Bursa is situated at the base of Uludag, Turkey’s biggest winter sports centre. The city was the Ottoman capital prior to Istanbul. It has many beautiful mosques and pretty neighbourhoods from early Ottoman times. Bursa is best known for its thermal springs, silk trade, towel manufacture, candied chestnuts, juicy fruits, cars and kebabs. Although one tends to spend a day in Bursa, it has enough in it to merit an overnight stay.

The Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) was built in 1399 and is the most beautiful of Bursa’s mosques with its 20 tombs.

The early Ottoman Green Mosque (Yesil Cami) built in 1424 and its attractively green tiled Green Tomb (Yesil Turbe) are open daily from 8AM to 5PM. The Museum within it is closed on Mondays. Before setting out on your exploration, sip a cup of tea in one of the traditional teahouses. The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is open 8 am to noon and from 1pm to 5pm except on Monday. The Emir Sultan Mosque (1805) nearby can be reached by dolmus or bus. You can also visit the Tombs of Osman and Orhan (14^th century) and the Muradiye Mosque Complex with its colourful tombs (15^th and 16 th centuries). Take a stroll and watch the local artists work in the open air on Ressamlar Sokak. Bursa’s covered market is very interesting with its narrow streets and caravan serais.

On a clear day you can go up to Uludag, Turkey’s biggest winter centre, by bus, dolmus or cable car.

Cekirge, a western suburb of Bursa, is famous since Roman times for its warm, mineral-rich springs. Many modern hotels have thermal bath facilities and you can also visit the old hamams. 

Buses from Yalova, Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmiral will get you to Bursa. Dolmus (shared taxis) are another good option. The hydrofoil from Istanbul connects to Bursa. Dolmus and buses will take you to all places in Bursa. 

You must taste the locally invented Iskender Kebab, a dish of bread, tomato sauce, strips of grilled meat, melted butter and yogurt. Candied chestnuts are another regional specialty. The cafes of Tophane offer a good place to stop for refreshment. Stroll along Ataturk Avenue to Koza Park where outdoor cafes are set among flowers and fountains.

Banks and shops are along the Ataturk Caddesi and the main square called Heykel. Tourist Office- telephone (224) 220 1848

For more detailed country and visitor information, see Turkey