Bursa
was the Ottoman capital before Edirne.
Today, unlike Edirne, it is a city
of 1.5 million people and is a repidly
developing industrial and commercial
center. Because of the city's historical
treasure, it will take you all day
to visit Bursa and you will want to
stay in extra day.
Muradiye
Muradiye is the cemetery
for many Ottoman Sultans and Princes
who were buried in a poetic garden
in the shade of 1.000 year old plane
trees. Next to this beautiful cemetery
is the 15th century Muradiye Mosque,
also worth visiting.
Osman-Orhan
The two mausoleum belong
to the founders of the Ottoman State,
Osman Bey and his son, the conqueror
of Bursa, Orhan Bey. They are located
in a terrace with a magnificent view
of Bursa and beyond.
Ulu
Cami
This, the "Grand Mosque"
is located in the commercial center
of town, next to the covered bazaar
and silk manufacturers' bazaar (Koza
Han). Built at the end of the 14th
century, the Ulu Cami is an interesting
example of the period before the classical
Ottoman architecture. It is worth
the visit with its water fountain
inside and its pulpit which is considered
to be a masterpiece on woodworking.
Yesil
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 tomb
of Mehmed I is inside the Yesil Türbe.
Mehmet I is considered to be the second
founder of the Ottoman state as he
re-established the empire after the
invasion of the Mongolians ruled by
Tamerlane in the 15th century. The
Yesil Türbe is attractive with its
ceramics, interior decoration and
woodwork on its doors. The small mosque
accross the mausoleum is a fine example
of marble workmanship and glazed tiles.
The Yeşil Mosque is called the "Jewel
of Bursa" because of its beauty,
both inside and out.
Other
Places of Interest in Bursa
The Koza Han (Silk Producer's
Bazaar) and the covered bazaar, including
the Bedesten must be visited when
in Bursa. You will change your mind
after a visit to these places even
if you are determined not to spend
a penny in Turkey!
If
you have time, go to the Turkish baths
in Çekirge and surrender yourself
to an "expert of message and
cleansing", "tellak"
if a man, "natir" if a woman.
As you leave, you will say, "I
have never been so clean in my life!"
Other
places of interest are the Yildirim
Bayezit Mosque, Emir Sultan and Orhan
Mosque.
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