Bursa became the Ottoman capital in 1326 and remained so for over a century before the empire expanded to Edirne and eventually Constantinople. That period left a remarkable legacy of early Ottoman mosques, medreses, hans and mausoleums that rank among the finest Islamic architecture in Turkey.
The city also stands at the foot of Mount Uludağ (2,543 m) — Turkey’s most popular ski resort — and is famous for its Bursa kebab (the original döner on rice) and the silk and towel weaving traditions that have made it a textile hub for centuries.
- Region
- Marmara / Northwest Turkey
- First Ottoman capital
- 1326
- Uludağ summit
- 2,543 m
- Known for
- Ottoman mosques, silk, döner
Ulu Cami — the Grand Mosque
The Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque, 1399) is one of the finest early Ottoman mosques in the world — 20 domes on 12 pillars, extraordinary calligraphy across every surface, and a central fountain that once served as an ablution pool. It remains an active mosque and a deeply atmospheric interior.
Green Mosque and Tomb
The Yeşil Camii (Green Mosque, 1419) and adjacent Yeşil Türbe(Green Tomb) are among the most exquisite examples of early Ottoman Bursa-style architecture. Both are decorated with extraordinary green-turquoise Iznik-style tiles. The tomb of Sultan Mehmed I inside the türbe is one of the most ornate royal mausoleums in Turkey.
Koza Han — the Silk Bazaar
The Koza Han(Cocoon Han, 1490) is a beautiful Ottoman caravanserai built around a courtyard with a small mosque at the centre — the heart of Bursa’s silk trade since the Silk Road era. Shops still sell silk scarves, towels and fabrics.
The adjacent Bedesten and covered bazaar extend the textile shopping area across several interconnected hans.
Uludağ Mountain
Uludağ(2,543 m) rises directly above Bursa and is Turkey’s most popular ski resort — the gondola from the city to the summit village takes 25 minutes. In summer the mountain offers excellent highland hiking through beech and fir forests above the treeline.
Cumalıkızık — UNESCO Ottoman village
Cumalıkızıkis a 14th-century Ottoman village 12 km from Bursa centre, UNESCO-listed as part of the city’s World Heritage property. Its cobbled streets and timber-frame houses have been preserved virtually unchanged for 700 years. A popular weekend excursion, especially in autumn.
Bursa in pictures
Frequently asked questions
Bursa
3Yes — Bursa is one of the best day trips or weekend escapes from Istanbul. The ferry + bus from Istanbul takes about 2 hours and arrives in the city centre.
Bursa is famous for being the first Ottoman capital, its Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), the Green Mosque, Uludağ ski resort, Bursa kebab (İskender kebabı) and its silk textile industry.
Take the Bursa ferry from Yenikapı or Kabataş to Mudanya (1.5 hrs), then a bus to the city centre. Total door to door: about 2 hours. Alternatively, express bus from Esenler Otogar.