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9 places to visit in the Eşme district of Uşak: Eşme Castle, Eşme Thermal Springs and Kemer Dam. Plan your trip to Eşme with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Eşme is a district of Uşak province. It covers 1,156 km², lies at an elevation of 827 m and has a population of 34,444. It was founded before the Republic.

History and Culture

Eşme is a settlement of Yörük-Turkmen origin, and its kilim and carpet weaving bear traces of that origin. Eşme kilims are woven by women on upright looms (“Istar”). Eşme Municipality was founded in 1934. 3 September is celebrated as Eşme’s Liberation Day. Every June, a three-day kilim festival is held in Eşme. Eşme is where Celal Bayar had his headquarters, and where Mustafa Kemal Pasha gave the command “Your first objective is the Mediterranean!”

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Places to Visit in Eşme

  • 2 Historic
  • 1 Ancient City
  • 5 Nature
  • 1 Cultural

Historic Sites 2

Historic

Eşme Castle

A castle on the hill north of the district centre. It is Byzantine in origin and was also used in the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. Part of the castle walls has survived.

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Historic

Takmak Village

A village with a traditional village fabric, once the old district centre.

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Ancient Cities 1

Ancient City

Rock Tombs of Gedikler Village

Rock tombs from ancient times in Gedikler Village.

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Natural Wonders 5

Nature

Eşme Thermal Springs

Thermal springs around the district contain mineral water considered good for rheumatism and skin conditions. The spa facilities attract visitors for health tourism.

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Nature

Kemer Dam

A dam with lake views and picnic areas, known for its sunset views.

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Nature

Karakuyu Cave

A cave with natural stalactite and stalagmite formations.

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Nature

Eşme Pine Forest

A forest offering walking and camping facilities among pine trees.

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Nature

Bağlıca Plateau

A high plateau used for camping, nature walks and picnics.

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Cultural Venues 1

Cultural

Eşme carpet and kilim workshops

There are carpet and kilim workshops in the district centre, where visitors can chat with craftsmen working at their looms.

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Places to Visit Around Uşak Province

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While you are in Eşme, you can also see the highlights of Uşak province. These places are in other districts; Eşme is about 55 km from the provincial centre.

  • Ulubey Canyon — A large canyon in the Ulubey district, declared a nature park by the Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs on 27 June 2013; it was shaped by the tectonic movements of the Aegean horst-graben structure.
  • Blaundos — An ancient city within the boundaries of Sülümenli village in Ulubey, founded by the Macedonians in 334 BC; it was a military city in the time of the Kingdom of Pergamon and kept its importance in the Roman and Byzantine periods.
  • Clandras (Cilandiras) Bridge — A Roman aqueduct over the Banaz Stream at Karahallı, probably built in the 2nd century AD. Although known as a bridge, it stands at the start of the channels that carried water to ancient Pepouza, about 1 km further on.
  • Sebaste (Selçikler) — The ruins of an ancient city and a church from the Roman and Byzantine periods in the town of Selçikler, which belongs to Sivaslı.
  • Uşak Old Houses — Examples of Ottoman civil architecture, combining timber and masonry, in the city centre.
  • Uşak Archaeology Museum — A 3-storey museum opened on 23 May 1970 and moved in 2012 to a new building on the site of the old railway station; pieces of the Karun Treasure, such as the winged seahorse brooch, are displayed here.

Practical Information for Visiting Eşme

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn (April–June, September–October)
Places to visit
9 places

What to Eat in Eşme

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  • Keşkek (wheat and meat dish)

    A traditional dish prepared by simmering crushed wheat and lamb for a long time. In Eşme it is the pride of wedding and festive tables.

  • Eşme Mantısı

    Small handmade pieces of dough filled with minced meat and cooked, served with yoghurt and butter.

  • Demir and cendere sweets

    Famous sweets of Uşak, found on the menus of Eşme restaurants.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Eşme

  • Carpet Weaving Tradition

    Eşme is one of the important centres of Uşak's carpet weaving tradition. Hand-woven carpets are kept alive as a craft passed from generation to generation.

Local Products

  • Eşme Carpet — Traditional hand-woven carpets are Eşme's most important cultural product. They are known for their geometric patterns and natural dyes.

Economy

Eşme's economy rests on agriculture and carpet weaving. Wheat, barley and poppy are the main agricultural products. Hand-woven carpet production is a traditional source of income.

How to Get to Eşme

Eşme is 55 km from Uşak city centre. It lies on the Uşak–Denizli road. Regular minibus services run from Uşak.

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Eşme: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to see in Eşme?

The 9 highlights of Eşme are Eşme Castle, Eşme Thermal Springs, Kemer Dam, Takmak Village, Karakuyu Cave, Eşme Pine Forest, the Rock Tombs of Gedikler Village, Bağlıca Plateau and the Eşme carpet and kilim workshops.

What should I eat in Eşme?

Keşkek, Eşme Mantısı and Demir and cendere sweets are the standout dishes at Eşme tables.

What is Eşme famous for?

Eşme is known for its Eşme Carpet and its Carpet Weaving Tradition. Traditional hand-woven carpets are Eşme's most important cultural product. They are known for their geometric patterns and natural dyes.

How do I get to Eşme?

Eşme is 55 km from Uşak city centre. It lies on the Uşak–Denizli road. Regular minibus services run from Uşak.

How much time should I set aside for a visit to Eşme?

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and autumn (April–June, September–October).

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