Overview
Sivrihisar is an off-the-beaten-path Anatolian town that few tourists visit, despite being on the main highway between Ankara and Eskişehir. The town has a well-preserved historic quarter with traditional Ottoman houses, a 1275 AD Grand Mosque that became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, and unexpected cultural cachet from the TV comedy Gönül Dağı (Mountain of Hearts), filmed here since 2020.
Architecture · Day Trips · History
Before you go
Connectivity
4G available from all Turkish carriers. No 5G as of Dec 2023. WiFi in hotels and cafes.
Culture
Sivrihisar gained cultural fame from the TV comedy-soap Gönül Dağı (filmed here since 2020), boosting local pride. The town has a conservative traditional atmosphere.
Language
Turkish is spoken. English is unlikely in small businesses. Learn a few Turkish phrases or carry a translation app.
Money
Turkey uses Turkish Lira (TRY). Cash is preferred in small shops and local eateries. ATMs available in town for card withdrawals. Prices mentioned in the article (e.g., Kaytan Otel B&B double 1000 TL, MSÖ museum adult 190 TL) reflect 2023 rates.
Safety
Sivrihisar is a quiet provincial town with minimal crime. Standard precautions apply: secure valuables, watch belongings in crowded areas.
Transport
Sivrihisar is on D200/E90, 100 km east of Eskişehir and 140 km west of Ankara. Intercity buses do not stop here; use dolmuş from Eskişehir or Polatlı. The nearest rail stations are in Eskişehir and Polatlı.
Weather
At 1070m elevation, Sivrihisar experiences cooler temperatures than the surrounding plains. Summers are warm and dry; winters can be cold with occasional snow.