Türkiye's Osmaneli is preparing to enter 'Slow City' list

The western district of Osmaneli, whose pre-application for membership in the International Cittaslow Association was accepted, aims to convert its tourism potential into economic value by fulfilling environmental, infrastructure and urban life quality criteria.

An aerial view of Osmaneli located in Bilecik, Türkiye, July 14, 2023.

Located 40 kilometers (24.86 miles) away from the center of Bilecik, Osmaneli has Black Sea, Mediterranean and Central Anatolian climates, and welcomes thousands of tourists every year with its natural beauty and historical structures.

With a history dating back to 5000 B.C. and hosting 18 civilizations, and which has been a Turkish city continuously for a millennium, the district is home to 150 Ottoman-era mansions registered by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Osmaneli Municipality Mayor Münür Şahin said a significant portion of the mansions in Osmaneli date back to the Roman, Seljuk and Ottoman periods, emphasizing that Osmaneli has been a continuous Turkish city since A.D. 1075 A.D. and has never been invaded.

"We possess a wealth of historical artifacts from 18 different civilizations, including the mansions that are our greatest treasure. When we complete the Lefke Bazaar, we will have a unique historical market spanning 1 kilometer, unlike anything else in the world. Within this historical market, we will not only preserve the disappearing arts of Osmaneli but also collaborate with artists who practice various arts from across Türkiye."

Bilecik is known for its Lefke fabric, which dates back to the early 1900s and is included in the national inventory of cultural heritage, as well as for the Osmaneli Lefke stone, which is protected with a geographical indication.

Rüştem Paşa Mosque, Osmaneli, Türkiye.

Rüştem Paşa Mosque, Osmaneli, Türkiye.

The registered Osmaneli quince and lokum (Turkish delight), as well as the Osmaneli watermelon mentioned in Evliya Çelebi's historical travelogue written in the 17th century "Seyahatname" ("Book of Travel"), are famous local products of the region.

Rüştem Paşa Mosque.

A historical guesthouse/hotel.

St. George Church, built by Osmaneli's Greek community in the 19th century.

St. George Church.

St. George Church

Rüştem Paşa Mosque.