Zaimağa Mansion

March 24, 1922. Mustafa Kemal summoned the Council of Ministers to Sivrihisar to decide on the response to the armistice proposal from the Allied Powers. The meeting was held at Zaimağa Mansion. This was the first Council of Ministers meeting held outside Ankara. Decisions that influenced the course of the war were made in this room.

The mansion is also recorded as the place where Mustafa Kemal stayed for a few days. The two-story structure, built with wooden craftsmanship on stone foundations, is considered an example of traditional Turkish houses.

Sivrihisar is a more pleasant district in spring and autumn. It can be hot in mid-summer; it's more comfortable to enter as soon as the doors open at 08:30. During the winter season (October 1 – April 1), the mansion is open from 08:30–17:30. For summer hours, please confirm with an official source before visiting.

There are fewer crowds during weekday visits. School trips intensify in April–May; it's advisable to choose between 08:30–09:30 during these dates.

Sivrihisar is approximately 75 km from Eskişehir city center. Regular minibus and bus services depart from Eskişehir bus terminal to Sivrihisar. If you are going by car, simply follow the Eskişehir–Afyonkarahisar highway.

Once you enter Sivrihisar town center, the mansion is within walking distance. Finding parking in the district is not a problem.

It makes sense to combine Zaimağa Mansion with other stops in Sivrihisar. Sivrihisar Grand Mosque dates back to the 13th century; it is one of the oldest structures in the district. Nasreddin Hodja's tomb is also within the same district boundaries, in Hortu village. If you follow the "Gönül Dağı" TV series, the filming locations are also nearby.

45 minutes to 1.5 hours is sufficient for the mansion itself. This time can extend for those who wish to explore while listening to the guide's narration. If you want to visit all of Sivrihisar, including the Grand Mosque, Nasreddin Hodja's Tomb, and the district bazaar, half a day is easily filled. It can be planned as a day trip from Eskişehir.

The exterior of the mansion, with its stone walls and wooden projections, can be photographed directly. Inside, period furnishings and wooden ceiling carvings offer striking details. Midday light is better for photographing the interior furnishings and furniture.

Admission is free. Advance reservations are recommended for group visits, especially school groups. Guided tours are available; a guide is present at the entrance and narrates the history of the mansion.

Keep in mind that the building is two-story and uses stairs; wheelchair access is limited. For summer hours, check the official website of the Eskişehir Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism.

Sivrihisar holds a special place on Eskişehir's gastronomy map. Çibörek and local pastries stand out in the district. After visiting the mansion, it is possible to eat local dishes in the small restaurants in the town center. Don't expect large restaurants; there are options for a simple and honest lunch.