Bursa Travel Guide

Bursa, a UNESCO World Heritage listed city, holds the distinction of being the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and remains a captivating destination that defies the passage of time. Its grandeur is evident through its majestic mosques, historic inns, soothing baths, sacred tombs, bustling bazaars, and a remarkable history spanning seven millennia.

A renowned Turkish poet once lauded this ancient city, describing it as possessing 'another time.' He elaborated, 'It's a timeless essence beyond the confines of calendars and clocks, transcending our daily lives filled with laughter and enjoyment.' As you explore Bursa, you'll come to appreciate the profound truth in the poet's words.

Venturing into the heart of the city, you'll find yourself enveloped by historical mosques and charming inns, as if your connection to the present has been momentarily suspended, and you've journeyed back through the centuries.

Bursa has 3 remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites – İznik (formerly Nicea), a location featured in Dan Brown's 'The Da Vinci Code' where the historic Council of Nicaea convened under the decree of the Roman Emperor Constantine, and the picturesque Ottoman village of Cumalıkızık, which boasts a history of over 700 years. These alone make a compelling case for your visit to Bursa.

But Bursa's UNESCO treasures don't end there. The city center itself is a living testament to a glorious past, adorned with districts of khans(caravanserais), kulliyes (religious institutions) that seamlessly integrate mosques, religious schools, public baths, and even a kitchen for the less fortunate. This dynamic ensemble mirrors the multifaceted societal fabric of the Ottoman era, where architecture was not just about aesthetics but a reflection of community welfare.

Amidst this historical mosaic, the tomb of Osman Ghazi, founder of the Ottoman dynasty, stands tall, a symbol of the city's foundational roots. Joining him in eternal rest is his son, Orhan Ghazi, the second sultan of the Ottoman Empire, their tombs encapsulating the legacy of a dynasty that shaped the course of history.

Bursa guarantees a satisfying blend of history, nature, sea breezes, and opportunities for winter sports. But let's not forget the city's culinary delights. Bursa is a place that not only pleases the eye but also tantalizes the taste buds.

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Bursa was meticulously designed and governed through an innovative and ingenious system, a testament to the visionary city planning initiated by the first Ottoman Sultans.

During the foundation of Ottoman Bursa, strategic locations on hills overlooking the plains were identified. In these key areas, complexes featuring mosques, madrasahs, baths, imarets, tombs, and public buildings were meticulously constructed under the reigns of five significant sultans: Orhan Gazi, Murad I, Yıldırım Bayezid, Çelebi Mehmed, and Murad II. These complexes, serving as social, cultural, religious, and educational hubs, played a pivotal role in shaping the city's boundaries.

The majority of Bursa's historical landmarks, integral to a complete experience of the city, are situated near the city center at Heykel. Easily accessible by public transport or car, these significant sites are within walking distance or a short journey, allowing visitors to explore the rich history and culture that Bursa has to offer.

Bursa to do & seeBursa Things to do

Step into the heart of Bursa's rich history and architectural splendor with the iconic Bursa Ulu Cami, also known as the Grand Mosque. Dating back to the 14th century, this masterpiece commissioned by Sultan Bayezid I stands as a testament to the city's cultural heritage.

Admire the distinctive blend of Seljuk and Ottoman styles, the mesmerizing calligraphy by renowned artists, and the symbolic pillars that echo with centuries of spiritual significance. Join me on a journey through time and discover the profound beauty and historical resonance of this revered landmark in the heart of Bursa.

Bursa Ulu Cami / Bursa Grand Mosque

Bursa Sultan Kulliye Complexes

Embark on a captivating journey through the centuries with the enchanting Sultan Kulliye Complexes of Bursa. These architectural marvels, commissioned by the early Ottoman Sultans, stand as timeless symbols of the empire's grandeur and cultural richness. Immerse yourself in the intricate designs, serene courtyards, and magnificent mosques that make up these complexes, including the iconic Green Mosque&Tomb, Orhan Gazi, Yıldırım Bayezid, Muradiye, Emir Sultan and 1. Murat Hudavendigar Kulliye Complexes. Each element tells a story of Bursa's pivotal role in shaping Ottoman history. Join me in exploring the spiritual and architectural legacy of the Sultan Kulliye Complexes, where history comes to life in the heart of Turkey's cultural capital Bursa.

Covered Grand Bazaar

The Bursa Grand Bazaar, situated in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hanlar Region, stands as one of the Ottoman Empire's earliest marketplaces. Boasting a rich history spanning seven centuries, it remains the bustling commercial heart of the city.

