Turkish Bursa : Why Bursa Should Be on Your Travel Radar

Turkish Bursa, Located at the foot of Mount Uludag. Bursa has a rich history as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Among the architectural wonders of the Ottoman past are the Grand Mosque (Ulu Qami) ​​and the Green Tomb (Yesil Turbe).Interesting place for travelers. Shop for textiles, hand-painted ceramics and fresh produce at the vibrant Bursa Bazaar. Visit the rich Bursa Silk Bazaar (Koza Han) to get a taste of the splendor of Ottoman clothing. Silk Market The legacy of silk production is rich.

Outside the city, you can enjoy stunning mountain views and a cable car ride up to Mount Uludag during the winter season. Turkish Bursa is a fascinating blend of history, culture and natural beauty. Bursa is a unique addition to any Turkish adventure.

 

History of Turkish Bursa

Steeped in years of history, Turkish Bursa tells stories of cities, empires and cultural connections. The Turkish town was established in the 2nd century attacking the region, and Bithynians B.C set up a empire. This region was subsequently conquered by the Romans in 78 BC. Roman gave the city the name Prusa. Thanks to the hot springs, it was a major commercial center and citadel of healing.

What changed the fate of Turkish Bursa was the 14th century arrival of Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire, in 1326 and making Bursa the capital of Ottoman Empire. During Ottoman times the city flourished and was a significant center of silk production, trade and Islamic learning. This culminated in masterpieces such as the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) and Yeşilzal Tomb (Yeşil Türbe) and the establishment of an architectural style based on the Ottoman language.

It served as the capital of the Ottoman Empire for almost a century after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453. Still one of its most important, though not its capital. It grew to become an Sufi mysticism center and was also one of many resting ground locations for Ottoman royalty. The city became even more economically prosperous and not just for its production of silk and craft. Koza Han (Silk Bazaar) is another example from this era that can still be seen today in the heart of the city.

Why famous Turkish Bursa

This picturesque assortment of historical, cultural, and natural wonders has made Bursa a household word: Bursa, Cradle of the Ottomans: As the first Capital of the Ottoman Empire from 1326 to 1453, Turkish Bursa is the place where the foundation and first expansion of the great Ottoman Empire was realized. The Grand Mosque and Green Tomb are both examples of the early Ottoman architectural style, and are the greatest example of the Ottoman era.

Nestled within its Silk Road Legacy, Bursa had been a prime stop along the Silk Road, boasting a high-quality silk production dating back to the Byzantines. The city has since continued to be a major center for textiles, and remains so to this day. A portion of Bursa’s architectural heritage from the import/export days of the silk trade, the historic Koza Han (Silk Bazaar) is alive with color and texture.

Back in Bursa Thermal Baths & Nature: The rich thermal waters of Bursa provided the inspiration for its very existence. The Romans loved a good bathing, and the Ottomans later soaked away their stresses in their characteristic Turkish baths (hammams) which were also basically steam baths. The tradition even carries on today, soaking in these revitalizing baths is a classic Bursa experience. Meanwhile, outside of the city, the majestic Mount UludaÄŸ boasts beautifully stark mountain vistas and, depending on the time of year, opportunities for hiking or winter sports.

The Cultural Tapestry: Turkish Bursa is a melting pot, which can be defined from their colorful culture. Indulge in merchandise at the lively Grand Bazaar, a chaotic maze of weaving in Turkish delights — carpets, pottery, and spices. Take in the smells, spices and local delights of the city with its interesting mix of Ottoman past and modern future.

Essentially, the uniqueness of Bursa comes from the fact that its famous journey is made in a magical way. It looks at the rise of the Ottomans, the Silk Road legacy, the healing of nature and the tide of humanity forged over the centuries.

Best things to do in Turkish Bursa

Turkish Bursa, set on the foothills of Mt. UludaÄŸ, comes from a history of civilization and cultural mosaic. Read on to see the best activities you can experience in this delightful Turkish city.

Dig into Ottoman History:

Turkish Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, and serves as the site of the several architectural wonders that would be left behind after the Empire’s zenith.

Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque): Built in the 15th century, this large mosque has 20 domes surrounding its serene courtyard.

Green tomb ( Yeşil Türbe) : We say final rest place of Sultan Mehmed I with jewelryed Iznik tiles and elaborately wrought architecture.

Bursa City Museum: Established about in 1953, the museum hosts the objects dating back to Bursa’s foundation, trained on illuminations, and objects from the city’s urban transformation.

Explore the Bustling Bazaars:

Later, you will experience a tidal wave to the senses, as the bazaars of Bursa are filled with beautiful textiles, trinkets and local treats to sample.

