Arasta Bazaar is a free historical bazaar located in Eskişehir's Odunpazarı district, rebuilt in 2012, where glass, tile, and ceramic handicrafts are exhibited and sold.
Walking through the historic streets of Odunpazarı, you'll encounter Arasta Bazaar, a unique place that keeps Eskişehir's handicraft heritage alive. Rebuilt by the Odunpazarı Municipality in 2012 after a group of structures within the Urban Conservation Area were demolished, the bazaar captivates with its architecture, which bears traces of classical Ottoman commercial buildings. Its 14 shops display glass, tile, and ceramic products; artisans not only sell their works but also offer visitors the opportunity to get to know these arts up close.
A striking aspect of the bazaar is that it is largely operated by women entrepreneurs. This feature transforms Arasta from an ordinary shopping destination into a cultural space that supports local production and women's labor. Located very close to Odunpazarı's colorful wooden houses and historic mosques, the bazaar is perfect for those who want to take a short break while exploring the area and acquire a unique handicraft product.
Related discoveries: Historic Sites, Historic Sites, Eskişehir historic sites, Nasreddin Hodja's House.
Guide's Note
What is Arasta Bazaar?
Arasta Bazaar is a handicraft bazaar in Eskişehir's Odunpazarı district, rebuilt by the Odunpazarı Municipality in 2012. Replacing old structures within the Urban Conservation Area, this group of buildings, designed to match the region's historical fabric, now opens its doors to many handicraft products, especially glass, tile, and ceramics. With 14 shops, it is a relatively small but content-rich bazaar; each shop is usually run by a different artisan or entrepreneur.
When to Visit?
The best time to visit Odunpazarı is between April–June and September–November. During these months, the weather is neither scorching nor freezing; walking through the historic streets is much more enjoyable. If you include Arasta Bazaar as part of your Odunpazarı tour, you will use your time much more efficiently. Shops are livelier on weekends, and your chances of chatting with artisans also increase. Confirm opening hours with official sources before visiting.
How to Get There?
Eskişehir's public transportation network makes reaching Arasta Bazaar quite easy. You can get off at the Odunpazarı stop with ESTRAM (tram) and walk to the bazaar in a few minutes. Municipal buses also run regularly to the Odunpazarı district. If you are coming by car, finding parking in the narrow streets of the district can be difficult; it is much more practical to park in an area close to the city center and walk.
What to Eat Nearby?
Right next to Arasta Bazaar is the Arasta Crimean Tatar Çibörek House, which provides an additional reason to taste traditional çibörek here. The Odunpazarı district is rich in small cafes and traditional culinary stops. After visiting the bazaar, you can walk through the historic streets of the district and find many places to sit for a coffee or a local snack.
Shopping Guide
The 14 shops of Arasta Bazaar primarily offer glass processing, tile, and ceramic products. Eskişehir's glass art tradition is well-known throughout the country; the bazaar is the right address to see this art firsthand and acquire a unique souvenir. Since most of the products are made by women artisans, every piece you buy directly contributes to local production. Prices vary depending on the shop and product type; it is best to ask on-site whether bargaining is possible.
Photo Spots
The bazaar's facade, reflecting Ottoman architecture, provides beautiful shots, especially in the morning with soft light. The colorful ceramic and glass products in the shop windows also offer interesting details for photography. It is possible to frame Arasta together with Odunpazarı's wooden houses and historic mosques; for those who want to capture the district's texture in a single shot with a wide-angle lens, the bazaar entrance is a good starting point.
Odunpazarı Route Suggestion
We recommend considering Arasta Bazaar not alone, but as part of a general tour of Odunpazarı. Get off at the Odunpazarı tram stop, walk through the historic wooden houses to see the Reşadiye Mosque, then come to Arasta Bazaar. After visiting the bazaar, you can stop by the nearby Odunpazarı Museum and end the day with tea or çibörek at a cafe in the area. This entire route takes approximately half a day.
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