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Eskisehir
City in western Turkey with 480,000 inhabitants (2004 estimate), situated on the Porsuk River at an elevation of 790 metres above sea level. It is the capital of Eskisehir Province with 710,000 inhabitants (2004 estimate).
Eskisehir is one of the largest industrial centres of Turkey, with several modern industries, producing railway locomotives, fighter aircraft, agricultural equipment, textiles, brick, cement, chemicals, processed meerschaum and refined sugar.
Eskisehir is a railway junction between the Istanbul-Ankara and the Istanbul-Baghdad lines. Ankara is 250 km east, Istanbul 350 km northwest and Kütahya 90 southwest.
Most of Eskisehir was rebuilt after the Turkish War of Independence (1919-1922). It is a well-functioning attractive place, but with few old attractions. One exception is the Kursunlu Friday Mosque. Near Eskisehir lies the site of the ancient Phrygian city of Dorylaeum.
The University of Anatolia lies in Eskisehir. Eskisehir is noted for its hot sulphur springs.
HISTORY
The site of Eskisehir has been settled since probably around 3500 BCE.
1st millennium: A town is founded by the Phrygians.
1097: Christian Crusaders defeat the Seljuqs at Eskisehir.
13th century: Comes under Ottoman control.
Late 19th century: The establishment of a railway through Eskisehir brings expansion and the foundation of new industries.
1958: The University of Anatolia is opened.
© Copyright 1996-2008 LookLex Ltd. All rights reserved
By: Tore Kjeilen
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