Grand Bazaar: Turkeydelight, spices, carpets, jewelry -its all here – every tourist has to experience the labyrinth that is the Grand Bazaar

Koza Han (Silk Bazaar) : At this historical caravanserai which served as a bustling trade centre on the Silk Road, one can feel as if they have travelled back in time. Today, the street has shops selling silk scarves, fabrics, and traditional crafts, as well as lots of great little cafes for a break with a view.

The tradition of going to the thermal baths in Bursa has roots dating back to the Romans.

Turkish Baths (Hamams):Â Opting for a traditional hammam experience is the ideal way to relax and rejuvenate after spending time around the city and its bustling streets.

Embrace Nature’s Beauty:

UludaÄŸ Mountain: Catch a cable car to the top of UludaÄŸ Mountain for stunning mountain panorama, trekking routes and winter sports in the appropriate season.

Cumalikizik Village – This charming Ottoman village has traditional wood houses and narrow cobblestone streets. Ideal for when you want to escape from the city center.

Savor the Local Flavors:

Ottoman-inspired cuisine and the freshest of the local, seasonal ingredients — Bursa’s cuisine is a delight.

Iskender: Another specialty, this is doner kebab served with butter, tomato sauce and yoghurt.

Make sure to have: Real pomegranate juice squeezed right in front of you, Bursa’s famous chestnut candy : Kestane ÅŸekeri, and Sahlep (Traditional Turkish coffee)

Its mix of history, culture, and natural beauty has ensured Bursa remains one of Turkey’s most captivating destinations and a complete Turkish delight.

Best Time To Visit Bursa

The best time to travel in Bursa is entirely based on your trip endorses:

Spring / April – June & Autumn / September – October: The weather is characteristically mild and striking outdoor temperatures for touring. In Spring you will see the area in green and come Autumn, all will be golden.

November- March (Winter): Ideal for snow sports loving folks! Mount UludaÄŸ near Bursa has very good skiing in this period. Expect bitterly cold along with some snow.

If you are crowd and scorching summer heat-averse, then you should try spring and autumn to discover Bursa’s rich cultural history.

Personal Experience of Bursa

The magic of Turkish Bursa completely enchanted me. As a mantel of history and rich culture lying at the foothill of Mount UludaÄŸ that is a ski resort, Bursa dealt me a wild card. Here is a sneak peak at my own Bursa Adventure to remember!

Stepping Back in Time:

One of the first places I visited was the beautiful Ulu Cami (the Grand Mosque). Its sheer size and the fine details were just amazing. Gazing at its 20 domes, I could conveniently place myself in the heydays of the Ottoman era. Another highlight was The Green Tomb (YeÅŸil Türbe). Its colourful Iznik tiles that surrounded its exterior seemed like a door to the past. Touring of the Bursa City Museum was the first time I had an insight into the city’s history, from its early origins to its status as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire.

A Feast for the Senses:

The bazaars of Bursa were a sensory overload in a good way! The Grand Bazaar was a maze of stalls filled with vibrant fabrics, hand-painted ceramics, and aromatic spices. Of course I had to use my bargaining skills and I walked away with a gorgeous, hopefully legitimate turkish rug and price comparisons for these artisans here in Turkey. Entering the koza han (Silk Bazaar) was to enter a bit into that world of another time. Silk scarves, fabrics and traditional crafts adorned the walls, a reminder of Bursa’s long standing place on the Silk Road.

Relaxation and Rejuvenation:

And we had a treat: we had to have a hamam (traditional Turkish bath). I came out feeling 100% refreshed after the warm humidity of the steam room and the expert massage. A great way to relax at the end of a day looking around.

A Breathtaking Escape:

Your usual visit to Bursa is definitely not complete without a Mount UludaÄŸ Experience. This drive on a cable car gave a wide view of things, the air was so refreshing and appealed to me a lot as I was fresh out of the city. Once the summer months rolled around since I was still on a trip during the spring, I chose to go on a scenic hike but the joy of skiing down these slopes in winter must be really great. For a delightful getaway, I visited Cumalikizik Village. It was a taste of the past with old wooden houses and small cobbled streets that could have easily already been in existence when Eger was in Turkish hands.

A Culinary Adventure:

PEAK Inside Bursa Kitchen! I ate the famous Iskender Kebab, as the juice from the doner meat dripped onto the yogurt, making my mouth water. It had a nice burst of flavor from the freshly squeezed pomegranate juice, and I could not resist the Bursa special chestnut candy (kehstane şekerı). I would end my days sipping traditional Turkish coffee out of delicate china cups in snug cafes and it was lovely.

