Bursa is one of the cities I like a lot in Turkey. It is also known as "Green Bursa". Green stems from its gardens and parks, and of course from its being in the middle of an important fruit growing region. It stands on the lower slopes of Uludag. Bursa was the Ottoman capital before Edirne.But, now Bursa is a developing industrial and commercial center with its 1.500.000 population unlike Edirne.

Because of its being the first Ottoman capital, Bursa has lots of religious monuments, mosques, and tombs baths. That's why,Bursa is one of the richest cities in Turkey, in terms of historical treasures. Bursa is so historical city that you should spend at least a few days in order to explore the city. Also, the monuments of the founder of Ottoman Empire, Orhan Bey and his son Osman Bey are located in Bursa.

Do you wonder what Bursa is famous for. The peaches of Bursa are unique. Bursa is a center of the silk trade and towel manufacturing. They are worth buying. Bursa is also the homeland of the very famous Turkish folklore figures, Karagoz and Hacivat.

You will enjoy the warm, mineral-rich springs in Bursa. Almost every hotel in Bursa have thermal bath facilities. That's one of the reasons why I like to stay in Bursa. You will enjoy it.

The Turkish baths "hamam" are wonderful places you should visit in Bursa. The Eski Kaplica (Old Spring) is the oldest one in Bursa

If you want to buy some souvenirs, The Covered Bazaar is the best place for you. It is a very beautiful building which is the centre of silk trade. My mother and I really enjoyed shopping in there.
Muradiye

There is the cemetery for some Ottoman Sultans and Princes who were buried in a beatiful garden in the shade of 1.000 year old plane trees. Also the 15th century Muradiye Mosque, which is next to this beautiful cemetery is worth seeing.
Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque)is located in town-centre. It is next to
the covered bazaar and silk manufacturers' bazaar (Koza Han). It is worth seeing, cos' it is one of the nice examples of the period before the classical Ottoman architecture. You should see its beatiful water fountain inside as well.

The district called Yesil (green) is and important part of town with its turquise colored mosque and inner mausoleum which were built during the sultan Mehmet I period.. The Yesil Mosque is known as the Jewel of Bursa owing to its beauty.
Once you go to Bursa, you should absolutely see The Koza Han (Silk Producer's Bazaar) and the covered bazaar. Also, in Cekirge, you can go to amazing Turkish Baths. The Yildirim Bayezit Mosque, Emir Sultan and Orhan Mosque are the other places you shouls absolutely see in Bursa.

How to get to Bursa:

It only takes three hours at the most to get to Bursa from Istanbul. There is a 30 minute ferry trip from Darica (Eskihisar) to Topcular which shortens the trip around the Gulf of Izmit. Once in Topcular it is a 90 minute drive to Bursa. Moreover, you will enjoy the time you will send on ferry

Besides all the beauties in Bursa, Iskender doner is still the main reason why I like Bursa this much. Iskender is the name of the person who first invented the Iskender Kebap. He served it in his restaurant in Bursa named after him. Since 1867 they have been serving this dish and only this dish. Now In all over Turkey, you can find Iskender Doner in a kebap restaurant. It is my favourite. There are people like me who go to Bursa in order to eat Iskender Doner. You should absolutely taste it.

I can a trip even to Bursa even just for a quick Turkish bath and an Iskender Kebap.
Kebapci Iskender,
Ataturk Caddesi
No.60 BURSA
Tel: 00 90 224 221 1076


Bursa stands on the lower slopes of Uludag(Great Mountain), which is the largest and most celebrated winter-sports centre in Turkey. The easily accessible by car or cable-car. Th
e area is also a national park there. There are lots of five-stars hotels in the mountain.

Gemlik and Mudanya are seaside resort towns close to Bursa. They have long sandy beaches.

I am sure you will like this historically and naturally rich, beautiful city of Turkey.