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.
The Yeşil Cami or Green Mosque is a mosque built in the middle of the 15th Century by architect Haci Ivaz Pasa. It derives its name from the color of the interior walls and ceiling of eyvans that are decorated with a mosaic of blue-green tiles. The structure is the foremost example of the Bursa site architecture and is based on a reverse T-plan and a vestibule at the entrance that leads to a central hall flanked by eyvans. The mosque is open for visitors throughout the year and is a perfect place to admire the medieval architecture.
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 Muradiye Complex was built by Sultan Murat II, who was the last ruler of the Ottoman Empire. The complex includes a madrasa which is an educational institute for the Muslims, mosques, a bath, a hospice, fountains, epitaphs, tombs and more. The complex was built so that the followers of the Islamic faith could congregate and discuss mutual topics. It is one of the most beautiful attractions in the city.
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.
Historically called Mysian Olympus, Uludag was supposedly the exact location from where Gods witnessed the Trojan War. Rising to a height of 2543 meters (8343 feet), this picturesque mountain is one of the most popular and the largest nature centers and winter sports facilities in Turkey. Close to its summit, one can also find a defunct wolfram quarry. Six trails have been laid out to enable hikers and climbers to explore Uludag's surrounding landscape. All these trails have varying difficulty levels and offer a great opportunity to marvel at the area's spellbinding nature.
Behind the Yeşil Cami (Green Mosque) lies an octagonal tomb of Sultan Mehmet I, known as the Yesil Türbe (Green Tomb). The octagonal structure is covered with a circular dome and was constructed by the son of the Ottoman Sultan after his death in 1421. The walls of the tomb are green just like most of the medieval structures in the town and inside the tomb you can see the gravestones installed to honor the sultan and his family.
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.