Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, and it shows: more than a dozen imperial mosques, tombs and caravanserais crowd the city’s historic core. But there’s more — a cable-car ride to the ski slopes of Uludağ, a 700-year-old village on the foothills and a silk market tradition that goes back to the days when Bursa was a key stop on the Silk Road.
- Region
- Marmara
- Best seasons
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
- Known for
- İskender kebab
- Don't miss
- Uludağ + Cumalıkızık
Ottoman mosques & tombs
The Ulu Cami(Grand Mosque) is Bursa’s centrepiece — a vast 20-domed structure from 1399 with calligraphy covering every surface. Near the cable car station, the Green Mosque and its turquoise-tiled interior are among the finest examples of early Ottoman architecture. The tombs of the first Ottoman sultans, Osman and Orhan, sit on a hillside above the city with sweeping views.
Uludağ — ski and alpine walks
A cable car from the city climbs to Uludağ, the “Great Mountain” at 2543m. In winter it’s Turkey’s most popular ski resort; in summer, hiking trails thread through forests and alpine meadows. The ride up alone is worth it for the panorama over the city and the Sea of Marmara.
Cumalıkızık — a medieval village
On the slopes of Uludağ, the village of Cumalıkızık has barely changed since the 14th century. Its cobbled lanes of timber-framed houses are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Come on a weekend morning when the small market is running and the tea gardens are open.
İskender kebab & the bazaars
Bursa invented the İskender kebab — döner sliced over bread, dressed with tomato sauce and browned butter. The original restaurant (Kebapçı İskender) is still here. The historic Kapalıçarşı and the Koza Han (silk cocoon market) are Ottoman bazaars dating from the 15th century; the latter still trades in Bursa silk.
Bursa in pictures
Frequently asked questions
Bursa
3Visit the Ulu Cami and Green Mosque, ride the cable car to Uludağ, walk the village of Cumalıkızık, eat İskender kebab at the original restaurant and browse the historic silk bazaars.
About 2.5 hours by fast ferry from Yenikapı to Mudanya, or 3 hours by road. It's an easy day trip or one-night escape from Istanbul.
Yes — Uludağ is Turkey's most popular ski resort, with good facilities and a long season from December to April. The cable car from the city makes access simple.