Bilecik is a small provincial city in northwest Turkey and the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire. Nestled among forested hills and deep river valleys in the Marmara region, it holds extraordinary historical significance — it was here that Osman I established the Ottoman state in 1299, and nearby Söğüt district is home to the tomb of his father Ertuğrul Gazi. The city blends Ottoman heritage with natural landscapes of canyons, waterfalls, and highland plateaus.
Bilecik occupies a unique place in world history as the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire. A Byzantine frontier town before the 13th century, it was captured by Osman I in 1298, becoming one of the first Ottoman conquests. From the region encompassing Bilecik, Söğüt, and Yenişehir, Osman I declared the Ottoman state in 1299 — launching one of history's most enduring empires that would last over six centuries. The tomb of Şeyh Edebali (spiritual mentor and father-in-law of Osman I) stands in Bilecik city, while the tomb of Ertuğrul Gazi (Osman's father) stands in nearby Söğüt district.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Bilecik.
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1
Bilecik is a Byzantine garrison town on the eastern frontier, known as Belokomis or Belekoma
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2
Ertuğrul Gazi dies in Söğüt; his son Osman I inherits leadership of the Kayı tribe
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3
Osman I captures Bilecik from the Byzantines in a daring raid during a wedding ceremony — a pivotal early Ottoman victory
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4
Ottoman Empire officially founded; Söğüt–Bilecik region serves as the first capital
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5
Orhan Gazi (son of Osman I) constructs a mosque in Söğüt — the earliest surviving example of Ottoman religious architecture
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6
Bursa falls to the Ottomans; capital moves to Bursa; Bilecik becomes a secondary provincial town
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7
Battle of İnönü fought near Bilecik province; Turkish nationalist forces repel Greek advances
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8
Republic of Turkey proclaimed; Bilecik becomes a provincial capital
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9
Metristepe Victory Monument completed near Bozüyük to commemorate the İnönü Wars
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10
Ottoman-themed TV series Diriliş: Ertuğrul sparks massive international tourism interest in Söğüt and Bilecik
Historical eras
The chapters of Bilecik's past.
Historical sites
Places where Bilecik's past comes alive.
Şeyh Edebali Tomb
Where: Bilecik city center
Admission: Free
Ertuğrul Gazi Tomb
Where: Söğüt district
Admission: Free
Orhan Gazi Mosque
Where: Söğüt district
Admission: Free
Bilecik Castle (Bilecik Kalesi)
Where: Hilltop, Bilecik center
Admission: Free
Harmankaya Castle
Where: Yenipazar district
Admission: Free
Dursun Fakıh Tomb
Where: Söğüt district
Admission: Free
Museums
Curated collections that tell Bilecik's story.
Bilecik Museum
Hours: 09:00–17:00 Tuesday–Sunday (closed Monday)
Admission: Free
Söğüt Ertuğrul Gazi Museum
Hours: 09:00–17:00 Tuesday–Sunday
Admission: Free
Historical tours
Guided experiences that bring history to life.