Bursa – Turkiye’s First Ottoman Capital

Nestled on the fertile northwestern slopes of the majestic Uludag Mountain, Bursa is one of Turkiye’s most historic and picturesque cities. Known throughout the country as “Yesil Bursa” (Green Bursa), the city owes its nickname to its lush parks, tree-lined avenues, forests, gardens, and surrounding orchards that produce some of the country’s finest fruits.

As the first capital of the Ottoman Empire between 1326 and 1365, Bursa occupies a unique place in Turkish history. The city served as the birthplace of Ottoman architecture, administration, and culture before the imperial court moved to Edirne and later Istanbul. Today, Bursa is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving an extraordinary collection of early Ottoman monuments, historic neighborhoods, traditional markets, and thermal baths.

Modern Bursa is equally impressive. It is one of Turkiye’s largest industrial and commercial centers, famous for its automotive industry, textiles, silk production, thermal tourism, winter sports, and rich culinary traditions. Visitors can experience centuries of history while enjoying contemporary shopping centers, luxury hotels, mountain resorts, and vibrant local life.

A Journey Through Ottoman History

Walking through Bursa feels like stepping into the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire. Magnificent mosques, elegant mausoleums, centuries-old caravanserais, and beautifully restored historic buildings reflect the city’s glorious past.

The most famous monument is the Yesil Mosque (Green Mosque), completed during the reign of Sultan Mehmed I in the early 15th century. Considered one of the masterpieces of early Ottoman architecture, the mosque is renowned for its intricately carved marble entrance, exquisite İznik tile decorations, elegant calligraphy, and harmonious interior.

Directly opposite stands the magnificent Yesil Türbe (Green Tomb), the resting place of Sultan Mehmed I. Covered with brilliant turquoise tiles that shimmer in the sunlight, it has become one of Bursa’s best-known landmarks. Together with the historic madrasa, now serving as the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, these monuments form Bursa’s celebrated “Green Complex.”

Another architectural masterpiece is the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), one of the finest examples of early Ottoman religious architecture. Built with twenty domes supported by massive columns, the mosque is famous for its monumental calligraphic inscriptions, magnificent wooden pulpit, elegant fountains, and peaceful atmosphere.

Other important historical monuments include:

• Orhan Gazi Mosque
• Emir Sultan Mosque
• Yıldırım Bayezid Mosque
• Muradiye Complex
• Hisar Historic District
• Bursa City Walls
• Ottoman Houses
• Tophane Park

Each monument represents a different chapter in the evolution of Ottoman architecture and Islamic art.

The Tombs of the Ottoman Founders

One of Bursa’s most significant historical sites is Tophane, where visitors can pay their respects at the tombs of Osman Gazi, founder of the Ottoman Empire, and his son Orhan Gazi, who conquered Bursa and transformed it into the empire’s first capital.

Located on a hill overlooking the city, the park offers spectacular panoramic views of Bursa while preserving the memory of the dynasty that ruled much of southeastern Europe, western Asia, and North Africa for more than six centuries.

Muradiye Complex

The Muradiye Complex is among Bursa’s most peaceful and beautiful historic areas.

Commissioned by Sultan Murad II during the 15th century, the complex consists of a mosque, theological school, bathhouse, and numerous royal mausoleums surrounded by elegant gardens.

Its beautifully decorated tombs feature delicate İznik tiles, colorful painted decorations, carved stonework, and remarkable examples of Ottoman funerary architecture. The tranquil atmosphere makes Muradiye one of Bursa’s most rewarding historical attractions.

Bursa’s Famous Thermal Springs

Bursa has been celebrated for its healing thermal waters since Roman and Byzantine times.

The city’s mineral-rich hot springs emerge naturally from the slopes of Uludag and have attracted visitors seeking health and relaxation for nearly two thousand years.

The historic district of Cekirge is the center of Bursa’s thermal tourism. Many luxury hotels combine traditional Turkish baths with modern spa facilities, wellness centers, massage treatments, and thermal pools.

Among the best-known historic bathhouses are:

• Eski Kaplica (Old Thermal Bath)
• Yeni Kaplıca
• Karamustafa Paşa Hamamı

Experiencing a traditional Turkish bath (hamam) remains one of Bursa’s most memorable cultural experiences.

The Silk Capital of Türkiye

For centuries Bursa stood at the western end of the legendary Silk Road.

Beginning in the 15th century, merchants from Persia, Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East traded precious silk fabrics in Bursa’s bustling markets. The city soon became one of the Ottoman Empire’s most important textile centers.

Today visitors can still experience this tradition at Koza Han, one of Bursa’s most iconic historical buildings. Built in 1491, this beautifully preserved caravanserai continues to house shops selling high-quality silk scarves, shawls, fabrics, clothing, and handmade souvenirs.

