Kütahya is a historic city in western Turkey famed worldwide for its exquisite ceramic and tile-making tradition that dates back to the 15th century. Perched on a plateau at roughly 960 m elevation, the city combines well-preserved Ottoman architecture, a dramatic hilltop castle, and a lively bazaar district with a quieter, authentically Turkish atmosphere that larger tourist centers have long since lost.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Kütahya.
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1
Phrygian settlement (Kotyaeion) established on the plateau
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2
Aizanoi flourishes as a major Roman city in the region
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3
Seljuk Turks take control after Battle of Manzikert
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4
Germiyanoğulları principality established; Kütahya becomes its capital
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5
Ottoman çini tile production begins in Kütahya; arts and architecture flourish
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6
Kütahya annexed to Ottoman Empire
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7
Hungarian exile Lajos Kossuth resides in Kütahya (Kossuth House museum)
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8
Battle of Kütahya–Eskişehir during Turkish War of Independence
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9
Kütahya joins the Turkish Republic
Historical sites
Places where Kütahya's past comes alive.
Historic
Aizanoi Ancient City
Where: Çavdarhisar district, 57 km southwest
Admission: 50 TRY (~$1.50 USD)
Historic
Kütahya Castle (Kütahya Kalesi)
Where: Hilltop above old town
Admission: Free
Historic
Tile & Ceramic Museum (Çini Müzesi)
Where: Old town
Admission: 40 TRY (~$1.20 USD)
Historic
Kütahya Archaeological Museum
Where: Old town
Admission: 40 TRY (~$1.20 USD)
Historic
Kossuth House (Kossuth Evi)
Where: Old town
Admission: Free
Historic
Ulu Mosque (Büyük Camii)
Where: Old town
Admission: Free