Bursa Historic Places – The First Capital of the Ottoman Empire

Bursa, located in northwestern Türkiye, is one of the country’s most important historical cities. Known as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa is filled with mosques, tombs, bazaars, and UNESCO-listed cultural sites. Visitors can explore Ottoman architecture, silk trade heritage, ancient markets, and beautiful religious monuments surrounded by mountains and green nature.

Here are the top historic places to visit in Bursa:

🕌 1. Green Mosque & Green Tomb (Yeşil Cami – Yeşil Türbe)

One of Bursa’s most famous landmarks.

🏛 Built by Sultan Mehmed I in the 15th century
🟩 Covered with beautiful turquoise-green tiles
🕌 Ottoman architecture and calligraphy
📍 Located in Yeşil district

A masterpiece of early Ottoman design.

🕌 2. Grand Mosque of Bursa (Ulu Cami)

A symbol of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage part of “Bursa and Cumalıkızık.”

🕋 20 large domes and a peaceful interior
📜 Quranic inscriptions and Islamic art
💧 Famous fountain inside the prayer hall
📍 Located in the city center

A must-see cultural and religious landmark.

🛍️ 3. Koza Han (Silk Market)

The historic silk trade bazaar of Bursa.

🧵 Built in 1491 during Sultan Bayezid II
🛍 Shops selling silk, scarves, and souvenirs
☕ Famous courtyard tea garden
📍 Located between Ulu Cami & the Bazaar

Perfect for shopping and photography.

🏰 4. Bursa Castle & City Walls

Old fortifications overlooking the historic district.

🧱 Ancient Roman and Byzantine foundations
⚔ Used by the early Ottoman rulers
📍 Close to Hisar neighborhood
🌄 Offers panoramic views of Bursa

A meaningful stop for history lovers.

🕌 5. Orhan Gazi & Osman Gazi Tombs

Final resting places of the founders of the Ottoman Empire.

⚰ Located inside Tophane Park
🕌 Beautiful mausoleums and courtyards
🌆 Great city view from the hill
📜 Important spiritual and national heritage

A key historic location in Bursa.

🕌 6. Muradiye Complex (Muradiye Külliyesi)

An impressive Ottoman religious complex.

⛪ Mosque, madrasa, and historic tombs
🕌 Famous for hand-decorated tiles
🌿 Peaceful garden atmosphere
🎭 Tombs of Ottoman princes and princesses

A calm and emotional place filled with history.

🧱 7. Cumalıkızık Ottoman Village

A UNESCO World Heritage village at the foot of Uludağ Mountain.

🏠 700-year-old traditional Ottoman houses
🛍 Local food, handmade crafts, village market
📸 Narrow stone streets and wooden buildings
🌳 Surrounded by nature and farms

One of the best-preserved villages in Türkiye.

🕌 8. Emir Sultan Complex

A popular spiritual site in Bursa.

🤲 Named after Emir Sultan, an important Islamic scholar
🕌 Mosque, courtyard and Ottoman cemetery
🌸 Beautiful gardens and quiet atmosphere
📍 Located in Yıldırım district

Popular among local and international visitors.

🕌 9. Irgandı Bridge Bazaar

A historic covered bridge turned into a market.

🌉 Built in 1442 over the Gökdere River
🛍 Small shops selling handicrafts and souvenirs
📸 Beautiful photography spot
🎨 Art and traditional crafts workshops

One of the only “bazaar bridges” in the world.

✅ Why Visit Historic Places in Bursa?

🌍 The first Ottoman capital
🕌 Rich Islamic art and architecture
🏛 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
🛍 Old bazaars, silk trade, and traditional markets
🌳 Beautiful mountain views and green city atmosphere