The art of title-making has existed in Kütahya since the 14th century but reached its peak in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today the tile-makers are still hard at worki alongside a growing number of potters. The picturesque old Ottoman quarter of Germiyan is being restored and is well worth exploring. Not far away, the ruins of ancient Aizonai also repay a visit.
Starting life as it meant to go on, Kütahya was originally called Ceramorium which meant “The City of Ceramics”. During the Byzantine era, its name was changed to Cotyaeum (”the City of the Goddess Coys”). Only when it was captured by the Turks in 1078 did it finally become Kütahya.
The best place to start exploring Kütahya is the Byzantine fortress which bestrides Hıdırlık Tepesi (Hill) and offers great views. Afterwards you can take a turn down germiyan Street and admire the old Ottoman houses, fine mosques and tiled fountains. The house where Lajos Kossuth (1802-94), the Hungarian freedom fighter, lived for a year is now a dusty but interesting museum on the hillside. The Kurşunlu Mosque, Dönenler Mosque, Çinili Mosque, Lala Hüseyin Pasha Mosque and Ulu Mosque should all be on your list of must-sees as should the Vecidiye Medresesi (Seminary) which is currently serving as Kütahya’s archeology museum. Nearby, in the İmaret Mosque, is a small tile museum which showeases not just Kütahya but also İznik tiles. The area around the museums is old Kütahya at its creakiest and most interesting, a far cry from the mainly modern town center.
Travelers may like to note the statue of 17th-century travel writer Evliya Çelebi (1611-82) who was born here.
Thermal waters
Near Kütahya are the Yoncalı, Ilıcaköy and Kaynarca Kaplıcaları (hot springs) which are said to have health-giving qualities. Experts recommend that you should stay at the spas for at least seven and preferably 21 days to take full advantage of their water.
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