Nestled in the heart of Anatolia, Eskişehir is a city that effortlessly bridges the past and the present. While it may not be as globally renowned as Istanbul or Ankara, this vibrant city holds a unique place in Turkey’s cultural and historical landscape. From its ancient roots to its modern-day innovations, Eskişehir offers a fascinating lens through which to explore contemporary global issues like urbanization, cultural preservation, and sustainable development.
Eskişehir’s history dates back to the Phrygians, one of Anatolia’s oldest civilizations. Known as Dorylaeum in antiquity, the city was a crucial stop along the Silk Road, connecting East and West. Its strategic location made it a battleground for empires—Romans, Byzantines, and Seljuks all left their mark. The name "Eskişehir" itself means "Old City" in Turkish, a nod to its enduring legacy.
Under Ottoman rule, Eskişehir flourished as a trade and military hub. The city’s historic Odunpazarı district, with its beautifully preserved Ottoman houses, stands as a testament to this era. Today, these structures have been repurposed into boutique hotels, cafes, and museums, blending history with modernity—a trend seen in cities worldwide grappling with how to preserve heritage amid rapid development.
One of Eskişehir’s most striking transformations came in the late 20th century. The establishment of Anadolu University in 1958 turned the city into an educational powerhouse, attracting thousands of students from across Turkey and beyond. This influx of youth has infused Eskişehir with a dynamic, progressive energy, making it a hotspot for arts, innovation, and social activism.
In recent years, Eskişehir has gained attention for its forward-thinking urban policies. The city’s tram system, extensive green spaces, and pedestrian-friendly streets contrast sharply with the traffic-choked metropolises of Istanbul or Ankara. As climate change forces cities worldwide to rethink infrastructure, Eskişehir’s approach offers valuable lessons in sustainable living.
Opened in 2019, the Odunpazarı Modern Museum (OMM) has put Eskişehir on the global art map. Designed by the renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the museum showcases contemporary Turkish and international art. Its success highlights how smaller cities can carve out niches in the global cultural economy, challenging the dominance of traditional art capitals like Paris or New York.
Eskişehir is also famous for its meerschaum (lületaşı) carving, a delicate white stone mined in the region. While this craft risks fading into obscurity, local artisans and cooperatives are working to keep it alive, blending traditional techniques with modern designs. This struggle mirrors global debates about preserving intangible cultural heritage in the face of globalization.
Like much of Turkey, Eskişehir has seen an influx of refugees, particularly from Syria. The city’s response—balancing humanitarian aid with integration challenges—reflects broader global tensions around migration. Yet, Eskişehir’s universities and civil society have played active roles in fostering dialogue, offering a model for inclusive communities.
From its efficient public transport to its riverfront revitalization projects, Eskişehir is quietly leading by example in environmental stewardship. The Porsuk River, once heavily polluted, has been cleaned and now hosts boat tours and waterside cafes. Such initiatives resonate worldwide as cities seek to combat climate change at the local level.
As Eskişehir grows, it faces the classic dilemma of development versus preservation. Can it expand its economy—particularly in tech and education—without losing its small-town charm? The answer may lie in its ability to leverage its unique history and culture as assets, not obstacles.
In a turbulent region, Eskişehir’s stability and openness stand out. Its role as a student city and cultural hub positions it as a potential mediator in broader geopolitical tensions, particularly in Turkey’s complex relationships with Europe and the Middle East.
Eskişehir’s story is far from over. As it navigates the challenges of the 21st century, this unassuming city continues to prove that history and progress are not mutually exclusive—but rather, essential companions on the road to a brighter future.