Mihalgazi’s cultural features include the Bayram-Yeri tradition, while nature and historical destinations are located elsewhere in the district. This geographical distinction is useful when planning your trip: the festive customs and their dishes are associated with Mihalgazi, while Avlakkaya, the Sakarıılıca thermal springs, and archaeological sites lie outside the town.
Bayram-Yeri and festive cuisine in Mihalgazi
The Bayram-Yeri tradition is observed simultaneously at eight locations in the Dokuz Mayıs, Cumhuriyet, İstiklal, and Hürriyet neighborhoods. Gatherings take place on the first day of Ramadan Bayramı and the second day of Kurban Bayramı; in Mihalgazi, they are held twice a year. They include preparing and sharing food together in a place known as a “Bayram Yeri.”
The dishes vary depending on the holiday. For Bayram, katmer with poppy seeds and sesame, as well as gözleme, are prepared in neighborhood ovens. On the first day of Kurban Bayramı, Fırın Eti is made in Mihalgazi’s ovens from sacrificial meat and water. At Bayram-Yeri gatherings, Fırın Eti is served during Kurban Bayramı between katmer and gözleme; the spread prepared for Ramadan Bayramı contains no meat. The exact calendar dates of the two holidays change each year.
Nature destinations in the surrounding area
The Avlakkaya gorge is near Mihalgazi, within the district boundaries of Hekimdağı village. The extensive valley features geological formations of various shapes, and there are waterfalls in the stream. The gorge is visited by motorcycle, nature, and cycling enthusiasts, and various organizations arrange nature walks there. The route through Avlakkaya starts in Yarımca village. The gorge and the route’s starting point are two specific landmarks that help orient you in this landscape.
The Sakarıılıca thermal springs are in the town of Sakarıılıca, five kilometers from the center of Mihalgazi. Near the springs, there is a tourism-certified facility and a camping area in a forest; you can also walk among the pine trees. As the facilities available may change, check their current status before your trip.
Archaeological history in the district
The archaeological heritage should also be considered at the district level. Remains from the Byzantine period have been preserved in Mihalgazi District, including castle ruins, stone granaries, water pipes, graves, jugs, and jewelry. The Ellez Mevkii necropolis in Sakarıılıca neighborhood is an archaeological site dating from the Late Roman–Byzantine period. The Sakarıılıca tumulus is protected as a first-degree archaeological site. The ancient settlement of Oluklaryanı in Alpagut neighborhood is designated as a first- and third-degree archaeological site.
Traveling by bus
Buses run year-round in both directions between Mihalgazi and Eskişehir. The listed departure times are 07:00, 10:00, 12:00, 15:30, 17:00, and 19:00. Check the timetable before you travel so you can plan your journey using the current departure times.
Discover more destinations: Mahmudiye, Han, Karagözler, Sivrihisar, Şükranlı Köyü, Alpu, Kümbet, Çalkaya.
For the broader travel overview: Eskişehir.
