6 places to visit in the central district of Bilecik: Tomb and Complex of Sheikh Edebali, Bilecik Castle and Osman Gazi Mosque. Plan your trip with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Bilecik, the founding centre of the Ottoman principality, is a historic city shaped by the spiritual teachings of Sheikh Edebali, father-in-law of Osman Gazi.
Before the War of Independence, Bilecik was a centre of silk production. After its factories were destroyed in fires during the war, the city changed its cultural and commercial importance.
Because the city centre lies on the Istanbul-Ankara high-speed rail line, it is directly connected by train to Istanbul, Ankara, Eskişehir and Konya.
Bilecik became part of Ottoman territory in 1299 through the raid of Osman Gazi. Sheikh Edebali also lived in Bilecik. The settlement developed in the Ottoman period through iron mining and silk weaving. Bilecik gained provincial status in 1924, and its name officially became Bilecik.
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The tomb of Sheikh Edebali, regarded as the spiritual founder of the Ottoman State, is Bilecik's most important site of visit. The complex, built in the 13th century, consists of the tomb, a mosque, a madrasa and the Mal Hatun Tomb. The famous advice of Sheikh Edebali, father-in-law of Osman Gazi, is displayed here.
View on mapBilecik Castle, on the rocky hill in the city centre, was built in the Byzantine period and was conquered by Osman Gazi in 1299. Parts of its walls and towers still stand and offer panoramic views of the city.
View on mapBuilt in the name of Osman Gazi, the founder of the Ottoman State, this mosque is one of Bilecik's oldest places of worship. The building, which has the simple and elegant features of early Ottoman architecture, has been restored and opened to visitors.
View on mapBuilt in the time of Orhan Gazi, the second Ottoman sultan, this mosque is an important example of early Ottoman mosque architecture with its single-dome plan. Its stonework and mihrab decoration are notable.
View on mapBilecik Museum displays finds from archaeological excavations in the region, dating from the Hittite, Phrygian, Roman and Byzantine periods. The ethnography section includes everyday objects from the Ottoman period and traditional handicrafts.
View on mapThe restored Ottoman houses in the historic neighbourhoods of Bilecik offer fine examples of wooden and stone architecture. Bilecik, a member of the European Association of Historic Towns and Regions, hosts cultural tourism through these houses.
View on mapPrepared thin-dough and with minced meat, Bilecik pidesi is baked in a stone oven and served. It is distinguished from other pide varieties by a local spice mix.
Höşmerim, a traditional Bilecik dessert, is made by roasting fresh cheese, flour and sugar in a pan. It is an essential flavour at wedding and festival tables in the region.
Keşkek, made by boiling and pounding cracked wheat and meat for hours, is the centrepiece of wedding meals in Bilecik. It is served with sizzling butter poured over it.
A filling of minced meat, rice and spices is wrapped in vine leaves and cooked. Sarma köfte, one of the distinctive flavours of Bilecik cuisine, is served with yoghurt.
Bilecik lies at the centre of the geography where the Ottoman State was founded. Osman Gazi founded his principality after conquering Bilecik Castle in 1299, and here he married Mal Hatun, daughter of Sheikh Edebali.
Silkworm rearing, maintained in Bilecik for centuries, is an inseparable part of the city's cultural identity. The tradition is kept alive within Kozabirlik, and silk festivals are held.
The Ertuğrul Gazi Commemoration and Yörük Festival, held every September in Söğüt, attracts great interest across Bilecik. Traditional Turkish games, equestrian displays and cultural events take place.
The economy of Bilecik city centre is based on industry, mining and agriculture. Marble processing plants form the city's most important industrial sector. Bilecik beige marble is exported abroad. Silk production continues within Kozabirlik. Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University contributes to the educational and economic life of the city. The high-speed rail line passing through the city has strengthened its transport infrastructure.
Bilecik lies on the Ankara-Istanbul high-speed rail line, and both cities can be reached by high-speed train. It is 315 km from Ankara and 290 km from Istanbul. Intercity bus services connect it with major cities. The nearest airport is Eskişehir Hasan Polatkan Airport (about 90 km).
The 6 highlights of Bilecik city centre are the Tomb and Complex of Sheikh Edebali, Bilecik Castle, Osman Gazi Mosque, Orhan Gazi Mosque, Bilecik Museum and the Historic Bilecik Houses.
Bilecik Pidesi, Höşmerim, Keşkek and Sarma Köfte are the standout dishes on Bilecik city centre tables.
Bilecik city centre is known for Bilecik silk production and as the birthplace of the Ottoman State. Bilecik has been one of the important centres of silk production since the Ottoman period. Silk products made in Kozabirlik facilities are the best-known local products of the city.
Bilecik lies on the Ankara-Istanbul high-speed rail line, and both cities can be reached by high-speed train. It is 315 km from Ankara and 290 km from Istanbul. Intercity bus services connect it with major cities. The nearest airport is Eskişehir Hasan Polatkan Airport (about 90 km).