File:Eskisehir Odunpazarı tour in 2018 8491.jpg

English: An ostentatious wall painting drew my attention to a house dedicated to the famous mystic poet Yunus Emre. Inside I found a calligrapher (Kadri Kurutan, Yeşil Efendi Sokak nr. 16) who had his shop in the same building. He spoke German well, which made for an informative conversation. He showed me his work as well as, for instance, that of a famous calligrapher who “designed” the famous Atatürk signature (which was not that of Atatürk himself). He also explained the reference to Emre was “just the name of the shop” (not his, that of a cultural society. Bonzo Dog lovers will notice my allusion). From a first visit I have always admired the town for seemingly considering its “old” houses not as “things of the past” but “things to be kept for the future”. During later visits many had not been torn down, but restored, in particular in an area called Odunpazarı (“Firewood market”). In 2018 I walked that specific region, paying attention to the old houses, many now splendidly restored, but also to the renovation works themselves and the contrasting “modern” buildings present also. In addition I visited some local artisans and took pictures of things that struck my fancy.