The traditional city of Bursa that resides only 2-3 hours from the bustling star of Turkey, Istanbul is often neglected and sidelined. Yet, those in search of truly understanding Turkey are truly missing out. Bursa bursts with top attractions and a great amount of the best Turkey has to offer.

Unbeknownst to many, Bursa is a city that predated Constantinople’s glory, in essence, without the conquering of Bursa, Istanbul would have probably stayed in the hands of the Eastern Roman Empire, the Byzantines for much longer. The legacy of the Ottoman empire, the essence that attracted nearly 45 million tourists yearly to Turkey would have looked very different if it hadn’t been for the city of Bursa.

Although the 4th biggest city in Turkey with a population of over 2 million compared to Istanbul’s dizzying 15 million, the city is perfect for those who want a more relaxed submerging into Turkish history, culture and life. More affordable than Istanbul, Bursa is the perfect place to do all your souvenir and event shopping. Its slower pace invites tourists to climb the heights of the snowy mountains of Uludag, breakfast with handmade bakeries and fresh produce at Cumalikizik and admire the architecture of the city. 

Uludağ

Uludağ is home to Turkey’s busiest winter ski resort, with hotels booked out in the winter months and skiing slopes bustling with amateurs and experts. These mountains that encircle the city can be seen at almost every point of the city. The natural walls of this city blanketed in white, Uludağ are a rare treasure of Bursa
There are many means to reach the snowy peaks of Uludağ, car, bus rides and the Teleferik cable cars.

Teleferik

The Teleferik is a scenic cable car ride that suspends its riders over crazy heights (the lowest 395 m highest to 1,870 m) for 22 minutes. Not for those with fear of heights, this incredibly safe system transports tourists and locals to explore the sun topped peaks of the mountains. The heights permit incredible panoramic views of nature.

Skiing, Snowboarding or Simple enjoyment 

Between the months of December and March, the snowfall allows families, tourists and friends to pass splendid days in the snow and sun. Skiing and snowboarding are readily available for all, renting companies allow beginners to rent equipment and experts can easily access the mountains if staying in Bursa. Those who aren’t apt to snow activities can enjoy delicious meals in warm interiors with views of frosted pine trees. 

Cumlikizik

This colourful UNESCO World Heritage town of 700 years old is perched on the foot of the Uludag Mountain is a time capsule into old Ottoman towns. The wonderfully cobblestoned streets wind around to paths of tea houses, Gozeleme specialist restaurants, hand-made by the Teza’s (aunties), restaurants and cute Camiis (mosques). Weekends are more popular as locals drive down for the famous Turkish breakfasts and a small escape from city life. 

Ulu Cami, Bursa Grand Mosque

The Grand Mosque of Bursa, central to Bursa dates back to 1399 and was built to commemorate the defeat of the combined crusader Christian forces. The current mosque is a mix of Ottoman Baroque style, which merges European architecture with Ottoman forms. This mosque begs worshippers to ponder the calligraphy and divine art that graces almost every wall and pillar of the Cami. As a unique feature, there is a water fountain in the centre of the mosque that rests below an open dome. 

Emirsultan Cami

Situated in a quarter of the same name, the Emirsultan Cami is a local treasure with Turks visiting this holy place to honour the dervish and son-in-law of Sultan Bayezid 1 (a sultan recognised for defeating the Crusaders). The mosque and Mausoleum represents a Baroque design that was adapted after an earthquake in 1855. The Mosque’s exterior reflects a European elegance with a wooden and simple interior that allows worshippers the best of both worlds, aesthetically. The views outside Emir Sultan are also worthy of the trek upwards as the vantage point overviews Bursa’s rooftops and the Green Tomb and Mosque. 

Green Mosque and Green Mauseuleum , Yeşil Cami

The Green Mosque is a splendour of Persian, Turkish and European influences. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a feast for the eyes, with features that will transport you to other Turkik countries in Central Asia. The Mausoleum that houses Sultan Mehmed 1 and his children is a vibrant tomb that can be visited for cultural appreciation or religious reverence. 

Tophane

The Clock tower that overlooks Bursa pokes out from the Tophane Walls, first built in the 8th century by the Romans. For those who have a limited time in Bursa, this spot is ideal for seeing Bursa in one breathtaking instance.

Tombs of Osman and Orhan Gazi

Located beside the Tophane clock tower, the tombs of Osman and Orhan Gazi rest in a beautiful lush garden overlooking Bursa. This site is of symbolic significance to Turkish history, Osman is considered the first ruler of the Ottoman Empire and his son Orhan was the leader who captured Bursa from the Byzantine. 

İnkaya Çınarı, Inkaya Sycamore 

Its wide branches reach out to canopy 3 meters wide and over 35 meters high. This huge tree is a unique centre that invites tourists and locals to enjoy Turkish delicacies under its leafy shade from an impressive vantage point.