Historic Urban Site
Türkiye Culture Portal: Kurşunlu Mosque and Complex
Türkiye Culture Portal: Atlıhan Handicrafts Bazaar
OMM: building architecture and opening history
OMM: visitor information and tickets
OMM: directions and transport
Eskişehir Municipality: museums and their official websites

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🏘️ Odunpazarı 2026: Ottoman Houses, Kurşunlu Complex, Museums and Craft Bazaars

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