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Bursa "the green city"

  • Writer: hasan basri
    hasan basri
  • Mar 27, 2015
  • 3 min read

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In Bursa there are things you should not miss. First of all you are in the homeland of the delicious “Iskender Kebap”, one of the best dishes of world - famous Turkish Cuisine. The candied chestnuts (Kestane Sekeri) are a specialty of desserts and have an unforgettable taste. The peaches of Bursa are unique. As for shopping; Bursa is a center of the silk trade (since first silk cocoons were brought here with the caravans of the Silk Road) and towel manufacturing. It is also the homeland of the very famous Turkish folklore figures, Karagöz and Hacivat shadow puppets.

Being the first Ottoman capital, Bursa is very rich in religious monuments, mosques, tombs (Turbe) and baths. One of the places to be seen in Bursa is the Yesil Cami (Green Mosque), with its carved marble doorway which is one of the best in Anatolia. It is an elaborate and significant building in the new Turkish style. Just opposite to the mosque you will see Yesil Türbe (Green Tomb), set in a green garden with an enchanting exterior decorated with turquoise tiles. Near the tomb, there is Medrese complex (old theological school) now accomodate Ethnographical Museum which certainly deserves visiting.

Yildirim Beyazit Mosque is also an important building erected in the new Ottoman style and is accompanied by the Emir Sultan Mosque which lies in a peaceful setting. Each one of them is a masterpiece. Others are Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) built in the Seljuk style, with impressive calligraphic wall decorations; Orhan Gazi Mosque; the “Hisar”; Mausoleum of Osman, the founder of the Ottoman Empire, and his son Orhan Gazi; Muradiye Complex which has got a delightful view with its mosque and tombs of important characters from the Ottoman era, their tiles and charming decorations appeal to the sightseers. The Ottoman Museum offers a lively exhibit of the traditional life style of the Ottomans.In Bursa there are several warm, mineral-rich springs; indeed most of the hotels has got their own thermal baths. The Turkish baths (hamams) are also great places to visit while in Bursa. Eski Kaplica (Old Spring) of Çekirge is the oldest; Karamustafa Pasa Baths are also famous for their hot, mineral-rich waters.

As for souvenirs, you should visit the Covered Bazaar, “Bedesten”, or the Koza Han, an attractive Ottoman building with its architectural style and also a center of silk trade.

Uludag is the largest and most celebrated winter-sports and skiing center in Turkey. It is 36 kilometers from Bursa and easily accessible by car or cable-car (Teleferik in Turkish). The area is also a national park and is worth a visit at any time of the year. The accommodation is high quality offering the opportunity to enjoy the mountain, with a variety of entertainment and sport activities. On the way up don’t miss the 600-year old plain tree.

Mudanya is a seaside resort town with fine fish restaurants and night-clubs, so you can have a pleasant vacation there. The old train station and the old ferryboat now serve as charming hotels.

Zeytinbagi (Trilye) is a town of typical Turkish architecture and lay-out. There are sea bus and ferry connections with Istanbul.

Gemlik (27 km north), is another seaside resort with a wide, sandy beach. One of the best olive oils of Turkey comes from this town.

Iznik (Nicaea) lies 85 km northeast of Bursa, at the eastern tip of Lake Iznik. The town had a great importance for Christians because of the Ecumenic Councils, and witnessed many civilizations which 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. Iznik tiles were the basic decorative element of Seljuk and Ottoman architecture. The turquoise-tiled Yesil Mosque and Nilüfer Hatun Imareti are among the historical buildings in the town.

 
 
 

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