Simav: Culture, Tradition and Thermal Springs

Simav can be discovered through a wide variety of experiences: the Kent Müzesi takes you through long periods of local history, historic mosques showcase distinctive architectural styles, and the annual Panayır brings together amusement parks, markets and cultural events. The Eynal-Kaplıcaları are also nearby. When choosing your holiday apartment, you can therefore consider whether you would like to include the city’s culture, the festival or geothermal springs in your trip.

City History at the Kent Müzesi

The Simav Kent Müzesi was established by converting the historic Osmanbey primary school building. It served as a school from 1926 until the Simav earthquake of 2011. Today, the museum displays photographs, information, documents and artefacts covering a period from prehistoric times to the Turkish Republic. A visit thus offers insight into different eras, rather than focusing on just one period of local history.

A dedicated room explores Yaren culture: the Yaren room is furnished with Simav carpets, copper trays and musical instruments such as the saz and ud. These objects give the subject a tangible, visible form. Families visiting can look at traditional objects and instruments alongside the written and photographic information.

Historic Mosques and Architectural Styles

The Ulu Cami is built of hewn stone. Its lead-covered dome rests on an octagonal drum, while the minaret is made of brick. Year of construction: 1425. In 1551, the mosque was repaired by Süleyman Çavuş, an apprentice of Mimar Sinan. Its architecture and historical details offer different points of interest: you can focus on the materials and structure or explore the recorded dates.

Another historic mosque is the Üzüm Pazarı Cami. Built of stone in Simav town centre in 1825, it can accommodate 250 people. Together with the Ulu Cami, it offers a look at two named places of worship, each with its own architectural features and historical details. This makes it possible to explore Simav’s cultural history through specific buildings, without implying that the two mosques share the same architectural history.

Panayır and the Geothermal Surroundings

The Simav Panayırı takes place every year between the last week of August and the first week of September. This traditional festival includes amusement parks, stalls, markets selling regional products, and social and cultural events. These different elements make the Panayır a distinct attraction alongside the historic sights. If your trip falls during this period, you can make the festivities another focus of your visit; outside this time frame, the city’s history offers a different way to explore.

The Eynal-Kaplıcaları are four kilometres from Simav town centre. Thanks to their mineral content and water temperature, they are among the region’s significant geothermal springs. The historic Büyük Hamam is also located nearby, in the Eynal thermal baths. It combines preserved historic design with modern comfort and offers visitors a nostalgic bathing experience. The area around Simav therefore offers geothermal springs and the historic bath as distinct attractions, alongside its museum and architecture.

Other Places and Regional Highlights

The Karşıyaka-Seyir Terrace, built by the municipality, is located within the city centre. Nearby, on the borders of Beciler and Yeniköy, the Peri Bacaları area is designated as a qualified nature conservation area. Further afield in the region, the historic Dokuz Göz Köprüsü is a nine-arch bridge on the Simav plain, over the former Simav River, on the Simav–Naşa–Bursa road. These places differ considerably in character, ranging from an urban structure to a designated conservation area and a historic bridge.

For more travel ideas, you can also include Alikahya Köyü, Gediz, Kayaköy/Kütahya, Kütahya, Altıntaş, Tavşanlı, Çavdarhisar and Emet in your plans.

Return to the main travel overview: Kütahya.