Discover Tavşanlı: Höyük, museum and history

In Tavşanlı, a long history of settlement, protected historic houses and a museum with an unusually diverse range of themes come together. Tavşanlı Höyük and the Göbel thermal baths are also nearby. This lets you tailor your trip to your family’s interests, from archaeological traces and film to local history and a visit to the thermal baths.

From the Höyük to the Neolithic period

Tavşanlı Höyük is about 1.5 km south of the district centre of Tavşanlı. The site covers about 45 hectares, and the archaeological mound is 21 metres high. These two measurements convey the scale of the site without requiring any specialist knowledge of archaeology. Research findings indicate that a Neolithic settlement there dates back to around 6000 BC. It is considered the oldest known settlement in Kütahya. For families interested in early history, the Höyük provides a special point of reference for the region’s past.

Film, archaeology and hands-on activities at the museum

The Tavşanlı Belediyesi Ahmet Uluçay Müzesi opened in a new, more modern building on 30 November 2024. On display are Ahmet Uluçay’s personal belongings, original pieces from film sets, photographs and awards. Together, they offer a look at different aspects of his film work. The museum garden also features grave stelae, baptismal fonts and columns. In addition, there is an underground coal-mining system developed by engineers and workers from Garp Linyit İşletmeleri. The collection thus brings together subjects from film, archaeology and mining.

A dedicated activity room has been designed for children. It offers workshops, experimental archaeology, artistic activities and interactive games. Families can therefore also view the museum as a place for discovering things together: while the exhibition explores a range of historical and film-related themes, the activity room is specifically aimed at children. Which of these themes interests you most can be a useful starting point when planning your stay.

Historic houses and notable figures

Historic Tavşanlı houses in the settlement area of the town centre have been recorded, registered and protected as cultural and natural monuments. One of the buildings identified by name is Zeytinoğlu Konağı at Zeytinoğlu Caddesi 2, in the Ulucami Mahallesi neighbourhood. It was registered by the Cultural Heritage Preservation Board on 19 July 1985. Boyacılar Konağı is located in Yeni Mahalle, on Hüsnü Yeğiner Sokak.

Ahmet Ağalar Konağı was built in 1905 and restored between 2015 and 2017. Today, it is used as a branch of the Turkish Red Crescent in Tavşanlı. Dedebali is also associated with Tavşanlı; he was known by the names Hace’ül-Haram and Mülayim Dede. He was a popular and charitable folk sage, took on important duties in bringing about Anatolian-Turkish unity, and died in 1394. These names and buildings offer a way to explore local history beyond the archaeological past of the Höyük.

Thermal baths, festival and getting there

The Göbel thermal baths, operated by Tavşanlı Municipality, are 6 km from the centre of Tavşanlı district. The Leblebi and Coal Festival has been held in Tavşanlı since 2000. Its name refers to two different aspects of local life, which are also echoed in the museum’s diverse themes.

A railway line connecting İzmir to Ankara via Kütahya runs through Tavşanlı. When choosing a holiday rental, you can therefore consider which of the interests described will be the focus of your trip: the history and houses in the town centre, the museum’s exhibits, or a visit to the thermal baths, 6 km from the district centre. Local history and the Höyük offer different perspectives on time, from the Neolithic settlement to buildings with precisely documented construction and restoration histories.

More destinations: Çavdarhisar, Kayaköy/Kütahya, Emet, Kütahya, Kızılcakaya, Simav, Alikahya Köyü, Altıntaş.

Back to the main travel overview: Kütahya.