Eskisehir, Turkey Tourism

... More

developed in the 19th century, including Turkey's largest sugar factory and a locomotive engineering plant, This industrial headstart in pre-Republic days has contributed greatly to Eskisehir's prosperity. There are thermal baths in the southern part of the town.

History

Eskisehir is an Ottoman creation. Its predecessor, ancient Dorylaion, occupied a hill about 3km/2mi north of the present town. Just about the only relic of the ancient city is the name Eskisehir itself, meaning "old town", such few places of interest as there are today being from a much later period. Recent research suggests that Dorylaion was founded by the Phrygians in about 700 B.C.). Despite extensive excavation of the citadel hill (Sar Üyük/Sehir Hüyük; 3km/2mi northeast of the railroad station), virtually nothing has been found. The town is known to have been an important frontier fortress in Byzantine times, several fierce battles being fought in the vicinity. Eventually destroyed and abandoned, Dorylaion was rebuilt on a new site by Manuel I Comnenus (1143-80).