Eskişehir or Eskişehir literally translates to “old city.” Excavations have proven that it dates back to 3000 BC or earlier, but despite this, the city is lively and crowded with young students from the two main local universities, It is also characterized by the character of European cities, especially on the banks of the Porsuk River, as Europe was an inspiration for the development of the city after thousands of immigrants from the Crimea and the Balkans settled in the nineteenth century, and these Western influences are reflected first and foremost on the local mentality , but also on the city's interesting cuisine, culture and traditions. Today, the city contains hundreds of years old wooden houses, many of which have been recently restored, making the area a popular tourist destination. Some of the buildings are now used as hotels, restaurants, and museums, and are among the best examples of local architecture in the Ottoman period.