Bursa’s Enchantment:

Departing Turkish Bursa, I was left with a taste of awe. This city was a perfect mix of history, culture and natural wonders, and I left wishing I had more time as I found myself wanting to stay even longer than I had hoped. From the architectural wonders of the Ottoman times to the rich markets and beautiful views, Bursa is a destination that is able to satisfy any taste. Bursa is a must on your itinerary if you want to experience more of culture Turkey has to offer beyond the usual tourist stuff.

Visitor review of Turkish Bursa

Turkish Bursa stole my heart! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I stepped off the plane, but this former Ottoman capital kept surprising me. Bursa promised the small, cultural experience that seemed to be interrupted by the masses of Istanbul.

It really is a mecca for those history buffs out there. The Ulu Cami Grand Mosque is a stunner, with its 20 domes looming large on the horizon. Green Tomb with vivid tiles is another great example of Ottoman art. Strolling through the Bursa City Museum piecing together a puzzle of the city’s intriguing history was a step back in time.

Bursa As Well As Anyway! The Grand Bazaar…sensory overload of the best kind! Talking with friendly vendors, I even managed to haggle my way into buying a Turkish rug that stores up pride of place in my living room, forever reminding me that travelling should of course also involve giving money to local artisans. Arriving at Koza Han – the Silk Bazaar – is like stepping back in time. I smiled until my cheeks hurt, as I waded through piles of silk scarves and handicraft, testament to Bursa’s heritage as a key hub on the Silk Road.

Craving relaxation? Definitely book in for the local obligatory experience, Turkish baths, hamams! The soothing steam room and divine massage made me walking out like reborn.

Nature lovers, rejoice! Traveling up Mount UludaÄŸ by cable car, Showed me the beauty on the slopes as well as thin clouds of fog on this fresh-mountain air. I hiked the trails in the spring but winter offers some great skiing opportunities. For brief escape, I strolled through the ‘cute as a button’ Cumalikizik Village with its cobbled-stone streets and cute little wooden houses.

Foodies of the world unite! I was smitten by the Iskender Kebab, the coveted melange of doner meat and yogurt, an edible romance. We ordered fresh pomegranate juice for a splash of refreshing flavor, while the city’s signature chestnut candy got the better of us; we had to sample the gooey interior. These were the perfect way to end a day; simply having a Turkish coffee in a humid but amazing cafe.

Turkish Bursa is not a sightseeing location, but to us, it is an experience. The city is a perfect harmonization of history, culture and picturesque site. Something else you would like to experience Bursa is a unique and authentic Turkish escape, and my Itinerary to 3 days in Bursa to visit the best places to see in Bursa Turkey.

Tips For Turkish Bursa visitors

Planning & Logistics:

Best Time to go: Spring (April to June) or Autumn (September to October) for cool and comfortable sightseeing. Winter (November–March) provides good skiing on Mount Uludağ, although it is quite cold.

Currency: The local currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY) Message. There are plenty of ATMs but getting a small amount of money exchanged is useful.

HOW TO GET TO REST OF BURSA TRANSPORTATION: The buses, trams and metro were Orhan’s opinion, the best he ever used. Taxis are also plentiful. If you want to travel cheaper use a BursaKart

Wear Good Walking Shoes: You will be walking a lot, especially in the bazaars and at the historical sites.

Culture & Etiquette:

Wardrobe: Despite Bursa being a good sized city you may need modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees for both men and women) to enter some of the Mosques. A scarf is another good idea since at some of the religious sites you have to put it on and off.

You can usually expect to haggle on prices. Research, and Priceline your way in your negotiations.

Basic “hello”: The Turkish word for hello is Merhaba (pronounced mer-ha-ba). Gathering a few basic words help you a lot.

Tips: Tipping is not compulsory but a tip should be left for good service in restaurants and taxis.

Must-See & Must-Do:

Significant historical sites are: Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque), Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe), Bursa City Museum

Souks: Grand Bazar, Koza Han (la soierie). Discover the exciting vibe and extraordinary (inter)national skills

10-Turkish Baths (Hamams): Enjoy traditional turkish hammam for sheer relaxation.

UluadaÄŸ Mount: Ride the cable car for a sightseeing experience. Whether you hike during the spring/summer or winter sports during the colder months.

Cumalikizik Village: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and journey to Cumalikizik, an Ottoman village full of traditional Ottoman-style houses.

Food & Drink:

Best of Local Food: Iskender Kebab, Fresh Pomegranate Juice, Bursa Chestnut Candy (kesane ÅŸekeri)

Turkish Coffee: Watch an amazing demonstration about how to make a traditional Turkish coffee and learn the wisdom of taste.

Restaurants/ Visit a myriad of Turkish restaurants and local specialties in town centre and bazaars.

