Bursa is a city where history, nature and gastronomy are intertwined in a harmonious unity.
Located at the foot of Uludag Mountain, Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and still retains the grandeur and spirit of the ancient East.
Today, Bursa is a city of parks, thermal springs, silk and the famous iskender kebab, where past and present go hand in hand.

📍 Geography and climate

• Region: Marmararegion

• Population: about 3.2 million people

• Location: at the foot of Uludağ Mountain, about 150 kilometers south of Istanbul

• Climate: is transitional between maritime and continental.

  • Summer: is warm and dry (+28-34°C).

  • Winter: is cool and snowy in the mountains (+2-8°C)

Bursa is famous for its gardens and green hills, which earned it the nickname "Yeşil Bursa" - "Green Bursa".

🏛 History

The history of Bursa is closely linked to the birth of the Ottoman Empire.

• 🏺 A ntiquity: the city was known as Prusa ad Olympum and was part of the Roman and then Byzantine Empire.

• 🏰 1326: Bursa was conquered by Orhan Gazi and became the first capital of the Ottomans (before Edirne and Istanbul).

• 🕌 The first architectural and administrative traditions of the future empire were formed here.

• 🏛 XVI-XIX cc. - The period of flourishing of trade, silk production and architecture.

• 🇹🇷 Today, Bursa preserves its ancient heritage while remaining a dynamic industrial and cultural center of Turkey.

🕌 Main attractions

🏛 Ulu Jami (Ulu Camii) - Great Mosque

• It was built in 1399 by Sultan Bayezid I.

• It is considered one of the most beautiful mosques in Turkey.

• 20 domes, massive columns and exquisite calligraphy inside.

• In the center is a marble fountain for ablutions under an open dome.

💡 According to legend, the sultan vowed to build 20 mosques, but after his victory, he instead erected one with 20 domes.

🕌 Green Mosque and Mausoleum (Yeşil Camii ve Türbesi)

• Built in the XV century by Sultan Mehmet I.

• Famous for its emerald green tiles and carved marble portals.

• The Sultan himself, one of the most important rulers of the early Ottoman era, rests here.

🏘 The Cumalıkızık Köyü district

• Medieval Ottoman village at the foot of Uludag Mountain.

• Houses made of stone, wood and clay have been preserved in their original form since the 14th century.

• It is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

• Tourists' favorite place for walks and traditional Anatolian-style breakfast.

⛲ Çekergöz and Çekirge Kaplıcaları Thermal Springs

• They have been used since Roman times.

• The water temperature is about 45°C.

• They are rich in minerals and help with arthritis, skin and nervous diseases.

• Dozens of health hotels and hammams have been built around the springs.

🏔 Uludağ Mountain (Uludağ)

• The height is 2543 meters.

• One of the best ski resorts in Turkey.

• In winter - skiing, snowboarding and sledging.

• In summer - trekking, picnics and paragliding.

• Cableway (teleferik) - the longest in Turkey (9 km) - connects the city with the top of the mountain.

🏛 The Mausoleum of Osman and Orhan Gazi

• Osman Gazi, the founder of the Ottoman Empire, and his son Orhan Gazi rest here.

• Located in Tophane Fortress, it offers a panoramic view of the city.

🍽 Bursa cuisine

Bursa is the gastronomic capital of Anatolia. The legendary Turkish dishes were born here.

🍢 İskender kebabı (İskender kebab)

• Named in honor of its creator - Iskender Efendi, who lived in Bursa in the XIX century.

• It is tender slices of lamb on pita bread, drizzled with hot oil and tomato sauce, with a spoonful of yogurt.

• It is considered the "king of kebabs".

🍞 Cantık (djantık)

• A meat pie similar to pizza but with a softer dough.

🧈 Kaymaklı tatlısı

• A dessert with caramelized milk and cream.

🧀 Bursa kestanesi

• Caramelized chestnuts - a sweet that has become a trademark of the city.

☕ Be sure to try the coffee at the ancient tea houses at Ulu Jami Mosque and the traditional breakfast at Kumalkizik.

🎭 Culture and crafts

• Bursa has been known as a center of silk production since the 15th century - the Silk Road passed through here.

• The Koza Han bazaar still sells natural silk and handmade textiles.

• The city is famous for folk crafts, wood carving and ceramics.

• Annual festivals are held:

  • Uluslararası Bursa Festivali - an international festival of culture and art.

  • Kestane Şekeri Festivali - chestnut and sweets festival.

🚗 How to get there

• 🚢 From Istanbul - by sea (ferry from Yenikapı to Mudanya) + 30 min by car to the center of Bursa

• 🚗 From Ankara - about 4 hours by O-5 highway

• 🚄 From Izmir - about 3,5 hours

• ✈️ Nearest airport: Bursa Yenişehir (YEI)

✅ Why visit Bursa

✔ The first capital of the Ottoman Empire
✔ 15th century architecture, mosques and mausoleums
✔ Mount Uludag - ski and summer resort
✔ Thermae and health recreation
✔ World-class cuisine (İskender kebabı!)
✔ Nature, history and oriental coziness

📌 Conclusion

Bursa is a city of traditions, flavors and inspiration.
Here you can climb the slope of Uludag, relax in a thermal hamam, stroll through ancient bazaars and end the day with a flavorful İskender kebab under the shadow of a minaret.
It combines historical grandeur and natural beauty, remaining one of the most soulful spots on the map of Turkey.

"Whoever has been to Bursa once will forever remember the taste of its bread and the sound of its azan."🌿