Nearby, the Covered Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı) and the historic Bedesten remain lively shopping destinations where visitors can purchase jewelry, carpets, spices, Turkish delight, ceramics, leather goods, and traditional handicrafts.

Bursa Cuisine

Bursa is considered one of Türkiye’s culinary capitals.

The city’s most famous dish is the legendary İskender Kebab, created in Bursa during the 19th century. Thin slices of grilled lamb are served over freshly baked pita bread, topped with tomato sauce, melted butter, and creamy yogurt—a combination that has become famous around the world.

Other local specialties include:

• Candied chestnuts (Kestane Şekeri)
• Bursa peaches
• Pideli köfte
• Tahini pita
• Homemade jams
• Fresh olives
• Mountain honey

Traditional restaurants throughout the city continue to prepare these regional delicacies using recipes passed down through generations.

Uludağ National Park

Towering above Bursa, Uludağ is one of Türkiye’s most famous mountain destinations.

During winter it becomes the country’s premier ski resort, attracting thousands of visitors for skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and winter holidays.

In spring and summer the mountain transforms into a paradise for hikers, campers, photographers, cyclists, and nature lovers. Dense forests, alpine meadows, mountain streams, and panoramic viewpoints offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.

A modern cable car connects Bursa with the mountain, providing breathtaking views throughout the journey.

Museums and Culture

Bursa offers numerous museums that showcase its rich history and cultural heritage.

Popular museums include:

• Bursa Archaeological Museum
• Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
• Ottoman House Museum
• Panorama 1326 Bursa Conquest Museum
• Bursa City Museum
• Karagöz Museum

Bursa is also the birthplace of the beloved Turkish shadow theatre characters Karagöz and Hacivat, whose humorous performances have entertained audiences for centuries.

Shopping in Bursa

From historic caravanserais to modern shopping malls, Bursa provides excellent shopping opportunities.

Popular shopping areas include:

• Koza Han
• Covered Bazaar
• Bedesten
• Zafer Plaza
• Kent Meydanı Shopping Center
• Sur Yapı Marka Mall

Silk products, towels, textiles, olive oil products, local sweets, handmade ceramics, and traditional handicrafts make excellent souvenirs.

Major Attractions

Top attractions in Bursa include:

• Yeşil Mosque
• Yeşil Tomb
• Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami)
• Koza Han
• Covered Bazaar
• Muradiye Complex
• Tophane
• Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi Tombs
• Bursa City Museum
• Panorama 1326 Museum
• Archaeological Museum
• Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
• Karagöz Museum
• Çekirge Thermal District
• Uludağ National Park

Excursions Around Bursa

Bursa is an excellent base for exploring northwestern Türkiye.

Popular day trips include:

Uludağ National Park – Skiing in winter, hiking and picnics during summer.

Mudanya – A charming Marmara Sea coastal town known for its historic waterfront and seafood restaurants.

Trilye (Zeytinbağı) – A picturesque village famous for Greek architecture, olive groves, and peaceful seaside atmosphere.

İznik (Ancient Nicaea) – Home to impressive Roman walls, ancient churches, archaeological remains, the famous İznik tiles, Hagia Sophia of İznik, and Lake İznik.

Gemlik – Famous for producing some of Türkiye’s finest olives and offering beautiful coastal scenery.

Getting to Bursa

By Air

Bursa is served by Yenişehir Airport, while many international visitors also arrive via Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport before continuing to Bursa by road or fast ferry.

By Road

Modern highways connect Bursa with Istanbul, Ankara, İzmir, Eskişehir, Balıkesir, and all major regions of Türkiye.

By Sea

Fast ferries operate between Istanbul and Mudanya, providing one of the quickest and most scenic ways to reach Bursa.

Districts of Bursa Province

Bursa Province consists of 17 districts:

• Büyükorhan
• Gemlik
• Gürsu
• Harmancık
• İnegöl
• İznik
• Karacabey
• Keles
• Kestel
• Mudanya
• Mustafakemalpaşa
• Nilüfer
• Orhaneli
• Orhangazi
• Osmangazi
• Yenişehir
• Yıldırım

Each district offers its own unique combination of history, natural beauty, local cuisine, traditional villages, agricultural landscapes, and cultural heritage.

Bursa is a city where history, nature, wellness, and gastronomy come together in perfect harmony. Whether exploring magnificent Ottoman monuments, relaxing in centuries-old thermal baths, skiing on the slopes of Uludağ, wandering through historic silk markets, or enjoying the world-famous İskender Kebab, visitors discover a destination that beautifully preserves its rich past while embracing modern life. Few cities in Türkiye offer such a rewarding combination of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and authentic hospitality.