Atlıhan Handicrafts Bazaar

Atlıhan was built in the 1850s by Takattin Bey, one of Eskişehir's prominent landowners. This inn, where merchants from surrounding villages, towns, and cities stayed and shopped, gradually lost its function and fell into disrepair. In 2006, it was restored as part of the Odunpazarı Houses Preservation Project, transformed into a handicrafts bazaar, and reintroduced to the city.

The 768-square-meter structure consists of a ground floor and a first floor, preserving the wooden details and courtyard layout of traditional Ottoman inn architecture. Its location within an urban protected area ensures that the bazaar forms a harmonious whole with the historical Odunpazarı houses surrounding it.

The most enjoyable time to explore Odunpazarı on foot is during spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October). During these months, the weather is suitable for walking, and the historical streets are more comfortable to explore. Eskişehir gets crowded in the summer; the bazaar and its surroundings can be busy on weekends. Visiting before noon on weekdays provides a calmer experience.

The streets of Odunpazarı around Atlıhan are full of small cafes and restaurants. There are also areas within the bazaar where you can drink tea and coffee. You can visit the restaurants in Odunpazarı to try local delicacies unique to Eskişehir, such as çiğ börek and bumbar dolması. After exploring the historical bazaar, sitting and relaxing in nearby cafes has almost become an indispensable part of an Odunpazarı trip.

The bazaar sells meerschaum-carved objects, jewelry, ceramic and tile products, handmade glass works, evil eye beads, bags, and various souvenirs. Since meerschaum is a stone unique to Eskişehir, buying it here is advantageous in terms of both quality and price. The glass workshop on the upper floor is a particularly prominent stop among visitors; it is possible to see the craftsmanship of handmade glass works firsthand. Prices are generally reasonable, but comparing a few shops before making a purchase is a good idea.

Atlıhan's most attractive photo corner is its wooden-galleried courtyard with a horse carriage and horse model in the center. The stairs leading to the upper floor and the wooden railings also offer beautiful shots reflecting traditional architecture. Photos taken from outside the bazaar, together with the Odunpazarı houses, are among the best images conveying Eskişehir's historical fabric. Morning visits may be preferred for courtyard photos as the light is softer.

The most practical way to reach Odunpazarı from Eskişehir city center is by tram. You can get off at the Odunpazarı tram stop and walk through the historical streets to reach the bazaar. Municipal buses also operate to Odunpazarı. For those arriving by car, parking is available in the immediate vicinity of the bazaar; it is much easier to leave the car in the parking lot and walk, as navigating Odunpazarı's narrow streets by car can be difficult.

Atlıhan Handicrafts Bazaar is a natural part of Odunpazarı's extensive walking route. You can combine the bazaar with the Kurşunlu Complex, the restored historical houses of Odunpazarı, nearby museums, and the Porsuk River bank to create a half-day or full-day itinerary. Staying in Odunpazarı is also a good option for those who want to explore the historical fabric at a leisurely pace.