Province · Trácia e Mármara

Bilecik

Bilecik is where the Ottoman Empire began: in Söğüt lies the tomb of Ertuğrul Gazi and, in the capital, that of Şeyh Edebali, among green valleys cut by the Sakarya River.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

The province

Get to know Bilecik

Bilecik lies in the southeast of the Marmara region, where Central Anatolia and the Black Sea meet, between Bursa, Sakarya and Eskişehir. It is a small province of green valleys cut by the Sakarya River, with the capital, also called Bilecik, on a hillside.

Ottoman history begins here. At the end of the 13th century, the Kayı tribe, led by Ertuğrul Gazi, settled in Söğüt, and his son Osman founded the principality that would give the Ottomans their name. The tomb of Ertuğrul Gazi in Söğüt took its current form at the end of the 19th century, during the reign of Sultan Abdulhamid II; beside it are the Kuyulu Mescit and the Söğüt Museum.

In the town of Bilecik, the tomb of Şeyh Edebali, the sage who was Osman’s adviser and father-in-law, sits on a height overlooking the valley. The Orhan Gazi Mosque, in the valley below, is cited as one of the earliest Ottoman religious buildings with a dome and has its minaret separate from the main structure, standing on a rock.

Osmaneli, on the banks of the Sakarya, preserves old houses and the church of Aya Yorgi. The province also has canyons, such as Harmankaya and Kayaboğazı, waterfalls and reservoir lakes used for picnics and hiking.

When to go

From April to October days are usually good for walking through the valleys and canyons; spring and autumn are the mildest periods. Summer is hot and dry, and winter is cold, with snow in some years in the higher parts. The festival in memory of Ertuğrul Gazi in Söğüt is usually held in September.

Getting there

The high-speed train (YHT) between Istanbul and Ankara stops at Bilecik and Bozüyük stations in the south of the province; not all trains call at every station. By road, Bilecik is between Bursa and Eskişehir, and Söğüt is about 34 km from the capital. There is no airport in the province: the nearest with international flights are in Istanbul. Check before you buy.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Bilecik

Can you visit Bilecik and Söğüt in one day?

Yes, by car. Söğüt is about 34 km from the capital, and the tombs of Şeyh Edebali and Ertuğrul Gazi can be seen in a few hours. Those traveling from Bursa to Eskişehir can make the trip en route.

How to get to Bilecik from Istanbul without a car?

The high-speed train (YHT) that links Istanbul and Ankara stops at Bilecik. To reach Söğüt, continue by bus or taxi from town. Check each train’s stops, because not all trains stop at every station.

Why is Söğüt important in Turkish history?

Söğüt is considered the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire. It was the base of Ertuğrul Gazi and the Kayı tribe at the end of the 13th century, and it was there that his son Osman’s principality began, which gave its name to the Ottoman dynasty.

When is the Ertuğrul Gazi festival in Söğüt?

The festival in memory of Ertuğrul Gazi and the culture of the yörüks, the Turkish nomads, is usually held in September, with parades, music and performances in Söğüt. Dates change each year: check before you go.