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| Eskişehir was founded in the first millennium B.C. on the banks of the Porsuk River by the Phrygians. Significant architectural monuments include the 13th century Alaeddin Mosque and the 16th century Kurşunlu Complex. All three of the city's museums are worth visiting: the Archaeological Museum has Phrygian objects and sculptures from the area; the Ottoman House Museum; a fine example of 19th century domestic architecture, houses a collection of local ethnographical items; and the Atatürk Culture Museum has a photographic exhibition of Atatürk's life, a number of personal effects and a display of items made of meerschaum. The world's best meerschaum, a soft white stone, comes from mines in the area surrounding Eskişehir. Pipes and other objects can be purchased in the town's souvenir shops. A spring-fed lake Sakaryabaşı, surrounded by beautiful parkland, draws many visitors who want to enjoy the fresh air and eat in one of the fresh fish restaurants. |