Bursa was the first capital city of Ottoman Empire

Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and has a history that dates back to 4000BC. Bursa is Turkey’s fourth largest and technologically advanced city. Bursa city was the capital for many civilisations and religions and as so it is home to many monuments and rich historical interests.

Bursa attracts attention not only for its cultural heritage but also for its outstanding natural beauty and historical landmarks. Bursa is home to many Islamic, Christian and Jewish monuments and within the province of Bursa; Iznik is the most important of the eight Christian pilgrimage sites in the whole of Turkey.

Things to do in Bursa

Bursa is the home of outstanding natural beauty, which is complemented by its vast historical background. Bursa has a lot to brag about particularly as this province was the first Ottoman capital, and as such is endowed with an array of monuments, mosques, tombs, baths, etc. One would expect Bursa to offer something other than the norm due to the number of visitors that it attracts, therefore it is difficult to offer a top list of attractions with so many to choose from, however our list would be as follows:

• Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) – visit the largest mosque in Bursa and revel in this landmarks early Ottoman architecture.

• Central Markets – located behind the Ulu Cami, Bursa's sprawling Kapali Carsi (Covered Market) contains two historic markets.

• Tombs of Sultans Osman & Orhan – the resting place of the founders of the Ottoman Empire.

• Bursa City Museum – Check out the history of Bursa from the earliest sultans, relics and cultural and ethnographic collections.

• Bursa Citadel - Some ramparts and walls still survive on the steep cliff, the site of Bursa's citadel and oldest neighbourhood.

• Uludag - Whether winter or summer, take a cable-car up the Great Mountain (2543m) and see the views and the cool, clear air of Uludag National Park.

• Muradiye Hudavendigar – The Muradiye Hudavendigar Mosque Complex is a must see when in Bursa as this was the last imperial foundation which began its life in 1424 being built by Murat II.