Known as "Green Bursa", this province stands on
the lower slopes of Uludag (Mount Olympos of Mysia, 2543 m). The title "Green"
of Bursa comes from its gardens and parks, and of course from its being in the
middle of an important fruit growing region. In Bursa there are things you
should not miss. First of all you are in the homeland of the delicious "Iskender
Kebap". The candied chestnuts are a specialty and have an unforgettable taste.
The peaches of Bursa are unique. As for something to purchase; Bursa is a center
of the silk trade and towel manufacturing. It is also the homeland of the very
famous Turkish folklore figures, Karagoz and Hacivat.
Because of its being the first Ottoman capital,
Bursa is very rich in religious monuments, mosques, and tombs (turbes), baths.
One of the places to be seen in Bursa is the Yesil Mosque (Green Mosque), with
its carved marble doorway which is one of the best in Anatolia. It is an
elaborate and significant building in the new Turkish style. Just opposite, is
the Yesil Tomb "Green Tomb", set in a green garden with an enchanting exterior
decorated with turquoise tiles. Near the tomb, the Medresse complements the
others and makes this the "green" trio, now it houses the Ethnographical Museum
which certainly deserves visiting. The Yildirim Beyazit Mosque is important as
it is the first one built in the new Ottoman style and is accompanied by the
Emir Sultan Mosque which lies in a peaceful setting. The province is decorated
with these monuments-each of which is a masterpiece. Here are the Ulu Mosque
built in the Seljuk style, with impressive calligraphic wall decorations; the
Orhan Gazi Mosque; the "Hisar" an attractive part of the province, and in the
park the Mausoleums of Osman, the founder of the Ottoman Empire, and his son
Orhan Gazi. The Muradiye Complex has a delightful view with its mosque and tombs
of important characters from the Ottoman era and their tiles and charming
decorations appeal to the sightseers. The Ottoman Museum offers a lively exhibit
of the traditional life style of Ottomans.
Something you will enjoy in Bursa are the warm,
mineral-rich springs; indeed most of the hotels in this province have thermal
bath facilities. The Turkish baths "hamam" are great places which should be
visited in Bursa. The Eski Kaplica (Old Spring) is the oldest in the province.
The Karamustafa Pasha Baths are famous, and boast the best hot, mineral waters.
As for souvenirs, you should visit the Covered
Bazaar, "Bedesten", or the Koza Han-an attractive building and also a center of
silk trade. It is certain that Bursa will take some of time for you to see and
add some more delightful experiences to your memories.
Environs of Bursa
Uludag is the largest and most celebrated
winter-sports center in Turkey. It is 36 kms from Bursa and easily accessible by
car or cable-car (teleferik). The area is also a national park and is worth a
visit at any time of the year. The accommodation is high quality offering the
opportunity to enjoy, with a variety of entertainment and sports activities.
Mudanya is a seaside resort town from fine fish
restaurants and night-clubs there so you can have a pleasant
Zeytinbagi (Trilye) is a town of typical Turkish
architecture and lay out. There are sea bus and ferry connections with Istanbul.
lies 85 kms northeast of Bursa, at
the eastern tip of Lake knik. The town has witnessed many civilizations which
have left their marks all over the land. This town is famous for its unique
tiles and has been the center of tile production in the 16th century. Iznik
tiles were the basic decorative element of Seljuk and Ottoman architecture. The
turquoise-tiled Yesil Mosque and Nilufer Hatun imareti are among the Islamic
works in the town.
Time Line of Bithynia
A people of Thracian origin, their pugnacity was legendary.
They successfully repelled both Persian and Macedonian advances, but under a
series of inept kings, they slowly fell under Roman sway. At a much later era,
Bithynia was the heartland of Byzantine opposition to the Latin Empire in the
13th century (see Nicaea), and the cradle
of Ottoman power,
during the 14th century CE.
The ancient homeland of the
Phrygians previous
to 1200 BCE
To Persia.......................................c. 480-333
For Persian Satraps in this area, refer to
Phrygia.
Northern portions independent under Bithynian Thracians, 430's-328, then
core of Kingdom of Bithynia: see the next section within this entry, just
below...
Southern portions to Macedon 333-328, then to
Bithynia...
Kingdom of BithyniaOriginally the northern portion of
Hellespontine Phrygia, which broke free from Persian hegemony in the 430's, it
emerged as the Kingdom of Bithynia after the demise of Alexander, and quickly
absorbed the southern districts as indicated immediately above.
Doedalsus..........................................fl. c. 435
