Ertugrul Gazi Tomb, Sogut and Bilecik Tour – Daily from Istanbul

If you’re interested in exploring Turkey’s early Ottoman history beyond just the grand mosques and palaces, this Ertugrul Gazi Tomb, Sogut, and Bilecik tour offers a fascinating window into the past. It’s a full-day experience that takes you to the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire, with visits to significant tombs, historic mosques, and local monuments. We’ve seen many such tours, and this one seems to strike a good balance between culture and manageable travel time, especially for those who want to connect with the roots of Turkish history in a more personal way.

Two things we particularly like about this tour are its small-group format—capped at just eight travelers—which really enhances the interaction with your guide, and the comprehensive itinerary that covers key sites like Ertuğrul Gazi’s tomb, Sheikh Edebali’s grave, and the first Ottoman mosque, Kuyulu Masjid. However, it’s worth noting that this is a long day, and some might find the extended drives a bit tiring if they prefer more leisurely pace or have mobility considerations. Still, for history buffs or curious travelers eager to go beyond the surface, this tour can be quite rewarding.

This experience is best suited for those interested in Turkish history, Ottoman roots, or cultural tours that include meaningful visits rather than just sightseeing. It might not be ideal if you’re traveling with very young children or looking for a relaxed, less intense day, but if you’re up for a full immersion into Turkey’s early Ottoman culture, it’s a solid choice.

Key Points

• Authentic Historical Focus: Visit the tomb of Ertuğrul Gazi, Sheikh Edebali, and the first Ottoman mosque, offering a genuine connection to the Ottoman origins.
• Intimate Group Size: Tours are limited to 8 people, promoting personalized attention and more relaxed interaction with your guide.
• Full-Day Experience: Approximately 11 hours, including transfers, visits, and lunch—plan for a long but enriching day.
• Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pickup and air-conditioned vehicle help mitigate transit fatigue, especially important on a lengthy day.
• Value for Money: The price of about $344 per person includes guiding, entrance fees, and lunch, which many reviews find reasonable given the depth of the experience.
• Historical Context: Stops at monuments, museums, and graves offer a deeper understanding of Ottoman history beyond just the main sites.

Breaking Down the Experience

This tour is designed to give you a well-rounded picture of the origins of the Ottoman Empire with visits to key historical sites, tombs, and mosques. The day begins early, with pickup at your Istanbul hotel, setting the tone for a well-organized trip that minimizes transit stress. Being a small group means you’ll get plenty of guide interaction, ask questions freely, and enjoy a more personal experience.

First Stop: Ertugrul Gazi Tomb

The highlight for many is the Tomb of Ertugrul Gazi, the legendary father of Osman I, who founded the Ottoman dynasty. The tomb is a focal point, but what makes this visit special is the chance to see multiple monuments dedicated to him scattered around the town. The site is quite evocative, especially if you like dressing up in costumes for photos, which adds a fun, immersive element. One reviewer noted that “we loved the way the guide brought history to life,” which speaks to the quality of the storytelling here.

Sogut Museum

Next, you’ll visit the Sogut Museum, which is a treasure trove of ethnographic and archaeological items. It’s a quick stop but meaningful—featuring old clothes, carpets, weapons, and coins from Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. This gives a tangible sense of the area’s layered history. One traveler appreciated this stop, saying it provided a glimpse into the local culture and history that’s often missing from more superficial tours.

Sogut and Kuyulu Masjid

The visit to Kuyulu Masjid—the first mosque built by Ottomans, known for its well—is both historically significant and picturesque. You’ll get a chance to admire the architecture and snap some photos. Nearby, a monument dedicated to Turkish leaders offers a broader national context. The stop is brief but impactful, especially if you’re interested in the dawn of Ottoman architecture.

Sheikh Edebali & Bala Hatun Tombs

Visiting the Tombs of Sheikh Edebali and Bala Hatun is one of the emotional highlights. Sheikh Edebali was the spiritual guide to Ertugrul and considered a key figure in Ottoman history. His tomb, along with that of Bala Hatun, adds depth to the story of how the Ottoman dynasty was spiritually and culturally founded. The entrance fee isn’t included here, so be prepared for that if you want to step inside.

