The Grand Mosque of Bursa cuts a stunning silhouette against the Turkish sky. Numerous domes and two minarets rise above the mosque and make for a truly picturesque sight. The mosque features a Seljuk style of architecture and was constructed between 1396 and 1399, under the orders of Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I. Also known as Ulu Cami, the mosque is one of the largest in the city and was designed by famed architect Ali Neccar. Legend has it that Sultan Bayezid I had promised to build twenty mosques in the city, but instead commissioned a massive mosque with twenty domes to please his subjects. The mosque’s interior walls and columns are covered with inscriptions crafted by Ottoman calligraphers and is considered to be one of the greatest examples of Islamic calligraphy found on the planet. Also housed within the mosque is a lovely fountain in which ritual ablutions are performed.
A fine example of the Ottoman Rococo architectural style, Emir Sultan Mosque was constructed after the earlier 14th-century structure on its site was destroyed in the earthquake of 1766. The present-day mosque was redesigned in the year 1805 during Sultan Selim III's regime. In the early 1990s, the mosque underwent remodeling and repair work. One of the most fascinating aspects of the mosque are its ornamental arches. The courtyard surrounding the mosque is also a delight to watch with its beautiful marble pavement and fountain. Outside its complex, one can enjoy spellbinding views of the lovely Bursa town.
The center of all activity in Bursa, the Koza Han was once one of Turkey's main silk hubs. Credited to Sultan Beyazid II, this silk market dates back to 1491 and is the go-to place for tourists when it comes to silk accessories, shawls, scarves and other silken wonders. Moreover, the rectangular courtyard here is dotted with shops and cafes. Apart from the wares being sold here, the building itself is a wonderful and enduring example of Turkish artistry and architecture, replete with blue tile designs and Ottoman-style archways; making it a popular shopping and tourist destination.
Italian firm Leitner Group has designed the Bursa Uludag Gondola which connects Bursa with the neighboring national park and skiing center at Uludag mountain. The best period to go skiing is between December and March. Bursa Uludag Gondola operates 7 T-bar lifts (mode of transportation used by snowboarders and skiers) and 8 chair lifts with a capacity of 11000 people per hour. Ski pistes at Uludag stretch to a distance of nearly 20 kilometers (12 miles) and are equipped with separate tracks for heli-skiing and snowboarding.
Established in 2002, the museum features a distinct variety of carriages and caravans used since Anatolian times. Spread across an area of 17,000 square meters (180,000 square feet), the museum showcases carts hauled by oxen and horses as well as carriages that run on energy. The most prominent exhibit here is the 6th Century BCE replica of a chariot that was re-created using artifacts from an archaeological excavation. This is one of the first museums in Bursa to feature Anatolian Caravans.
Located approximately twenty minutes away from the heart of the city, the Soğanlı Botanik Parkı is regarded as Bursa's green lung. The lush green landscape is characterized by a pleasant atmosphere thanks to the wide range of flora, a pond and even seats tucked in idyllic locations for one to enjoy the scenery. Moreover, the park also serves as a host to several eateries and event venues, making it a popular attraction among both locals and tourists.
The Grand Mosque of Bursa cuts a stunning silhouette against the Turkish sky. Numerous domes and two minarets rise above the mosque and make for a truly picturesque sight. The mosque features a Seljuk style of architecture and was constructed between 1396 and 1399, under the orders of Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I. Also known as Ulu Cami, the mosque is one of the largest in the city and was designed by famed architect Ali Neccar. Legend has it that Sultan Bayezid I had promised to build twenty mosques in the city, but instead commissioned a massive mosque with twenty domes to please his subjects. The mosque’s interior walls and columns are covered with inscriptions crafted by Ottoman calligraphers and is considered to be one of the greatest examples of Islamic calligraphy found on the planet. Also housed within the mosque is a lovely fountain in which ritual ablutions are performed.
A fine example of the Ottoman Rococo architectural style, Emir Sultan Mosque was constructed after the earlier 14th-century structure on its site was destroyed in the earthquake of 1766. The present-day mosque was redesigned in the year 1805 during Sultan Selim III's regime. In the early 1990s, the mosque underwent remodeling and repair work. One of the most fascinating aspects of the mosque are its ornamental arches. The courtyard surrounding the mosque is also a delight to watch with its beautiful marble pavement and fountain. Outside its complex, one can enjoy spellbinding views of the lovely Bursa town.
The center of all activity in Bursa, the Koza Han was once one of Turkey's main silk hubs. Credited to Sultan Beyazid II, this silk market dates back to 1491 and is the go-to place for tourists when it comes to silk accessories, shawls, scarves and other silken wonders. Moreover, the rectangular courtyard here is dotted with shops and cafes. Apart from the wares being sold here, the building itself is a wonderful and enduring example of Turkish artistry and architecture, replete with blue tile designs and Ottoman-style archways; making it a popular shopping and tourist destination.
Ağlayan Çınar also known as weeping tree is a 735 year old tree in Turkey. The tree is associated with an old romantic and tragic saga of a Turkish boy and a Greek girl that met near the tree. The tree is said to weep for their loss. Tourists visit the place to reminisce the story as they marvel at the centuries old tree. The tree is located close to a lake, and makes for picturesque scene.