HISTORY OF BURSA

Bursa is one of the largest cities in Turkey, located in western Anatolia, within the Marmara Region. It is the fourth most populous city in Turkey and one of the most industrialized metropolitan centres in the country. Bursa was the first capital city (13th century) of the Ottoman Empire. It is possible to say that the empire’s architectural style has its roots in this city.

Today, Bursa is famous for its peach, chestnut, and silk. In the past, the city had a very active port where merchants from all over the world, especially the merchants of Florence, came to buy silk. The city is lied on the slopes of Uludag Mountain, the Bithynian Mount Olympus, and due to the green view of the surrounding forests, Bursa is nicknamed as Green Bursa.



SOCIAL FACILITIES IN BURSA

Since Bursa is famous for its beautiful mosques, distinctive Ottoman architecture examples, silk-filled bazaars and relaxing hotels and spas, it is easy to put the city in your must-see list. In a quick city tour, you should see the Green Mosque, which is famous for its bluish green tiles and the turquoise colour used in the ornaments, the city centre and Hisar (Citadel).

Green Mosque: The Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami) composes of mausoleum (Tomb), madrasah (a theological college) and Turkish baths. There is also Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum in the historic madrasah.



City Centre: The city centre of Bursa is full of commercial and cultural attractions such as Kapalı Çarşı (Covered Bazaar) and Koza Han (Silk Cocoon Caravanserai) where you can buy spectacular silk products. Also, you can visit Ulu Cami (Great Mosque), Inkaya Çınar (the old plane tree), fantastic restaurants to taste famous Iskender Kebab.



Hisar (Citadel): It is the oldest part of Bursa and just ten-minute walk away from Ulu Cami. It includes the beautiful traditional Bursa houses and the tombs of Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi, the founders of Ottoman Empire. You can also enjoy the panoramic view of the valley from the citadel.

Muradiye Mosque: The mosque is included in a large complex in a quite neighbourhood. The complex has the tombs of many Ottoman princesses and sultans, a medieval health centre, a soup kitchen, a Turkish bath and two historic Ottoman houses. The health centre is still in use and the soup kitchen is now a traditional style restaurant. The Muradiye Mosque is in the similar style with Green Mosque.


Cekirge Thermal Bath: It is well known throughout the East. The baths contain sulphur and iron, which make the region famous in many countries. The sources of the baths are thought to be the remnants of Roman period.


Uludag National Park: The ancient Mysian Olympus (Uludag) is a national park and popular touristy area with winter sports and its natural beauty. It is also preferred for summer activities such as trekking and camping. Uludag is the highest peak in Marmara region. Uludag National Park is also the highest area in western Anatolia.


Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts: You can see the Seljukian and Ottoman tiles, ceramic works and wood carving, damasken works, examples of Turkish mine arts and traditional handmade works and clothes. The museum is a part of Green Mosque Complex, so you can visit the museum together with Green Mosque and Green Tomb.


Suuctu Waterfall: Hidden in the middle of a natural heaven, the waterfall is about half-hour drive from Mustafakemalpasa district. Suuctu Waterfall is a natural beauty with fascinating oak and pine trees around. It attracts tourists in every season.


Lake Uluabat: The lake is within the districts of Karacabey, Nilufer and Mustafakemalpasa. It is 34 km away from Bursa. The lake has a rich biodiversity as a part of the Living Lakes network that ranks the most important lakes of the world.


Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque of Bursa): Ulu Cami is one of the earliest examples of old Turkish Islamic mosques with sadirvan. Sadirvan is a water-tank with a fountain. Having 20 domes, the mosque is decorated with distinguished samples of calligraphy. Constructed in 1399, Ulu Cami is considered the biggest and most remarkable structure in Bursa.


SHOPPING MALLS AND RECREATION CENTRES IN BURSA

Bursa is a very rich city in terms of historical places; especially in shopping areas. This historical city is considered as the centre of trade from very early centuries to present day. There are so many bazaars, built in the large commercial buildings which are called Han in Turkish, that it may be difficult to decide which one to go to. Also, modern shopping areas offer so many various options for shopping lovers. For those who like strolling around historical areas, visiting the covered bazaar and antique shops may be the best idea. The top shopping areas are Bursa Covered Bazaar, Antiques Market, Koza Han and Bedesten Covered Bazaar.


EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES IN BURSA

There two state universities in Bursa: Uludag University and Bursa Technical University, which is newly established. While Uludag University is one of the most prestigious state universities in Turkey, offering a high range of departments from social sciences to health related departments.


TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES IN BURSA

To use the public transportation system in Bursa, visitors should first buy Bukart, which is a kind of smart card to use the transportation system. Visitors can use the card for city buses, trams and metro. Bursa has two metro line, goes directly under the city. The city has also two tram lines, which mostly circles around the important centres in the city. There are also buses running through all over the city.

MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS IN BURSA

The fourth largest city of Turkey, Bursa is both an industry city and home to millions of residents. As a well-organized city, Bursa boasts of its high-quality medical institutions. There are 18 state hospitals and additional institutions scattered around the whole city. Uludag University has a famous faculty of medicine, which also serves as a large research institution. As well as state hospitals, the city is home to many polyclinics and private hospitals, which you can easily reach in your residential area.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN BURSA

Bursa is offering advantageous options for investment seekers since the city is located in a close proximity to the leading city of Turkey, Istanbul. Having a quick access to Istanbul with by sea, airways and driving makes the city one of the most valuable locations. Besides, the large population of Bursa (ranks fourth in Turkey) enables the real estate industry growing more and more. Nilufer district, which is a quite popular city centre, is considered as the most valuable and profitable area to invest in. So as a tip for Bursa real estate consultancy, it won’t be wrong to say that many investment projects as well as the houses and apartments for sale in Bursa are centered around Nilufer district.

CUISINE OF BURSA

The cuisine of Bursa is famous for various tastes such as sponge pastry rolls in syrup (Kemal Paşa tatlısı), milky kadayif, mihlac cheese and peach. But some of the dishes that you should definitely taste when you are in Bursa are such:

Iskender Kebab: Turkish cuisine has a wide range of tastes to try and Iskender Kebab is one of the most delicious foods for Turkish cuisine lovers. The food is considered the signature dish of Bursa. It is prepared from thinly cut grilled meat topped with hot tomato sauce over pieces of pita bread. It is served with boiling butter.


Inegol Meatloaf: Balkan immigrants brought their meatball style to Turkey in 19th century and these little meatballs became known as “Inegol Meatball” in Bursa. The first shop was opened in 1930 and this tasty meatball has become a part of Bursa cuisine.


Chestnut Sugar: It is made by boiling the chestnut in the sweetened syrup. The varieties of chestnut sugar are typical desserts of Bursa.


CLIMATE OF BURSA

Bursa has a warm climate compared to many cities in Turkey. The warmest months are June, July and August. The weather can be dry in these months. The coolest month is January and the rainy season is seen in December.

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