Known as 'Green Bursa', this city stands on the lower slopes of Mount Uludag. The history of the city dates back to 3rd century BC. For centuries Bursa was the western end of the Silk Road and was a source for most royal silk products for hundreds of years. As the first Ottoman Empire capital, Bursa has many magnificient historical buildings. Numerous edifices built throughout the Ottoman period and some remarkable works of Seljuks constitute the city's main silhouette.
The world famous mosque Ulucami is a landmark of early Ottoman architecture and was built between 1396 and 1399. Inside the mosque there are 192 monumental wall inscriptions written by famous calligraphers.Yesil Turbe and Yesil mosques are also noteworthy Ottoman works and symbols of the city.
Besides, rich examples of tomb relieves, ruins of various architecture works, ceramics and coins of Byzantine period are displayed in the Bursa Archaeological Museum. In Bursa there are many sights and flavors not to be missed.
You are in the homeland of the delicious Iskender kebap made of thin slices of meat roasted over charcoal. Candied chestnuts and the superb Bursa peaches are other delicious specialities of the city.
Bursa is still a center of the silk trade and towel manufacturing and modern Bursa is also a center for the automative industry. The great authentic inn, Koza Han which was built in 1491for cocoon sellers still serves the silk industry. The city is homeland of the famous Turkish shadow puppet characters, Karagoz and Hacivat. Bursa thermal spring facilities are indeed health centres dating back to Roman times.
Cekirge district of the city houses many thermal spring facilities and attracts many visitors all around the year. Towering high above Bursa is Mount Uludag, one of the most celebrated winter-sports centres and national parks in Turkey. It is 36 kilometres from the city and easily accessible by car or cable car
BURSA TRIVIA:
- Bursa has been known for its silk industry for centuries, thanks mainly to the mulberry trees around the city that provide the natural home for silkworms. Koza Han is known for its shops and displays of a wide array of silk and silk products.
- Chestnut candy is one of the delicious specialities of Bursa. Kafkas Bursa, which has many locations throughout the city, is the original maker of this candy that is made of chestnuts from Uludag
