Bilecik, Turkey

Bilecik, Iying in the green fertile lands of the river valley, is the eastern neighbor of Bursa. Its historical background goes back to 1950 BC, with many civilizations such as Hittites, Phyrigians, Lycians, Persians and Macedonians living here. The province is, worth visiting with its mausoleum of Seyh (Sheik) Edebali, who was an important influential person in the foundation of the Ottoman Empire. Nearby is the mausoleum of Orhan Gazi. Every September, a festival is held in his memory.

30 kms from Bilecik is the little town Sogut which got its name from the numerous willows that surround the town. Sogut Is the place where the Ottoman Empire was founded and here there are the life size busts of famous figures of Turkish history. If you would like to see the whole of the history of Turkey before your eyes, then you should visit the Ethnographical Museum. There are many historical tombs and mosques in the province. Onyx handicrafts is recommended as a souvenir from Bilecik of which are great value.