Aizanoi and Kütahya Historical Route

Aizanoi Archaeological Site

Aizanoi Archaeological Site in Çavdarhisar District of Kütahya boasts a rich history, with significant influence from the Phrygians and Romans. At its peak between the 1st and 3rd centuries CE, Aizanoi flourished economically and religiously. The city is home to the well-preserved Temple of Zeus, renowned for its architectural significance, and the Macellum marketplace, one of the earliest known sites related to market regulation. Aizanoi's architectural marvels, including the theatre-stadium complex and colonnaded streets, highlight its historical and commercial significance, which persisted through the Eastern Roman period before declining after the 7th century.

Çinili Mosque

The mosque was built by painter and ney (a type of flute) player Ahmet Yakupoğlu in 1973. The structure reflects an example of Central Asian Turkish architecture with its style and ornamentation. The inner side of the octagonal structure with two storeys and one dome is decorated with hand-drawn designs and the outer side with specially produced blue Kütahya tiles. It is an original example with its Turkish motifs and architecture.

Mevlevihane - Dönenler Mosque

Built as the hall for whirling ceremonies of the Mevlevihane (Mevlevi Lodge) in the 14th century, this structure is an original example of early Anatolian Turkish architecture. This first Mevlevi Lodge of Kütahya has undergone two restorations, and the hall for whirling ceremonies and dervish cells remain intact. The structure has a rectangular plan close to a square and features an octagonal drum. With subsequent repairs and the addition of a mihrab, the hall was converted into a mosque, and it is locally known as the Dönenler Mosque. On the entrance door of the mosque, there is a 19th-century tile inscription. The adjacent prayer room, built by Imadüttin Hezar Dinari, known as the Conqueror of the Seljuk Period in Kütahya, became the mausoleum of the Mevlevi Lodge upon the burial of Rumi's grandson, Ergun Çelebi.

Germiyan Street

Uncover the heart-warming hues of historic Kütahya on the vibrant Germiyan Street, a testament to enchanting artistic expression and charismatic Turkish culture in Türkiye. As you stroll through this unique path, you become part of a picturesque open-air gallery where each building tells a story through its beautifully painted facades, capturing the pure essence of Kütahya ceramics, an art form lovingly preserved for centuries. Leave the monotony behind and let the compelling spectrum of colors engage your senses as each house, adorned with artful murals, shares its piece of history with you. Not just a street, but an encounter with an era that thrived on its artistic flair, Germiyan symbolizes the perfect confluence of history, art, and culture. Take a leisurely stroll through Germiyan Street, pop into the various shops that sell traditional ceramics, and chat with local artisans who craft these masterpieces with soulful diligence and proud craftsmanship. As dusk envelops the city, the vibrant buildings illuminate under the twinkling Turkish stars, offering a mystical dance of colors and lights, a spectacle that will surely mesmerize you. Germiyan Street, in the heart of Kütahya, Türkiye, is an immersive travel experience, a bucket-list attraction not to be missed. Come and witness the fusion of past and present, enhanced by splashes of color and patterning that uniquely demonstrate the area’s rich artistry and history. Rekindle your artistic spirit as you wander through the evocative colors of Germiyan Street and embrace the vibrant charm of Türkiye!

Tile Museum

The museum building was constructed in 1411 by Yakup II, the last ruler of Germiyan, and now operates as the Tile Museum after being restored in 1999. Yakup II's tiled sarcophagus can be found in the building's tomb section. The foundation inscription of the madrasa, now placed in the south niche of the entrance door, is a significant historical source with thirty-nine lines. Locals call the building 'Gökşadırvan' due to its marble fountain. The museum exhibits various tile architectural elements, inscriptions, vases, plates, panels, and household utensils made in Kütahya and Iznik from the 14th century to the present day, displayed chronologically.

Grand Mosque

Also known as the Yıldırım Beyazıt Mosque, it is the largest and most beautiful mosque in Kütahya. While it lacks a courtyard, the rectangular plan mosque, restored by Mimar Sinan during the Rhodes expedition of Suleiman the Magnificent, was later largely repaired and took its final form with a dome. Large columns inside the mosque were brought from Aizanoi Ancient City. In the inner section, there is a small fountain, and, on top of the fountain, there is a four-column muezzin gallery. The main venue of the mosque is covered with two domes, side by side, and half domes on the sides supported with six columns. It is worth visiting just to see the tile panel depicting the Kaaba on the right of the mihrab, which is covered by a half dome.