Bursa: A Real Green Paradise You Can Enjoy While Travelling

Bursa

Known for its history and natural beauty, Bursa is the fourth largest city in Turkey. This beautiful city, included in the UNESCO world cultural heritage list, was the first capital city of the Ottoman Empire. You should discover the culture and history of this city, which carries the traces of many cultures and civilizations like Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman. In 2016, Bursa ranked 28th in The Global Livability Index and became the first livable city in Turkey.

You should eat Iskender kebab and Inegol meatball in this city, which is famous for its food as well as history and culture. We can assure you that you can’t forget this taste.

Today we will introduce you to this beautiful place and its beautiful must-see locations.

Must-Seen Museums in Bursa, Turkey

As we mentioned above, Bursa has a great historical background. Therefore, there are many important museums you should visit.

1. For example, İznik Museum was built in 1388, which is an amazing model of Ottoman architecture. In this museum, you can come across archeological remains of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods.
2. Another museum that you should visit is the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum. This building was built in 1419 by Çelebi Sultan Mehmet. You should see this museum where arts from the 12th century to the 20th century are exhibited.
3. The Anatolian Cars Museum, which will attract the attention of car lovers, is also a must-see. This museum is the first and only of its kind in Turkey. You can observe the evolution of horse-drawn carriages to modern cars.
4. Karagoz Museum is dedicated to folkloric shadow play figures, Hacivat and Karagöz. You can watch the shadow play Hacivat Karagöz, one of the most important pieces of Turkish culture and included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, in this museum.

Historical Mosques and Mausoleums That Will Impress You

Bursa has an important place in Islamic culture. That’s why its mosques are very impressive. The most famous one is the largest mosque in Bursa, the Grand Mosque. This mosque, whose construction started by order of Yıldırım Bayezid in 1396, was completed in 1399. It was designed by architect Ali Neccar. This mosque, which has 20 domes, is described as the heart of Bursa. You can come across almost every example of Islamic calligraphy.

1. The Green Mosque, built between 1414 and 1419, is another holy place you should see. The stone carving on the door is one of the best examples of this art. The tiles inside the mosque will fascinate you because tile art is one of the cultures of Bursa.
2. Built by the Romans in the 7th century AD, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque by Orhan Gazi in 1331. You should visit this Hagia Sophia Mosque, which is the intersection of two great religions historically.
3. Muradiye Complex is the last complex that was made by Ottoman rulers. The name of this complex, which has 12 tombs, madrasah, mosque, hospital, and Turkish bath comes from Sultan Murat II. This complex was registered as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
4. Osman-Orhan Gazi Mausoleum was built on the ruins of a church built in the Byzantine period. This tomb, which is the tomb of the founders of the Ottoman Empire, has great historical importance.
5. The Eşrefzade Mosque is another mosque that you should see. It is believed that it was built by Şehinşah’s wife in 1518.
6. And the last mosque that we will tell about is Haci Ozbek Mosque, the first Ottoman mosque that was built in Iznik, in 1336.

   

   Muradiye Complex

   

   Green Mosque

   

   Interior view of Green Mosque

   

   OsmanGazi and Orhangazi Tombs

   
   

Best Touristic Places in Bursa To Visit in A Sunny Day!

1. Tophane Clock Tower built in 1905, has 6 floors and a height of 33 meters. It is one of the examples of Ottoman architecture in Bursa.
2. Bursa Castle was built by the Bithynians in the 2nd century BC. The walls, which are almost 2 kilometers long, have five gates. It was built at the request of the king Prusias, from whom Bursa was named. This castle is another tourist place to be seen.
3. The obelisk is a Roman artifact located in Iznik. This obelisk was planted in the 2nd century, in the memory of Cassius Philiscus. This work, which is 15.5 meters high, is one of the favorite places of tourists who are interested in history.
4. Cable Car is the first and the longest cable car in Turkey. It was opened in 1963. And it has been working since then. It is a great opportunity to see the natural beauty of Bursa from above. You should not return home without this experience!
   

   Cumalikizik Village

5. A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Turkey, is another tourist spot in Bursa. The foundation of this village dates back to the beginning of the 13th century. You should enjoy wandering in cumalıkızık with its colorful streets and attractive shops!
6. Süleyman Pasha Madrasa, which is another part of Bursa’s cultural tourism, is the first madrasa of the Ottoman Principality. This place was built between 1335-1359.
7. Kozahan is an Ottoman legacy that was built in 1491. Here you can buy Bursa’s famous silk fabrics and enjoy the historical atmosphere.
8. Mudanya, one of Bursa’s seaside districts, is famous for its natural beauty. Thanks to its mild climate, it is a sweet place where you can spend summer.
9. Tirilye, which has a bohemian and fairytale atmosphere, is one of the places we want you to see. These streets, whose stone pavements are full of flowers, will give you peace of mind.
10. Gölyazı village is an island connected to the mainland by a thin bridge. This place, which is the meeting place of nature and history, was once the capital of the Apollo Kingdom.

    

    Kozahan

    

    Cable Car

    

    Bursa Castle

    

    Tophane Clock Tower

    

    Cumalikizik Village

    
    

Uludag: An Exclusive Destionation for Winter Vacations

Uludag, which is the first place that comes to mind in ski tourism, is one of the most beautiful places where you can enjoy the winter. Turkey’s first mountain hotel is hereby established. This unique place, where all kinds of nature sports are held, has become a frequent destination for sports enthusiasts. Uludag, where you can enjoy the winter, is one of the best-known places in Bursa.

Iznik: Unforgettable Ancient Place You Must See in Bursa

Iznik, the most historical place of Bursa, is the first Turkish capital in Anatolia. Founded in 316 BC, this ancient city is an open-air museum.

Since the first religious meeting of the Christian world was held here, the Vatican declared here holy. Bearing the traces of the Hellenistic Age, Rome, Byzantine, and Ottoman, this city is like a tourist magnet.

Iznik was named the Golden City because it was the first place in history where gold coins were minted. At the same time, the best examples of handicrafts are made in Iznik, like tile art. The heart of the world-famous tile art beats here.  If you want to be fascinated by its natural beauty as well as its historical beauty, you can take a walk in Iznik Lake.

In short, you should not leave Turkey without seeing this city, which is famous for its culture, history, and natural beauty.