The cradle of the Ottoman Empire sits at the foot of a great mountain, wrapped in silk, scented with thermal springs, and home to the kebab that conquered the country. Meet Bursa — “Green Bursa.”
Before Istanbul, before Edirne, there was Bursa. This was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, the city where the dynasty’s early sultans are buried and where the distinctive Ottoman style was born. Turks call it Yeşil Bursa — “Green Bursa” — for the forests and gardens that spill down from Uludağ mountain. It is a city of mosques, silk, thermal baths and one very famous kebab, all just a short trip from Istanbul.
The Green Mosque and Grand Mosque
The Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami) and its neighbouring Green Tomb are masterpieces of early Ottoman art, glowing with turquoise tilework. In the centre, the vast Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) shelters twenty domes and a beautiful fountain, its walls covered in monumental calligraphy — one of the great mosques of Turkey.
Silk, Bazaars and İskender Kebab
Bursa was a key stop on the Silk Road, and the caravanserai of Koza Han still trades in silk and cocoons around a leafy courtyard café. The covered bazaar is a delight for shopping and people-watching. And it was here that İskender kebab — sliced döner over bread with tomato sauce and melted butter — was invented; eating it at its birthplace is a pilgrimage in itself.
Uludağ and Thermal Spas
Above the city, Uludağ is Turkey’s most popular ski resort in winter and a cool, cable-car-accessed escape in summer. Bursa is also a historic thermal spa town; the Çekirge district’s hot springs have soothed visitors since Roman and Ottoman times. Don’t miss the Ottoman village of Cumalıkızık, a UNESCO-listed cluster of colourful timber houses on the city’s edge.
Plan Your Bursa Trip
Bursa pairs naturally with İznik and Istanbul, reachable by road and fast ferry across the Sea of Marmara. Browse our tours or build a custom itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Bursa important?
Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and the burial place of its early sultans. It is renowned for early Ottoman architecture like the Green Mosque, its Silk Road heritage, thermal springs and Uludağ mountain.
What food is Bursa famous for?
Bursa is the birthplace of İskender kebab — sliced döner served over pieces of bread with tomato sauce and melted butter. It is also known for candied chestnuts (kestane şekeri) and its silk.
How do I get to Bursa from Istanbul?
Bursa is about 2–2.5 hours from Istanbul by road, or you can take a fast ferry across the Sea of Marmara and continue by bus/car. It combines well with İznik and Uludağ.
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