A picture-perfect scene from Türkiye: The birthplace of the Ottoman Empire

AA | 2 November 2026 Monday 11:29 | Last Updated: 2 November 2026 Monday 11:29

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The Domaniç Mountains, located on the border between Kütahya and Bursa provinces in western Türkiye, have turned shades of yellow, green and brown with the arrival of autumn. The mountains once served as summer pastures for the Kayı tribe during the early years of the Ottoman Empire.

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In Domaniç district of Kütahya, western Türkiye, falling temperatures have brought seasonal changes to the leaves of beech, oak and pine trees. Golden foliage contrasts with trees that retain their green leaves across the area's extensive forests.

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Situated at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters (4,921 feet), the Domaniç Mountains are home to natural and historical attractions, including Kocayayla, Topuk Plateau Nature Park and the Kayı Migration Route.

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A migration route dating back to the early Ottoman period

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During the early years of the Ottoman Empire, Söğüt, in present-day Bilecik province, served as the Kayı tribe's winter quarters, while Domaniç was used as its summer pasture. The tribe migrated between the two areas according to the seasons.

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The historic route begins in Çarşamba village in Domaniç, where the Tomb of Hayme Ana is located. Hayme Ana was the mother of Ertuğrul Gazi and grandmother of Osman Gazi, the founder of the Ottoman Empire. The route preserves traces of the early Ottoman period.

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