During the reign of Orhangazi, the second Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, the areas between the inns were roofed, marking the inception of closed bazaars and the earliest form of the Grand Bazaar. Over time, additional bazaars such as jewelers, Ivaz Pasha, Gelincik, Sipahiler, quilters, chesters, and coppersmiths were integrated, forming the covered bazaar we see today. This vibrant shopping center offers a diverse array of products, from exquisite jewelry, furniture, and clothing to shoes, antiques, and bridal gowns. Accessible through various entrances, the Grand Bazaar connects you to these specialized markets.

Long Bazaar

Extending eastward from the Koza Inn, the Long Bazaar is a continuation of the Grand Bazaar. In the 17th century, the renowned Turkish traveler Evliya Çelebi reported a staggering 9,000 shops in the Long Bazaar. Initially open, the top of the bazaar is now covered. The primary trade here revolves around textiles.

Tuz pazarı (Salt Bazaar)

Tuzpazarı, one of Bursa's oldest markets, is easily accessible by strolling along the Long Bazaar. Here, you'll discover everything from nuts to cheese, spices to fresh produce, encapsulating the essence of a traditional marketplace.

Shopping

Bursa Khans Region (Caravanserais)

Many developments occurred in the region after the Ottoman conquest of Bursa, with the most significant being in the field of trade. Inns played a major role in transforming Bursa into a thriving trade center. Due to its location on the trade routes of Anatolia, especially on the Silk Road, inns became places where passers by could both stay overnight and rest.

The Hanlar(Khans) Region, included in Bursa's list of UNESCO protected historical places, is recognized as a unified whole. Today, it remains a region where Ottoman trade culture is preserved, and traditional values and rituals, such as bargaining and neighborhood culture, are still encountered.

Fidan Khan

Another historical building in Bursa's Hanlar District, Fidan Inn, was built in the 15th century by Mahmut Pasha, Grand Vizier of Fatih Sultan Mehmet. The two-story inn features a small mosque with a fountain in the middle. With 48 rooms on the ground floor and 50 on the upper floor, the ground floor houses shops, restaurants, and cafes specializing in textile work.

İpek Khan

Built in the first half of the 15th century to generate income for the Green Complex, İpek Inn was used by silk merchants during the Ottoman period. Today, with 94 rooms, it serves as a place for textile trade, housing tailor workshops and ready-to-wear shops.

Koza Khan / Silk Bazaar

Built in 1492 by Bayezıt II to generate income for the mosque and madrasah in Istanbul, Koza Inn occupies a large area between the Orhan Mosque and the Ulu Mosque. The inn, predominantly constructed with cut stones and bricks, features two floors and a total of 95 rooms 50 on the upper floor and 45 on the lower floor. The upper floor is home to shops selling various scarves, shawls, silk fabrics, colorful silk products, as well as artistic items and souvenirs.

Koza Inn, renowned for silk and silkworm cocoon trade during the Ottoman Period, remains a captivating place with a fountain and a domed mosque in the middle of the courtyard. Queen Elizabeth II visited this inn during her trip to Bursa, and today, the courtyard is arranged as a cafe and tea garden.

Pirinç Khan

Built by Beyazıt II in 1508 to support the mosque and its imaret in Istanbul, Pirinç Inn reopened in 2002 as a shopping center. The inn, with two floors, boasts 40 rooms on the upper floor and 38 on the lower floor. It was known for hosting foreign merchants before the 19th century and continues to be one of the most visited inns by foreign traders in Bursa. Today, the ground floor of the inn houses food and beverage establishments, while the top floor serves as small warehouses.

Çukur (Kütahya) Khan

Çukur Inn (Kütahya Inn) was built by Emir Sultan, one of the important Islamic scholars of the era and the son-in-law of the 4th Ottoman Sultan Yıldırım Bayezid Khan.

It has two floors, a central courtyard, two doors, and 37 rooms. During the Ottoman period, it served as a place for those who came to Bursa to stay.

Today, Çukur Inn hosts Turkish-Islamic handicraft artists and a tahini maker, along with a cafe. It is located opposite the Nalıncılar Bath on TuzPazarı Street.

Emir Khan

Built as part of the Orhan Gazi Complex after the conquest of Bursa in 1326, Emir Inn is located in the area known as Atpazarı. It is the first bedesten of the Ottomans, featuring 36 rooms on the lower floor and 73 rooms on the upper floor.

The two-story Han, constructed with cut stone and brick, has porticoes on the lower floor designed as warehouses, while the upper floor rooms have windows and stoves. Today, the inn is a place where textile products, souvenirs, and books are sold.

