Elitnisa Solenay

Eskişehir has been home to various civilizations, including the Phrygians, Byzantines, Anatolian Seljuks, and the Ottoman Empire. The city began to grow and develop following the increased migration after the 1877-78 Ottoman-Russian War and the construction of the railway during the same period. The first municipality in Eskişehir was established in 1854. In the Republican era, the first mayor took office in 1923. The city gained its metropolitan municipality status in 1993 through a special law. In 2004, with the enactment of Law No. 5216, the boundaries of the metropolitan municipality were expanded. Subsequently, with Law No. 6360 in 2012, the metropolitan municipality's borders were designated to be coterminous with the provincial administrative boundaries following the 2014 local elections. The Metropolitan Municipality has played a significant role in the city's development. For example, the Porsuk River was cleaned, and its surroundings were pedestrianized, while light rail systems were developed. These initiatives have made the city more pedestrian-friendly and have improved the infrastructure for sustainable mobility modes. Furthermore, the historic values that define the city's identity have been revitalized through urban transformation projects in the Odunpazarı Houses, including the creation of boutique hotels, tourist craft workshops, and museum complexes, which have successfully regenerated the Odunpazarı district. The city also features numerous museums, parks, and cultural and artistic events. Tourism has become a significant sector in the city in recent years.