Ottoman Mosques and Parks

The tour includes visits to the Orhangazi Mosque, known as the first Ottoman mosque, and the Ottoman Sultans Park, where you can learn about the line of Ottoman rulers. These sites are less about grandiosity and more about understanding the religious and political evolution of the empire. They’re good spots for reflection and photos, and they add a nice historical balance to the stops.

Bilecik Province & Final Sightings

After exploring Sogut, the tour continues into Bilecik, where you’ll revisit Sheikh Edebali’s tomb and the tomb of Bala Hatun. The inclusion of both sites reinforces the importance of family and spiritual figures in Ottoman history. The town itself offers a quiet, authentic backdrop for these important sites, and the short stops make it manageable within the day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s price covers air-conditioned transportation, guiding, entrance fees, and a Turkish lunch, which most travelers find to be a fair deal considering the depth of the itinerary. Keep in mind, breakfast and drinks with lunch are extra, so budget accordingly. The convenience of hotel pickup is a big plus, especially for those who prefer to skip dealing with local transport or taxis.

Several reviews praise the value for money, emphasizing that you’re getting a lot for the price—especially the guide’s insights and the well-organized schedule. Conversely, one review mentions a less satisfying experience due to some logistical issues like a missed coach and additional taxi costs, so be prepared for minor hiccups.

Practical Tips for the Day

• Dress comfortably and modestly—especially since you’ll be visiting religious sites.
• Bring some cash for optional entrance fees or souvenirs, as some tombs or museums might charge separately.
• Be prepared for a long day; comfortable shoes and water are recommended.
• If you’re interested in photos, the early morning or late afternoon light can make your shots more atmospheric.
• Since breakfast isn’t included, consider having a light meal beforehand unless you want to buy snacks during the stops.

Who Would Love This Tour

This trip is particularly good for history enthusiasts, cultural travelers, and those curious about the roots of the Ottoman Empire. It’s suitable for travelers who are comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and a fair amount of driving. Because it’s a small-group experience, it’s also ideal if you prefer more personalized attention and fewer crowds. If you’re generally interested in Turkey’s heritage sites and want to see the birthplace of the Ottoman state, this tour provides a meaningful way to connect with that history.

The Sum Up

All in all, this Ertugrul Gazi Tomb, Sogut, and Bilecik tour offers a compelling mix of history, culture, and personal connection to Turkey’s Ottoman origins. Its small-group format enhances interaction, and the well-planned itinerary ensures you see the most significant sites without feeling rushed. The inclusion of a Turkish lunch and hotel pickup adds value, making it a convenient and insightful choice for those wanting to go beyond the usual tourist spots.

While the day is long, many travelers find the experience to be worth the effort, especially given the authentic sites visited and the knowledgeable guide. It’s a tour that rewards those with a genuine interest in Turkey’s history and a curiosity about its early days. If you’re prepared for a full, educational day and want to understand the story behind the empire, this could be a memorable addition to your trip.

FAQ

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience and better guide interaction.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers transfers, guiding, entrance fees to sites, and lunch. Breakfast and drinks with lunch are extra.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup from your Istanbul hotel is included, which helps reduce transit hassle.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 11 hours, so be prepared for a full day of sightseeing and travel.

What is the best way to dress?
Dress comfortably and modestly, especially when visiting mosques and religious sites.

Can I take photos at all sites?
Yes, photos are generally welcome, particularly at scenic spots like the tombs and mosques.

Are there any additional costs not included?
Entrance fees to Sheikh Edebali’s tomb are not included, so you might want to carry some extra cash.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly designed for children, the interest level and pace make it suitable for older kids or teenagers interested in history.

If you want to step into the roots of Ottoman history with a well-organized, small-group experience, this tour offers a respectful, insightful, and practical way to do so.