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3 cities
Province · Trácia e Mármara
Bursa
Bursa was the first Ottoman capital: mosques and silk markets in the center, the village of Cumalıkızık, İznik by the lake and the Uludağ mountain, with skiing in winter.
In the photo: Uludağ, Bursa
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The province
Get to know Bursa
The province of Bursa lies on the southern shore of the Sea of Marmara, on the opposite side from Istanbul. The capital, Bursa, stretches at the foot of Uludağ, the mountain the ancients called the Mysian Olympus; the province also includes the coasts of Mudanya and Gemlik and Lake İznik.
Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, from 1326. From that period remain the Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii), the Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami), the Muradiye complex and the hans, such as Koza Han, the old silk market. These ensembles and the village of Cumalıkızık form the UNESCO heritage site that commemorates the birth of the Ottoman Empire.
Cumalıkızık, at the foot of Uludağ, preserves Ottoman stone-and-wood houses along cobbled streets. İznik, ancient Nicaea, seat of the Council of 325, has walls, the Hagia Sophia of Nicaea and the tile-making tradition that decorated Ottoman mosques.
The city gave the country İskender kebap, sliced meat over bread with tomato sauce, butter and yogurt, and kestane şekeri, candied chestnut. By tradition, the shadow-theatre Karagöz was born in Bursa, and the baths in the Çekirge district use hot water from the mountain.
In winter, Uludağ hosts skiers at one of Turkey’s best-known ski resorts; in summer the mountain attracts hikers and those seeking cooler air.
Destinations
1 destination in Bursa
Cities
3 cities in Bursa in the guide
Bursa
Capital
Bursa
Bursa was one of the early Ottoman capitals and grew at the foot of Uludağ. Ulu Camii and Koza Han bring religion and commerce together in the center; Yeşil and Muradiye show other historic complexes. The mountain alters the pace of the visit, while Cumalıkızık and İznik expand the itinerary across the province.
Bursa
Cumalıkızık
Cumalıkızık is a historic village on the slopes of Uludağ, part of Bursa’s heritage. Wooden and masonry houses line stone streets that still serve the residents. The visit combines observing the facades with a walk through the village core, without requiring an overnight stay for those using Bursa as a base.
Bursa
İznik
İznik is the ancient Nicaea, a walled town by the lake associated with the Christian councils and Ottoman ceramics. the local Ayasofya marks the center; gates and sections of the walls help explain the historic layout. The walk combines streets, heritage and the town’s relationship with the lake shore.
When to go
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September and October) are usually the best times for the city, Cumalıkızık and İznik. Summer is hot in the centre and cooler on Uludağ. For skiing, the season on Uludağ typically runs from December to March, depending on the snow.
Getting there
From Istanbul, the trip can be by road via the Osmangazi Bridge, or by boat across the Sea of Marmara to Mudanya or Yalova, continuing by bus. Yenişehir Airport (YEI), east of Bursa, has domestic flights; most travelers arrive through Istanbul’s airports. Check before booking. From the city, a cable car goes up to Uludağ.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Bursa
Can you do Bursa as a day trip from Istanbul?
You can, but the day is short. With one to two days you can see the mosques and markets in the centre, Cumalıkızık and the ascent to Uludağ. İznik warrants a separate outing.
How do you get up to Uludağ?
The cable car departs from the upper part of the city and climbs the mountain slope; there is also a road up to the mountain-hotel area. In winter, check road conditions and cable-car operation before you go.
What to eat in Bursa?
İskender kebap, created in the city, is the best-known dish: sliced meat over bread with tomato sauce, melted butter and yogurt. For dessert, kestane şekeri, Bursa’s candied chestnut.
Where is İznik and why visit it?
İznik sits on the shore of the lake of the same name, northeast of Bursa. It is ancient Nicaea, where the Council of Nicaea met in 325, and it preserves walls, gates and the Hagia Sophia of Nicaea, as well as tile workshops.
Does Bursa have a beach?
The province’s coastline lies on the Sea of Marmara, in Mudanya and Gemlik, with promenades and fish restaurants. Those looking for warmer sea water usually head to the Aegean coast.