As a part of the Odunpazarı Home Restoration Project started by the Odunpazarı Municipality and the Ministry of Culture in 2005, the historic Ottoman homes that grace this district are being restored one by one. Since the start of the project four years ago, enormous changes have taken place in Odunpazarı, with 200 old homes restored thus far. And in fact, the district as a whole has a new profile, as not only homes but also backstreets and town squares have been included in the project. And so now this district, which had been neglected for many years, finally has restaurants, shopping centers, culture centers, boutique hotels and pristine streets, in addition to carefully restored Ottoman homes.The architectural changes that have taken place in Odunpazarı have had a positive effect on the social and economic aspects of life here as well. One example of this is the courses offered by the municipality that teach interested locals how to produce their own handicrafts; these courses give people the knowledge and skills necessary for new careers. Graduating from these courses with certificates, they later have the opportunity to sell their work at stands given to them for free by the municipality.
The historic Atlıhan building has been reconstructed and is now a trade center. This building is home not only to stoneworkers but also to artisans who produce regional crafts to sell. The Atlıhan has become synonymous with Eskişehir; you can find the famed lületaşı (meerschaum) works here in all their beautiful varieties. And now, employing around 100 people, the Atlı Köşk has risen from ruins and has been brought back to life.
And so, with new life brought to Odunpazarı through this municipality project, focused not only on restoring architectural structures but also on the social and economic life of this district, it is fair to say that Odunpazarı is heading toward being a true tourist center in Turkey. Visitors, both local and foreign, are stopping by to enjoy the atmosphere more often, and in fact, Odunpazarı has been promoted by many tourism agencies in recent years.
