Province · Pamukkale e Região dos Lagos

Uşak

Uşak gave its name to famous Ottoman carpets and is home to the Ulubey Canyon, with a glass viewpoint over the cliffs, and the Lydian treasure of Karun in the provincial museum.

In the photo: Ulubey Canyon (Ulubey Kanyonu), Uşak

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 Uşak

Uşak lies in western Anatolia, between Izmir and Afyonkarahisar. Since the 15th and 16th centuries the region has produced wool carpets with medallions and stars that became known in Europe as Uşak carpets and appear in European Renaissance paintings.

The Uşak Archaeology Museum displays the Treasure of Karun, the Turkish name for King Croesus: a set of Lydian gold and silver objects from the 6th century BCE, found in tombs in the area, which returned to Turkey after a long legal dispute with a museum in the United States.

Ulubey Canyon is a natural park of pale rock cliffs cut by the Banaz River and its tributaries. A glass viewing platform projects over the canyon rim, and trails descend to the canyon floor, where the Clandras bridge is located. Nearby are the ruins of Blaundos, an ancient town on a plateau surrounded by the canyon.

The province also has thermal springs at Hamamboğazı, in the Banaz district. For travelers by car between Izmir and the interior, Uşak is a one-day stop with the museum and the canyon.

When to go

April to June and September to October are usually the most pleasant months to descend into Ulubey Canyon. In summer the days are hot and the canyon floor has little shade; in winter the trails can be muddy.

Getting there

The most used airport is Zafer (KZR), in neighboring Kütahya, about 100 km away; Izmir (ADB) has more flights. Uşak sits on the road and rail line between Izmir and Afyonkarahisar, with frequent buses to Izmir, Ankara and Istanbul. For the canyon, a car is the most practical option.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Uşak

How to visit Ulubey Canyon?

The park has a viewing area with the glass platform and trails that descend to the river. The descent and return take a few hours and require physical fitness. Go by car, bring water and wear hiking shoes.

Where to see the Treasure of Karun?

At the Uşak Archaeology Museum in the provincial capital. The collection includes jewelry, silver vessels and Lydian gold objects. Check opening days before you go.

Are carpets still made in Uşak?

Yes, in workshops in the region, though on a smaller scale than in the past. The classic designs with medallions and stars are still reproduced.

Is Uşak worth a stop on a road trip?

It's worthwhile for travelers between Izmir and the interior who enjoy nature or archaeology. One day allows visiting the museum and the canyon; if time is limited, choose one of the two.