Bursa Travel Guide

Information

Bursa is the fourth most crowded city in Turkey. For 2018, it has had a population of 2,901,396.

In 2016, Bursa was awarded as "the most livable city in Turkey" and the 28'th in the world. It has a coast of approximately 20 kilometres, and it is near to the Marmara sea. The city is 10,882 km2 wide, and the population of the city has increased considerably throughout the years. Many years ago Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and had always been an important city even until this day.

When Bursa is Mentioned to all the Turkish people, Uludağ Mountain comes to everyone's mind. Because it is one of the most famous ski centres in the country. Also, it is famous for its peaches, sweet chestnuts, silk, automotive industry, and heavy industry.

Because of the abundance of greenery, Bursa is called "Green Bursa" amongst locals. There are multiple sightseeing locations within the city. It is a centre that attracts the attention of tourists with its historical places, camping areas, ski centre, interesting districts, and villages. To enjoy these places, there are lots of transports within the city, and there is also a cable car that will take you to one of the most popular areas in the city and witness one fo the best views this country has to offer.

Sightseeing Places

Ulucami

It is one of the most beautiful mosques in Turkey. Built in the early years of the Ottoman Empire in 1399, the mosque is more similar to the Seljuk architecture than to the Ottoman architecture. It has 20 domes. It is also known for being the world's largest museum of calligraphy with approximately 150 calligraphy plates.

Bursa Archaeological Museum

Built in 1902, the museum contains remains of Byzantine and earlier periods. For example, you can see historical materials from Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods which date back to 8000-3000 BC.

Tophane

The name of the district can be translated as "Armory," which is one of the most touristic places of Bursa, has a magnificent view of the city. The Saltanat Gate, Osmangazi and Orhangazi Tombs and Tophane Clock Tower are also in this region.

Cumalıkızık

It is a village that founded about 700 years ago. There are 260 wooden houses in the village, and 170 of these houses are currently in use. There is also a hammam and ethnography museum. It has also hosted many soap operas in Turkey.

Uludağ

Uludag is located in the south of the city, one of the best places you can go to Turkey for winter sports and skiing. It is a national park with rich forest and animals.

Koza Han

This centre contains lots of markets. It was built in the Ottoman times with two floors in a large courtyard. The shops sell silk products in general. It is one of the rare places of Bursa with its old sycamores in its garden. You can also listen to the sound of water as you are enjoying your cup of Turkish tea.

Cuisine

Although its basic material is Doner, it is the butter, tomato sauce, yoghurt and buttered pide pieces that make Iskender kebab famous.

Another famous food is sweet chestnut. You can eat this dessert which is obtained with a mixture of chestnuts and sherbet (boiled sugar mixed with water).

Also, cantik, halva, and tahinli pide are among the foods that are unique to Bursa. You can find these foods in various locations in Bursa, but we recommend you to go to the city centre to feel the unique cultural atmosphere.

Industry

Bursa is one of the few cities in the world that has achieved harmony between both industry, technology and nature. Located on the Silk Road in the past, Bursa has always been a famous trading city with this strategic location.

Within the current economic structure of Bursa, the textile is the leading sector that represents the economy of the city, and also the country. Many spinning mills produce high-quality materials each day.

Other important industries are the automotive and machinery manufacturing industry, which includes the production of automobiles and various spare parts. A large number of parts and accessories are manufactured for motor vehicles. This is the sector that has the most extensive field of activity in terms of both product types and production amounts.