Bursa

About the City

Known as "Green Bursa", this province with over 3 million people stands on the lower slopes of Uludag (Mount Olympos of Mysia, 2543 meters / 8343 feet) in the Marmara region of Anatolia. The title "Green" of Bursa comes from its gardens and parks, and of course from its being in the middle of an important fruit growing region. 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 something to purchase; 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.

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 sports activities. On the way up don't miss the 600-year old plain tree.

Mudanya is a seaside resort town with local 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. There are fast ferry (sea bus) connections with Istanbul.

Zeytinbagi (Trilye) is a town of typical Turkish architecture and lay-out, famous for its olive and olive oil production.

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

The village of Cumalikizik is a gem with its old wooden houses and narrow streets from the Ottoman period. In 2014 the village entered into the World Heritage List of UNESCO.

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 Islamic works in the town.
Muradiye Complex
Muradiye Kulliye, which has a vital importance among the historical places in Bursa, is the last complex built during the Ottoman period. There are baths, mosques, madrasahs and tombs inside the complex built during the Ottoman period.
Tophane Clock Tower
The Tophane Clock Tower, first built by Sultan Abdülaziz, has been restored over the years. The tower, which is one of the most original historical places in Bursa, now has a digital clock.
Great Mosque
The Great Mosque is a magnificent structure that everyone visiting the city should visit. The Grand Mosque, with its twenty domes, is known as the largest mosque in the country.
Green shrine
Green Tomb, one of the symbols of Bursa, is a fascinating religious structure with Ottoman period motifs that can be seen from anywhere in the city.
Old Mirrored Bazaar
Today, mostly antique shops serve in the Old Aynalı Çarşı, which used to be a hammam in the Orhan Complex in the past.
Uludag
Uludag is Turkey’s largest and most famous winter sports and ski resort. It is 36 kilometers from Bursa and easily accessible by car or cable car. The area is also a national park and is worth a visit at any time of the year. The Ski Center offers accommodation, various entertainment and sports activities and the opportunity to enjoy the mountain.
Tirilye
Trilye, also known as Zeytinbağı, is a town with typical Turkish architecture and layout, famous for its olive and olive oil production.
When it comes to places to see in Tirilye, structures such as Taş Mektep, Kemerli Church, Dündar House, Fatih Mosque, Medikion Monastery come to mind first.
Gölyazı
An islet on Uluabat Lake has witnessed many aspects of history from the Ottoman Empire to the Byzantine Empire. Among the places to visit in Gölyazı, the Church of St. Panteleimon, the Temple of Apollo, the Crying Sycamore and the old Greek houses should definitely be seen. Since it is also a fish village, you can enjoy delicious fish in its restaurants, take a boat tour in Gölyazı and watch the sunset from Lily Hill.
Cumalıkızık
Cumalıkızık Village, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, must be visited and seen with its old wooden houses and narrow streets from the Ottoman period, and its structures such as the Ethnography Museum, Kupeli House, Cumalıkızık Mosque.