The Seljuk Bath is a historical bath structure built in 1207 in the Seyitgazi district of Eskişehir, and since the 1970s, it has been operating as the world's first Boron and Ethnography Museum.
Located in the İkiçeşme neighborhood of Seyitgazi district center, on the Afyon-Eskişehir road, the Seljuk Bath is one of the rare structures that has survived since the early 13th century. The bath, built by Ümmühan Hatun in 1207, was restored during the Republican era, preserving much of its original architecture. The structure is considered one of the most important examples of Anatolian Seljuk period bath architecture in the region.
The historical bath served the local community and visitors to the area until the 1970s. Subsequently converted into a museum, the building today stands out as the world's first Boron and Ethnography Museum. The exhibition features boron mineral samples extracted from Kırka, Bigadiç, Kestelek, Emet, and Bandırma, along with materials belonging to the Etibor General Directorate; the ethnography section displays cultural objects from the region. This unique destination, significant for both its architectural history and industrial heritage, is among the must-visit addresses for those coming to Seyitgazi.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Eskişehir historical places, Nasreddin Hoca's House.
Guide's Note
Historic Structure, New Identity
The Seljuk Bath is more than just a historical structure; it is one of the rare examples that has survived to the present day by changing its function. Built in 1207 by Ümmühan Hatun, the mother of Anatolian Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat, the bath served the people of Seyitgazi for centuries. After the bath lost its function in the 1970s, the structure underwent extensive restoration and was converted into a museum.
Today, visitors can experience two different things here: seeing the original elements of Seljuk period bath architecture firsthand and exploring the exhibitions of the world's first Boron and Ethnography Museum. The stone masonry and spatial arrangement of the structure directly reflect the architectural understanding of the period.
Best Time to Visit
The most suitable period to visit Seyitgazi is between April–June and September–October. During these months, the weather is favorable for both walking and exploring the district. As temperatures can rise in mid-summer, completing your museum visit before noon offers a more comfortable experience.
The museum is closed on Mondays. For those planning to visit on the weekend, it opens its doors on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00–17:00. Please confirm with an official source before visiting.
How to Get to Seyitgazi
The Seljuk Bath is located in the Seyitgazi district center, approximately 45 km from Eskişehir city center. You can easily reach it by private car following the Afyon-Eskişehir highway; the bath is on the road route.
For those preferring public transport, regular minibus services operate from Eskişehir bus terminal to Seyitgazi. After getting off in the district center, the bath is within walking distance.
What to Eat in Seyitgazi
Seyitgazi is a small district offering local delicacies of Eskişehir cuisine. In the restaurants in the district center, you can try local flavors such as keşkek, çibörek, and Eskişehir-style tarhana soup. For those planning a day trip, having lunch in the district makes the visit more comprehensive.
How Much Time to Allocate
1 to 1.5 hours is sufficient for the Seljuk Bath and Boron Museum. The Seyyid Battal Gazi Complex, also known as the Dervish of Afyon, is among the important historical sites in the district; you can combine these two places to create a half-day program. It is an easily manageable day trip route from Eskişehir.
Photo Spots
The stone facade and entrance gate of the building from the outside offer the best frames to convey the architectural details of the Seljuk period. Inside, angles shot upwards from beneath the domes strongly reflect the historical atmosphere. Photography is more advantageous before noon when natural light enters best.
Things to Consider Before Visiting
The museum is closed on Mondays; arrange your weekly schedule accordingly. We recommend checking the official website of the Eskişehir Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism beforehand for visiting hours and possible closures on special event days. Since the structure is a historical bath, the floor may be uneven in some places; prefer comfortable shoes.
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