Interesting Things To Do In Bursa, Turkey

Muradiye Complex

Bursa is a vast and vibrant Turkish city nesting on the northwest side of Turkey. It boasts of fascinating heritage and charming cultures and traditions. In this post, we will recommend some of the interesting things to do in Bursa.

Interesting Things To Do In Bursa

1. Grand Mosque Bursa

interesting things to do in Bursa: Grand Mosque Bursa

 

For over 500 years this was the biggest mosque in Turkey. On a Friday prayer, there are about 5,000 people praying together and another 2,000 outside. This massive structure was built in 1396 and completed in 1399. Sultan Bayezid promised that he would build 20 mosques if he would win the battle of Nicopolis. Eventually, he won the war, returned but instead built the Grand Mosque with 20 domes. The Grand Mosque in Bursa is open to the public and taking photos inside is allowed.

2. Koza Han

Koza Han

 

The city of Bursa is popular for lots of mosques, green spaces, and vibrant culture. Not only that, but it is also acknowledged for its precious silk. You can not leave the city without bagging some of these lovely fabrics. To find the quality ones, go to the bustling Koza Han. It is a charming multilevel silk market with lots of retailers and wonderful offerings. Its Ottoman-era architecture is another reason to visit this fascinating place. Also, it is a fantastic place to make friends with locals and ask about travel tips and other helpful guides.

3. Green Mausoleum of Bursa

Green Mausoleum of Bursa

 

The city of Bursa is also called Green Bursa for the predominantly green color from its teeming greeneries that are mostly contributed by numerous parks and gardens. Adding to its “green” character is the Green Mausoleum, which is the final resting place of Mehmet I.

Mehmet I’s sarcophagus is considered to be an architectural wonder of the Turkish period. Its colorful and intricately designed tiles are truly exceptional; not at all dreadful, which is common with sarcophagi.

Aside from Mehmet I’s tomb, the Green Mausoleum, which is found opposite the Green Mosque, features a remarkable octagonal dome that is replete with blue-green tiles, which gave it its name.

4. Muradiye Complex

Muradiye Complex

 

Also known as the Complex of Sultan Murad II, the Muradiye Complex is a stunning mosque that houses 12 tombs, mostly belonging to Sultan Murad II’s relatives. It is breathtaking in terms of architectural design as well as intricacy. Due to an earthquake in the year 1855, a large fraction of the mosque has undergone a restoration. This marvelous landmark is located in the heart of the city, close to other marvelous landmarks, retail shops, and excellent restaurants.

5. Tophane Park

 

interesting things to do in Bursa: Tophane Park

 

There are many reasons to visit Tophane Park with amazing views over the city. First of all, because you can visit the tombs of Osman and Orhan, the founder of Bursa and its son. Besides that, you will stumble upon one of the best places to see in Bursa: the historical clocktower. Unfortunately at the moment, the clocktower is under construction, but the views over the city are still phenomenal from one of the terraces.

6. Bursa Irgandı Bridge

interesting things to do in Bursa: Bursa Irgandı Bridge

 

One of the interesting things to do in Bursa is to visit the Bursa Irgandı Bridge which was built by Haji Muslihiddin in 1442. If you want to shop, you should add this place to the list of “places to visit in Bursa”. It rebuilt in 1949 because of the Greek invasion and earthquakes. It presents interesting examples of Turkish handicrafts. Before you return from Bursa, you should take a photo of the colorful shops, and admire the Turkish handicrafts.

7. Grand Bazaar

Grand Bazaar

 

The Grand Bazaar in Bursa is a large covered shopping district filled with different retail products like pieces of jewelry, clothing, artisan items, and other valuable finds. It also has lots of antique stuff that is popular with tourists and locals alike. The place features a majestic interior design with inspirations from the Ottoman era. It is a fantastic go-to if you want to immerse in the city’s culture and bag home some precious souvenir as well. In addition, you will also find food stalls and nearby restaurants that are convenient whenever you need to re-energize your body from hours of sightseeing and shopping.

8. Bursa City Museum

Bursa City Museum

 

If you like immersing in cultures and learning about heritage whenever you visit foreign cities, you should definitely explore the Bursa City Museum when you visit Bursa. It is a charming museum with intricate interior design and houses a wide collection of dioramas, artifacts, traditional workshops, and other interesting items. Going through the sections of the museum will make you feel like you have traveled through time, stretching from the Ottoman period up to the present time.

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