Balibey Khan

Built during the reign of Ottoman Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in the late 15th century, Balibey Inn is the first three-story inn in Ottoman history. It is situated on Atatürk Avenue, the center and busiest street of Bursa. The inn, built to accommodate groups coming from outside the city to trade in the Grand Bazaar, features 64 rooms. The middle floor hosts 30 art workshops, exhibition and meeting halls showcasing traditional handicrafts, and the upper floor offers a café with a unique Bursa view. There's also a restaurant and a cave downstairs, which visitors to the restaurant can explore.

All these khans/inns are very close to each other, only a few minutes' walk apart. When you start walking in the historic center, which is still the heart of Bursa, you'll discover some of the most important historical and architectural beauties, including the Grand Mosque, Covered Bazaar, and Khans, one after another.

Bursa Castle and Walls / Sultanate Gate

Bursa was founded in the 2nd century BC by the Bithynians, who arrived in the region in the 7th century BC and later established an independent kingdom in 327 BC. The King of Bithynia, Prusias, constructed the city of Prusias in 185 BC on a hill, surrounded by walls based on the suggestion of Carthaginian general Hannibal, who had fled the Romans and sought refuge in his country. One of the notable attractions in Bursa is Bursa Castle and its walls, originally built by the Bithynians and later restored during various periods, including Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and the Turkish Republic.

The castle boasts 5 gates and 14 bastions, with the most famous gate being the Sultanate Gate. An intriguing feature within the castle walls is the underground passages and bunkers, likely constructed during the Byzantine period. In 1326, during the period of Orhan Gazi, who added Bursa to the Ottoman lands, the walls were fortified with bastions. According to the famous Ottoman traveler Evliya Çelebi, who visited Bursa in 1640, the walls had sixty-seven towers and five gates, surrounded by ten thousand steps. Today, the walls of Bursa span 2 km, and you can observe a significant portion on the left side of the hill leading to Tophane Park.

Irgandı Bridge

Irgandı Bridge, connecting the two sides of Bursa since 1442 and boasting only a few examples worldwide, is built over the Gökdere River. Originally covered, the upper part of the bridge was destroyed in the earthquake of 1855. Today, the bridge hosts artisan craftsmen, art workshops, and shops selling handcrafted souvenirs. These establishments showcase the finest examples of craftsmanship in mother-of-pearl and tile making. Irgandı Bridge is a ten-minute walk from the Green Tomb and mosque, and a five-minute walk from the city center.

Heykel Historic City Hall

Established in 1867, the building of the Municipality of Bursa stands as Turkey's oldest municipal building.

The Bursa Municipality building, initially constructed in the north of Governmental Street where Orhan Imaret was located, was later relocated east of the Orhan Mosque within the Orhan Complex, built in the 14th century, after a fire.

The interior spatial design evokes Ottoman Mansions, utilizing a wooden carcass brick filling without plaster in the façade layout, reminiscent of the features of 18th-century Bursa houses

Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi Tombs

The tombs of Osman Gazi, the founder of the Ottoman State, and his son Orhan Gazi, are located in Bursa Tophane. After Osman Gazi's son Orhan Gazi conquered Bursa in 1326, he fulfilled his father's will and buried him inside the structure called Gümüşlü Dome. This place was originally a Byzantine chapel converted into a mausoleum during the Ottoman period. The giant sarcophagus in the middle of the tomb belongs to Osman Gazi, and the sarcophagi next to him belong to his wife and children. Orhan Gazi's tomb is located just opposite to his father Osman Gazi’s tomb. The tomb includes the sarcophaguses belonging to Yıldırım Bayezid's son, Fatma Sultan, and Cem Sultan, in addition to those belonging to Orhan Gazi's wife Nilüfer Hatun and his son Şehzade Kasım.

Bursa Tophane Clock Tower

Situated in the Tophane park, where the tombs of Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi are also located, the 33-meter-high Clock Tower, built during Sultan Abdülaziz's reign, was reconstructed in 1904 after being destroyed for unknown reasons. It stands as one of the most beautiful vantage points to view Bursa panoramically. Additionally, during Ramadan, this location is renowned for firing the famous cannon shots that echo throughout the city.

Bursa Museums

Bursa, a city steeped in history and culture, boasts a rich collection of museums that showcase its past and present. From ancient artifacts to Ottoman-era relics, Bursa's museums offer a fascinating glimpse into the city's vibrant history. As you navigate these museums, you'll uncover the diverse narratives that have woven Bursa's identity, leaving you with a profound appreciation for this historic gem.

Bursa City Museum

Turkiye's first city museum, offering a comprehensive view of Bursa's cultural, historical, social, commercial, and economic richness spanning over 8,500 years. Explore the city's phases from ancient civilizations to the Ottoman period, featuring wax sculptures of Ottoman sultans and a depiction of Bursa's traditional trade life.

