Odunpazarı is a historic district in the southern part of Eskişehir, Turkey, built on hills. This area preserves the architectural heritage of traditional Anatolian Turkish houses, characterized by winding streets, dead-end alleys, and adjacent wooden houses with bay windows and intricate wood decorations. As a district that has retained its customs and traditions over centuries, Odunpazarı is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, making it an invaluable cultural and historical site.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Odunpazarı was established by the Turks in the 13th century and is highly praised in Seyahatname, the travel book of Evliya Çelebi. According to his account, Odunpazarı was described as:

"It is a city full of nobles and soldiers... The city has 17 neighborhoods. Its houses are spacious, with gardens and orchards... The entire area is filled with roses, vineyards, and fields abundant in crops."^【1】 

Today, five of the streets mentioned in Seyahatname still exist with their original names. Odunpazarı is a significant cultural heritage site representing the historical lifestyle and traditions of the Turkish people.

Odunpazarı Houses

The traditional houses of Odunpazarı reflect the characteristic features of Ottoman-era urban architecture. These homes, with their narrow, winding streets, white walls, brown frames, and hues of indigo blue and terracotta red, resemble picturesque paintings. The exterior facades of the houses are designed with overhangs and wooden consoles. The lower floors typically contain kitchens, storage rooms, or stables, while the upper floors provide spacious living areas for families.

In 1973, Odunpazarı was declared a historical and urban conservation site by the Ministry of Culture. To protect and restore Odunpazarı Houses, the Odunpazarı Municipality launched the Preservation Project, aiming to safeguard the district’s cultural heritage. As part of this project, restoration efforts have been carried out in 30 streets, covering 300 houses, 3 mosques, 1 religious complex (külliye), 2 caravanserais, 15 fountains, and 1 inn. These restorations play a vital role in preserving and promoting the region’s cultural heritage.

Kurşunlu Mosque and Complex

Kurşunlu Mosque, located in the Odunpazarı district of Eskişehir, was built between 1517 and 1525 by Ottoman vizier Çoban Mustafa Pasha and designed by the chief architect Acem Ali Bey (Alaeddin Ali Bey). The mosque has a square layout and is notable for its lead-covered dome. The interior is adorned with calligraphic decorations and marble columns. An inscription at the mosque’s entrance indicates that it was constructed in Hijri 931 (1525 AD). Still open for worship today, the mosque holds both religious and cultural significance. The ablution fountain (şadırvan) within the complex serves a religious function, while the mosque itself has historically been a social gathering place.

Handicrafts and Places to Visit

Odunpazarı has a long-standing tradition of handicrafts, including copper craftsmanship, tin-plating, wood carving, and antique trading. The antique shops on Beyler Street, the wooden toy makers on Kurşunlu Mosque Street, and the Meerschaum Museum (Lületaşı Müzesi) are key locations showcasing these crafts. The Meerschaum Museum, the only one of its kind in the world, has made Odunpazarı a center for this rare art.

Tourist Attractions

Odunpazarı is one of the cultural location of Eskişehir and Turkey. Visitors can explore historical houses, traditional crafts, and significant historical buildings. Additionally, the Hafız Ahmet Efendi Mansion displays the famous Gül Asa, a staff gifted to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and Reza Shah of Iran, further enhancing the cultural importance of the district.