Photo: Maderibeyza (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source 8 places to visit in the Söğüt district of Bilecik: Ertuğrul Gazi Tomb, Söğüt Ethnography Museum and Halime Hatun Tomb. Plan your trip to Söğüt with local food, practical tips and transport information.
The district lies at an elevation of 682 metres. It is 31 km from Bilecik city centre and 52 km from Eskişehir.
During the War of Independence, Söğüt was occupied three times by Greece and was liberated from occupation in 1922.
The district consists of 23 villages and 5 neighbourhoods.
Ertuğrul Gazi Tomb was first built by Osman Gazi as an open grave, and was later turned into a tomb by Mehmed I Çelebi. It was restored by Mustafa III in 1757 and by Abdülhamid II in 1886. Ertuğrul Gazi Tomb, Kuyulu Masjid and the Hamidiye Complex are cited as important stops for understanding the roots of the Ottoman State. The Söğüt Ertuğrul Gazi Museum, housed in a building restored in the style of an old Turkish house, opened as a museum in 2001.
Last updated:
Photo: Maderibeyza (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source The tomb of Ertuğrul Gazi, father of Osman Gazi, the founder of the Ottoman State, is the most important place to visit in Söğüt. The monumental tomb of Ertuğrul Gazi, who died in the 13th century, welcomes hundreds of thousands of domestic and foreign tourists every year.
View on mapThe tomb of Halime Hatun, wife of Ertuğrul Gazi and mother of Osman Gazi, is located near the Ertuğrul Gazi Tomb. One of the first female figures of the Ottoman dynasty, Halime Hatun is the focus of visitors' interest here.
View on mapThe tomb of Dursun Fakih, the first kadı (judge) of the Ottoman State, is in Söğüt. Dursun Fakih, who delivered the first sermon (khutba) in the time of Osman Gazi, laid the foundations of the Ottoman judicial system.
View on mapBuilt by Sultan Mehmed I Çelebi between 1414 and 1420, a rectangular-looking mosque with 12 domes. It is one of the earliest examples of the Ottoman domed building type.
View on mapBuilt by Abdülhamid II in 1903–1905, a square-plan, neo-classical mosque with two minarets.
View on mapOpened as a museum in 2001 in a building restored in the style of an old Turkish house, it displays ethnographic objects belonging to Söğüt and the surrounding Yörük people.
View on map
Photo: Maderibeyza (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source This museum, which displays life-size statues of Ottoman sultans, introduces Ottoman history and Turkish way of life. It holds Kayı tribe objects, traditional clothing and weapons.
View on mapThe re-creation of Kayı tribal life in Söğüt introduces visitors to the 13th-century Turkmen nomadic life. There are tents (otağ), traditional handicraft workshops and areas for equestrian shows.
View on mapWhile you are in Söğüt, you can also see the highlights of Bilecik province. These places are in other districts; Söğüt is about 30 km from the provincial centre.
Söğüt kebab is a traditional local dish of lamb marinated in special spices and cooked over a wood fire. It is served with lavash bread and charred vegetables.
Made with cracked wheat and meat cooked for a long time and then pounded, keşkek is the traditional dish at weddings and festival tables in Söğüt. It is also served at Ertuğrul Gazi commemoration ceremonies.
Made by frying fresh lor cheese with flour and sugar in a pan, höşmerim is a dessert particular to Söğüt and the Bilecik region. It is at its most delicious when served hot.
A pilaf prepared by Söğüt's cooks with bulgur and a mixture of bone broth and meat stock.
A soup made with cut noodles in Söğüt; it is also known by the name yörük çorbası (Yörük soup).
Söğüt was the first capital of the Ottoman Beylik between 1281 and 1335. The valley where Ertuğrul Gazi settled with the Kayı tribe has entered history as the land where the Ottoman Empire was born.
Held every year in the second week of September, these festivals are among the largest cultural events in Türkiye. Equestrian shows, traditional sports, re-enactments of the Yörük migration and folk concerts are held.
Söğüt is the settlement of the Kayı branch of the Oghuz Turks. These lands, given as a homeland to Ertuğrul Gazi by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad, are a turning point in Turkish history.
Söğüt's economy consists of agriculture, livestock farming and tourism. Grains, fruit and vegetables are grown on the fertile valley lands. Thanks to the Ertuğrul Gazi Tomb and the heritage of the Ottoman founding, cultural tourism is the district's most important source of income. Beekeeping and small livestock farming also contribute to the economy.
Söğüt is 30 km from Bilecik city centre. It is 60 km from Eskişehir and 280 km from Ankara. Access to the high-speed train is possible via Bilecik. Regular minibus services run from Bilecik and Eskişehir.
The 8 highlights of Söğüt: Ertuğrul Gazi Tomb, Söğüt Ethnography Museum, Halime Hatun Tomb, Dursun Fakih Tomb, Kayı Boyu Encampment (Re-enactment Area), Söğüt Ertuğrul Gazi Museum, Çelebi Mehmet Mosque and Hamidiye Mosque.
Söğüt Kebabı, Keşkek, Höşmerim and Ertuğrul Gazi Pilavı are the standout dishes on the tables of Söğüt.
Söğüt is known for Söğüt Honey and the Founding Site of the Ottoman State. The flower and pine honey obtained from the district's rich forest cover is its best-known natural product.
Söğüt is 30 km from Bilecik city centre. It is 60 km from Eskişehir and 280 km from Ankara. Access to the high-speed train is possible via Bilecik. Regular minibus services run from Bilecik and Eskişehir.
Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: September (Ertuğrul Gazi Commemoration Festivals).