Bursa Archaeology Museum

Showcasing works from the Bithynia and Mysia regions, this museum exhibits artifacts dating back to 3000 BC. Terracotta tomb finds, Greco-Persian grave stele, Roman stone works, and a rich collection of steles from various periods highlight the region's historical significance.

Turkish Islamic Arts Museum

Housed in the Green Madrasa, this museum exhibits items related to traditional shadow play, Bursa's Turkish bath culture, dervish lodge items, Ottoman medals, and insignia. Notable objects include illuminated manuscripts, Quran copies, and various kitchen utensils made of copper.

Uluumay Ottoman Folk Clothing and Jewelry Museum

Founded by Esat Uluumay, this museum presents a specialized collection showcasing Ottoman folk costumes, folk jewelry, and artifacts from 72 nations within the Ottoman Empire. The collection spans 350 years and has been the subject of research by numerous universities.

Bursa Knife Museum

Highlighting the city's 700-year tradition of knife making, this museum features the best examples of Bursa gift knives, including a historic knife produced from obsidian dating back to 6000 BC.

Kılıç Kalkan House Museum

Dedicated to the historical Kılıç Kalkan folklore dance, this museum explores the origins of the dance, evolving from a siege tactic during the Ottoman army's conquest of Bursa in 1326.

Karagöz Museum

As Turkey's first and only Karagöz museum, it delves into the history of the Turkish shadow play. The museum displays original Karagöz play depictions and caricatures from Ottoman newspapers.

Bursa Atatürk House Museum

Housed in a late 19th-century mansion, this museum showcases original items used by Atatürk during his stay in Bursa.

Panorama 1326 Bursa Conquest Museum

The world's largest panoramic museum, offering a cultural complex that narrates the establishment story of the Ottoman Empire and provides an immersive experience of Bursa's conquest in 1326.

17th Century Ottoman House Museum

Believed to be Sultan Murad II's mansion, this museum exhibits 17th-century ornaments and animations reflecting the lifestyles of that period.

Hünkar Mansion Museum

Built in 1844, this mansion served as a hunting lodge for Ottoman sultans. It features black and white pebbles, artistic ceiling ornaments, and a fountain covered with Kutahya tiles.

Bursa Life Culture Museum / Hasan Eşref Efendi Mansion

An example of 18th-century Turkish architecture, this museum explores Bursa's traditional life culture, presenting customs and traditions through animations.

Tofaş Bursa Anatolian Cars Museum

The only Anatolian Cars Museum in Turkey, housed in a transformed silk factory, displays traditional and modern vehicles, showcasing the evolution of transportation over the years.

Bursa is one of the richest cities in the world in terms of Turkish baths and especially spas. As Fatih Sultan Mehmet said: “The three most important things in a city are sewerage, baths and libraries. "Sewerage cleans the dirt of the city, the bath cleans the dirt of the body, libraries clean the dirt of the soul."

Old Hot Springs (Armutlu Bath)

The oldest and the biggest among the thermal springs in Bursa. It is also known as Armutlu bath. Although the exact date of construction is not known, in some sources it is said that this hot spring existed in 1333. In fact, the existing structure was built by the Ottoman sultan Murad I towards the end of the second half of the 14th century. Since the spa was built where there was a remnant from the Byzantine baths, its name remained as an old hot spring.

As an architectural feature, it does not fit the characteristics of any bath structure in Bursa. The water in the pool is between 40-44 degrees. The operation of the spa / hammam is operated by Marigold Thermal & SPA Hotel. The place offers service to hotel guests as well as hotel customers . There is an entrance both from inside the hotel and by the street.

It is the most important place where you can experience the real bath experience in a real spa and at the same time you can breathe the history.

How to get there: You can get off the bus or dolmush which is going from Bursa Heykel (city center) to the junction in the Çekirge Square, right in front of the bath.

https://marigold.com.tr/home/wellness/

New Hot Springs

It is one of the most known and old spas of Bursa. It was built in 1552 by Rüstem Pasha, the vizier of Suleiman the Magnificent.

It is believed that this spa is good for skin, intestinal, rheumatism and bladder diseases. It is one of the beautiful examples that reflect the art of the period.

http://www.yenikaplica.com.tr/yeni_kaplica.html

Bursa Hot Springs and Baths

Inkaya Plane Tree

It got its name from Inkaya Village, one of the first villages of the Ottoman Empire. The 600-year-old plane tree is famous worldwide. Its diameter is 3m and the height is 35m. This monumental tree has 13 main branches. The thickness of the branches reaches 3-4 meters and with 9.2 meter circumference it is one of Turkey's oldest trees.

