Location: Bursa
Top Things to do in Bursa
10 Sacred & Religious Sites in Bursa That You Shouldn't Miss
Known as the Royal Springs, Bursa's renowned hot mineral waters have been popular since Byzantine and Roman times. Fed by magnesium, calcium and sulfur-rich thermal springs, the 700-year old baths were built in the time of Sultan Murat I. The beautifully ornate Yeni Kaplica bath dates back to 16th century.
Restaurants in Bursa
1. DayI Karacabey Turbesi
2. Azeb bey Camii
3. The Great Mosque
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,625 reviews
Built in the 14th century, this mosque is an excellent example of classical Ottoman architecture. Of special interest are the intricately carved wooden pulpit, and the three-tiered fountain.
Reviewed By carolas936 - Marietta, United States
The Great Mosque (a.k.a. Ulu Cami) is on the main street (where the Atatürk Cd. becomes Cemal Nadir Cd.) and is the largest mosque in Bursa, showcasing Seljuk-style architecture. Many consider it the fifth most important mosque in Islam (after those in Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem, and Damascus), and is included in Bursa’s 2014 UNESCO World Heritage Site description. The mosque was commissioned by Sultan Bayezid I, and designed and built by architect Ali Neccar in 1396–1399. The large square building has twenty domes arranged in four rows of five, supported by twelve columns. According to legend, twenty domes were built instead of the twenty separate mosques which the Sultan had promised after winning the Battle of Nicopolis over an allied crusader army in 1396. The mosque's two cylindrical minarets are prominent landmarks if you wander around central Bursa. The interior of the mosque is spacious, filled with light, and has graceful calligraphy and floral motifs adorning the walls and columns. At the center is a şadırvan (fountain) where worshipers can perform ritual ablutions before prayer. The dome over the şadırvan is capped by a skylight which highlights the fountain's softly cascading water. The mihrab (prayer niche oriented towards Mecca) is particularly fine, bordered by intricate decorative tiles and bands of graceful calligraphy. Throughout the interior are graceful inscriptions on the walls and columns written by famous Ottoman calligraphers of the period, one of the finest examples of Islamic calligraphy in the world. The interior is shielded from street noise and invites contemplation, encouraged by a reader softly reciting passages from the Koran. The mosque is open during normal hours with no entrance fee (although a donation is gratefully appreciated). Modest attire and removing one's shoes shows respect for this active place of worship.
4. II. Murad Turbesi
5. Isabey CAMii
6. Yesil Camii
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Carolepj - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
This is a small mosque so easy to walk round and take in the Islamic decoration. A wonderful ceiling. It was quiet when I visited which I like because the atmosphere was serene and tranquil which is what you expect to find in a place of religious worship. It is more interesting if you delve a little into the history and sits across the road from the "Green Tomb" so both can be visited at once.
