Bursa

Ancient Ottoman capital known for its green parks, silk production, and stunning mosques including the Green Mosque and Green Mausoleum. It offers thermal hot springs, traditional Turkish baths, and a wonderful blend of history and natural beauty at the foot of Mount Uludağ.

Things to do

• Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami) — A stunning early Ottoman mosque featuring intricate tilework and calligraphy, representing the height of 15th-century Islamic architecture.
• Green Mausoleum (Yeşil Türbe) — The ornate tomb of Sultan Mehmed I adjacent to the Green Mosque, famous for its brilliant turquoise-green tilework visible throughout the city.
• Uludağ Mountain Cable Car — A scenic gondola ride up Mount Uludağ offering panoramic views of Bursa and access to hiking trails, ski slopes, and nature parks.
• Bursa Silk Market (Koza Han) — A historic caravanserai where traditional silk traders still operate, allowing visitors to purchase authentic Turkish silk scarves and fabrics.
• Thermal Hot Springs at Çekirge — Historic thermal spa district with natural hot springs perfect for soaking in traditional Turkish hammams and modern wellness centers.
• Bursa Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts — Housed in a former Ottoman mansion, this museum displays exceptional collections of calligraphy, ceramics, and Ottoman-era artifacts.
• Tophane Park — One of Turkey's oldest parks with lush greenery, traditional Ottoman pavilions, and scenic views of the city and surrounding landscape.

Food to try

• İskender Kebab — Bursa's most famous dish consisting of thin sliced lamb over pita bread, topped with yogurt, tomato sauce, and melted butter, invented in the city in the 1920s.
• Bursa İnegöl Köftesi — Juicy herbed meatballs from the nearby town of İnegöl, traditionally served with grilled bread and fresh vegetables.
• Candied Chestnuts (Kestane Şekeri) — A sweet local delicacy where whole chestnuts are preserved in sugar syrup, a specialty treat found in markets throughout Bursa.
• Bursa Peaches (Şeftali) — The region's famous sweet peaches, often enjoyed fresh, dried, or in traditional Turkish desserts and compotes.
• Tirit — A comfort food made from torn bread soaked in a flavorful lamb or meat broth, commonly eaten for breakfast or as a light meal.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect mosque etiquette — When visiting mosques like the Green Mosque, remove your shoes, dress modestly, and avoid visiting during prayer times unless you are participating.
• Bargaining in bazaars — In traditional markets like Koza Han, haggling over prices is expected and considered part of the shopping experience rather than rude.
• Turkish hospitality customs — Accept offered Turkish tea (çay) and treats graciously, as refusing can be seen as impolite; it is customary to remove shoes when entering homes.
• Thermal bath traditions — In hammams, segregated bathing is common with separate areas for men and women; learn basic hammam etiquette by observing locals or asking staff for guidance.