Çınar offers barbecue places, tea gardens and gift stalls and breakfast rooms in the immediate vicinity.

Just under the plane tree, you can find fruits grown in the surrounding villages along the road and souvenirs, many of which are made by villagers. If you coincide with the season, the mulberry, raspberry, strawberry, and cherry fruits growing on the skirts of Uludağ are sold by the villagers.

How to get to Inkaya Plane Tree

It is 9 km away from the city center. You can get there by taking the bus number 1C from the stops opposite the Zafer Plaza, getting off at İnkaya stop. If you are going with a rental car, if you set the navigation device as Inkaya, you can reach it within 20 minutes.

Bursa Cable car / Teleferik

Turkey's first cable car Bursa cable car which is almost 9 km of length is one of the world's longest cable car. It has served with the same technology from its opening (29 October 1963) until 2012. n 2014, technology, infrastructure and stations were completely renewed and started to serve again.

The cable car central station facility provides services with its automation-guided system, large passenger reception hall and parking lot for 240 vehicles, shops and cafes.

Sarıalan station is 1635 meters above sea level. You can reach Sarıalan via 36 kilometers of road with over 300 bends but with cable car it takes just 12 minutes.

The hotels station is at an altitude of 1810 meters. It includes a market, a restaurant, a cafe and a gift shop.

Each of the Bursa Teleferik stations has shops for passengers before and after the trip. These shops, which are open during the open hours of the cable car, offer many options from shopping to eating and drinking, from souvenir photographs to toy shops.

It provides fast, comfortable and safe travel with a total of 144 cabins and one cabin every 20 seconds. It offers a quiet journey with a passenger capacity of 1500 people per hour, 8-person cabins, aerodynamic design that prevents shaking, hydraulic doors with automatic control system, and central electric system.

With the Automatic Control system, passengers in the cabin can communicate with the center using the Emergency Support line 444 6 345 in an emergency.

How to get there: You can easily get to the cable car in 5-10 minutes from the minibus station behind the Atatürk statue in the center of Bursa .

You can use the bus number 94 to reach the Cable Car from Bursa Intercity Bus Terminal.

Bursa Soğanlı Botanical Park and Zoo

Soğanlı Botanical Park, with its 400.000 m2 spreading area, constitutes the limit that will protect the fertile Bursa plain.It is a park open to herbal research and scientific studies. In the park; There are many themed gardens such as 8,000 trees of 150 species, 100,000 bushes of 76 species, 50,000 groundcover plants of 20 species, 6,000 roses of 27 species, as well as areas related to plant gardens, Japanese garden, azalea-rhododendron garden, scented plants garden.

The park has been declared as 1st Degree Natural Protected Area since 1998 and taken under protection.

Soğanlı Botanical Park also serves for recreational and sporting purposes. For this purpose, there are 12 km walking path, 2.5 km long fitness equipment enriched running path, 1.8 km asphalt covered bicycle path, 9 fixed table tennis area, 1 model automobile track.

In addition to these, there are 3 large ponds, 1 water games pool, 2 children's playgrounds, 4 wc, 2 buffets, a buffet-bike house, a pastry shop, an administrative building.

These facilities have been planned in order to meet the needs of the visitors and with minimum construction and with minimum damage to the natural environment.

In the southern part of the Botanical Park; Bursa Houses, which were created with an exact copy of the 4 historical houses in Bursa in the 17th, 18th, 19th and 19th centuries, are located.

Bursa Zoo

With the consultancy of the European Zoological Gardens and Aquariums Association (EAZA), Bursa Zoo, where animal rights are kept at the highest level, has been established on an area of 206,600 square meters by creating living spaces that are suitable for the needs of each animal species, the environments closest to natural life and providing socialization opportunities and has been serving since 1999.

There are 500 animals in 55 species in the zoo. In addition, there are cafeterias, playgrounds, a demonstration center for education (slides, movies, videos) and classes where children can receive one-to-one training. With its administrative buildings, animal cuisine, animal clinic, rehabilitation center, social facilities and educational units, the water bird cage, lion shelter and African savannah are among the best examples in Europe. In addition, Cumalı Kızık houses, which are located in the children's zoo section and reflect Turkish architecture, are also quite remarkable.

http://www.bursahayvanatbahcesi.com

How to go to Soğanlı Botanic Park and Zoo

You can reach there by bus numbered 35A, 15 or 15E departing from the city center or Soğanlı-Botanic Park minibuses departing from the city square.