Bursa
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Uludağ
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Bursa was the first capital of Ottoman Empire and developed rapidly since then. It has not lost its importance even after the capital has moved first to Edirne then to Istanbul. Bursa is a very fertile plain and therefore known as “Green Bursa”. Furthermore developed automotive, machinery, textile and food sectors are all settled here.
There are several things you should not miss while in Bursa. First of all the famous and delicious İskender Kebap, then the Kestane Şekeri (Candied Chestnut) that are specialties having incredible and unforgettable taste. The peaches of Bursa are unique both with their appearance yelling as if “eat me, eat me” and their taste. Bursa is also the homeland of the very famous Turkish folklore figures, Karagöz & Hacivat.
Another interesting item you are going to enjoy is the warm, mineral-rich springs; indeed most of the hotels in this province have thermal bath facilities. The Turkish baths Hamam are great places that should be visited. Eski Kaplıca (Old Spring) is the oldest in the province. The Karamustafa Pasha Baths are famous, and boast with the best hot, mineral waters.
The two important lakes of Marmara region are in Bursa, İznik, the largest lake of the region, and Ulubat. Besides Bursa Plain, Yenişehir, İnegöl, Karacabey, Orhangazi and İznik plains are all among the fertile plains of the country and source of various vegetables and fruits.
As for souvenirs, you should visit the Covered Bazaar, Bedesten, or the Koza Han,an attractive building and also a center of silk trade. As for something to purchase; Bursa is a center of the silk trade and towel manufacturing. It is certain that Bursa will take some of time for you to see and add some more delightful experiences to your memories.
Short History
The city was founded by Prusias, the I. King of the Bythnians (230-192 B.C.) who were the first comers to that area and was named Prusa after to the King's name. Today this name has been converted to Bursa. Then during the eras of the Seljuks, Persians, Hellens, Romans and Byzantine periods Bursa has never lost its importance. Unfortunately there is no remaining of historical monuments of Romans etc.
Museums
HüsnüZüber Evi is an old Ottoman house, which was used as a guesthouse and then restored in 1992 and converted into a museum of wood burning, “pyrogravure” collection of HüsnüZüber. He displays his wooden works of spoons, agricultural implements and music instruments.Archeological Museum is located in Kültürpark and objects uncovered in Bithynian and Mysia regions are displayed. The Museum houses the cultural works of a vast period extending from the third century BC until the end of the Byzantine Empire. Among the most striking pieces displayed in the first hall are earthenware vessels of the 3rd century BC.
An old silk factory was restored and converted into Tofas Bursa Anadolu Arabaları Müzesi (Tofaş Bursa Anatolian Vehicles Museum). Examples of all wheeled vehicles used in Anatolia, including the painted horse carts of Akhisar are on display.
Ethnography Museum (Şair Ahmet Paşa Medresesi) will be called “Esat Uluumay Ottoman Folk Dresses and Handicrafts Museum as of April, 2004. Dresses and accessories collected throughout Anatolia by Esat Uluumay will be exhibited.
Historical Places
Being the first Ottoman capital, Bursa is very rich in religious monuments, mosques, tombs (türbe) and baths. The most famous among them is the Yeşil Camii (Green Mosque). It is a sophisticated and a significant structure in the new Turkish style and its carved marble doorway is considered as one of the best in Anatolia. Just across the mosque stands Yeşil Türbe (Green Tomb). It is located in a verdant garden with a charming exterior decorated with turquoise tiles. The Medrese (Muslim theological school) harmonizes the others making this a “green trio” and now houses the Ethnographical Museum that certainly deserves visiting. The “Yıldırım Bayezit Mosque” is the first example built in the new Ottoman style and is accompanied by the “Emir Sultan Mosque” lying in a quiet setting. As you are aware Bursa is decorated with these monuments, each of which is a masterpiece. The Ulu Camii, built in the Seljuk style, with impressive calligraphic wall decorations; the Orhan Gazi Camii; the "Hisar" an attractive part of the province, and in the Mausoleums of Osman, the founder of the Ottoman Empire, and his son Orhan Gazi are also among the worth-to-visit places. The Muradiye Complex has an amusing view with its mosque and tombs of important characters of the Ottoman era and their tiles and charming decorations really attracts the attention of the visitors. The Ottoman Museum offers a lively exhibit of the traditional life style of Ottomans.
Environs
Uludağ is the largest and the most popular winter-sports center in Turkey. It is just 36 km. from Bursa and easily accessible by car or by cable-rail (teleferik). This area is also a national park and worth to visit any time of year. The accommodation is highly qualified and offering the opportunity of enjoyment with several entertainment and sports activities.
Mudanya is a seaside resort town of fine fish restaurants and nightclubs in which you can have pleasant and enjoyable time.
Zeytinbağı (Tirilye) is a town with the examples of typical Turkish architecture. Sea bus and ferry connections to Istanbul is available.
Gemlik (27 km north) is another seaside resort with a wide, sandy beach on which you will enjoy yourself even with the view.
İznik (Nicaea) lies 85 km northeast of Bursa and at the eastern tip of Lake İznik. The town has been a center of many civilizations that have left their marks all over the land. This town is famous for its unique tiles and has been the center of tile production in the 16th century. İznik tiles were the basic decorative element of Seljuk and Ottoman architecture. The turquoise-tiled Yeşil Camii and Nilufer Hatun İmaret'i (kitchen for the poor) are among several Islamic works in the town. Moreover İznik is considered the most important Christian center after Vatican and Jerusalem.