Additional Tips:

Here are some common Turkish words to get you started: Folks here will appreciate it and it enriches your experience. Buy yourself a Bursa Kart for cheap public transportations! Be forward always asking for assistance or directions. If you should speak to a real human, most are friendly and wanting to help. A little chilled point dwarf the presence of a few. Bursa is the city that you need to chew on not swallow. With that you are ready to embark on an unforgettable and enriching experience in Bursa following these tips!

Fact For Turkish Bursa Visitor

Depending on the visitor, here are a couple of interesting facts for the ones who visit Turkish Bursa:

History Buff:

The order of the Ottoman Empire began in Bursa, and it was the first capital of the Empire.

It dates back to the 2nd century before Christ, when the Bithynian kingdom existed in the region.

The looming Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque), constructed under the lightning-fast Sultan Bayezid I, is no less impressive.

Culture Enthusiast:

Turkish Bursa, which is also one of the oldest settlements in Anatolia, is famous for its silk textile production, which has become a tradition starting from the Byzantine period. Kozy Han (Silk Bazaar) is among the reminders of this heritage.

Yağlı güreş (oil wrestling) is a style of wrestling practiced in Turkey and known for use of olive oil. At special events, WWE wrestlers coated in olive oil fight and that, makes it a interesting cultural event.

With its Ä°skender Kebab and specifically the chestnut candy (kestane ÅŸekeri) that was created here, Bursa has a cuisine that is completely unique.

Nature Lover:

High over Bursa looms Mount Olympus, the equivalent of their Erciyes in Turkish mythology, and one-time-abode of their gods. The region also offers an intricate web of walking tracks which enable visitors to get close and personal to the sub-alpine environment and abundance of flora and fauna. Bursa, being the heir to the Roman inherited tradition, is also, home to numerous natural hot springs which attracted the Romans. The source of these springs is where many of the city’s traditional Turkish baths (hammams) are located.

Bonus Fact:

Cool things to do in Bursa Bursa is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of the old Ottoman architecture and just how important its history is.

FAQs

What is Bursa famous for?

Bursa, with its rich Ottoman history, is famous for the magnificent mosques and tombs in the city. The Silk Bazaar, known as Koza Han, is another popular bazaar that thrived during the historic Silk Road days. There also is Mount UludaÄŸ, an area favored for hiking and winter sports, in the Bursa district and Turkish baths (hammams) to help you unwind.

Is Bursa worth visiting?

Absolutely No! Bursa is a city where history, culture and natural beauty all come together. It is less crowded than Istanbul and offers a real more authentic local Turkish feel.

What is the best time to visit Bursa?

The months of spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October) have the most ideal weather for travelling in the region. If you prefer skiing, you should come here with the season winter which covers between November and March.

How many days do you need in Bursa?

You can get around the main Bursa attractions including historical places, bazaars and visits to the top of Mount Uludağ in 2–3 days.

How to get to Bursa?

Here Are The Airports Of Bursa YeniÅŸehir Airport (YEI): It serves domestic flights. OR… Fly into Istanbul and bus/ferry across to Bursa.

Is Bursa expensive to visit?

Low cost of living than Istanbul Alcoholic beverages, accommodation and food range from low budget to high end.

Do I need a visa for Bursa (Turkey)?

Your nationality will determine the visa requirement. Make sure to check in your country at the closest Turkish embassy or consulate.

What language is spoken in Bursa?

Main Language: Turkish, with some a few words of English in the tourist spots.

Is Bursa safe for tourists?

For the most part, Bursa is safe for tourists. Just as you would do in any city, be street smart and stay safe.

What are some things to do in Bursa besides sightseeing?

Cruise on Lake Uluabat. Definitely venture out to the lively nightlife, especially around the YeniÅŸehir area. Do a workshop; you could learn how to do calligraphy or how to weave a carpet.

What is traditional Turkish food in Bursa?

The Cuisine of Bursa is Sugriculous Jiali Specialties: Iskender Kebab, pide (flatbread pizza), Bursa’s signature chestnut candy (kestane ÅŸekeri).

How to get around Bursa?

Bursa Bursa as well has a pretty good public transport network of buses, trams and a metro. Taxis are easily accessed and a BursaKart gives discounts on trips.

What are some interesting facts about Bursa?

During this time, Bursa was the very first capital of the Ottoman Empire. The Ottoman-style architecture classified it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Mount UludaÄŸ spends was one time common thought round-house because of the gods within the beliefs of the Turkish.

What are some day trips from Bursa?

while you are in the area, check out the ancient ruins of Perhgamon or the delightful Prince Islands just off the coast of Istanbul.

What to pack for Bursa?

Don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes, to carry clothing suitable for mosques(clothing covering the shoulders and knees), and to wear a light jacket in Spring and Autumn. Bring your swimsuit for the hammam included!