5 Historical Museums in Bursa
There are many historical museums in Bursa by virtue of being an ancient city. I made two separate posts by reason of the fact that Bursa is a distinguished city. You can also read ‘Museums in Bursa‘ from here. As I’ve mentioned in the previous text, visiting museums in Bursa is a must for history lovers. I listed the museums that reflects history and characteristics of Bursa.
1- Tofaş Museum of Cars and Anatolian Carriages
Tofaş Museum of Cars and Anatolian Carriages is a unique museum. The location is in an old historical silk production facility and as can be seen, the facility opened as a museum in 2002. It’s a very meaningful and clever step to open a museum where car industry’s heart beats. Moreover, there is a also nice coffee shop which is called Fayton Cafe inside and you can watch the view of the city during sunset from its terrace.
You will explore not only carts, phaetons, carriages, chariot but also items related to Turkish bath culture (Umurbey Hamamı) and temporary exhibitions. Lastly, you will have a brief look about the history of Anatolian cars. Check the latest exhibitions by clicking here.
2- Hünkar Mansion
Hünkar Mansion (1844) is located in Yıldırım neighborhood at the slope of Uludağ Mountain. We owe this structure to the 31st Sultan of Ottoman Empire, Abdülmecid. Besides functioning as a hunting mansion, it hosted some sultans and Atatürk as well.
Architecturally, we will see a reception hall, Atatürk’s bedroom, working room, other bedrooms. In the basement, you will see a dining room with beautiful paintings and a hall with a marble pool. Externally, a beautiful garden is waiting for you with terrace and restaurant/cafe. Once you enter the garden you will see a fountain which is decorated with tiles and a path covered with original pebble-stone. The effect of French ampir style in architecture shines since the main trend was second phase of neo-classicism movement in 19th century.
Last but not least, there is a restaurant in the mansion where you can eat traditional meals. I don’t even mention how the panoramic view is tremendous. You can check the restaurant by clicking here.
3- Ulumay Ottoman Folk Costumes and Jewellery Museum
Ulumay Ottoman Folk Costumes and Jewellery Museum has an interesting story, literally. During the reign of Fatih Sultan Mehmed, a poet Ahmed Paşa built this madrasa in 15th century. After centuries, it was opened as a museum with the huge contributions of Esat Uluumay in 2004. The big and various collection consists of items used during Ottoman Empire time thanks to Esat Uluumay.
There are four main displaying areas. At first entrance, the section represents Ottoman folk clothes. Secondly, storey is full of Ottoman folk silver jewellery. Third one consists of folk bead samples from different regions. Finally, you will be in a stage with full of traditional Ottoman handicraft collection. Thankfully, this museum symbolizes a great effort of Esat Uluumay whose generation goes back with the collections he has been gathering for sixty years and you can check the website of museum.
4- Merinos Textile Industry Museum
Merinos Textile Industry Museum, former name Sümerbank Merinos Wool Institute, was opened in 1938 by Atatürk. Respectably, it was a big step to establish this institute to contribute to economy of Turkey at that time.
Today, it is functioning as a museum. It is the first textile museum in Turkey. The museum aimed to show the process of production from beginning to finishing. It displays wool process, weaving, textile machines, documents, photos, yarns, fabrics, silk collection. Please click here to see the website.
5- Bursa Forestry Museum
Bursa Forestry Museum is in a historical building with thousands of items related to forest. Honestly, I found this idea very original and intriguing. The name of this old mansion was “Saatçi Köşkü” (Mansion of Clockmaker) at past. After the restoration, it came back as a museum in 1989. The owner made clocks in this mansion for years.
It represents a civic architecture of Baroque style with its elements. In the garden, there is a pool with lion-mouth, pergola and trees. You will be amazed by the ceiling ornamentations and murals inside the mansion. It is not only a forestry museum but also like visiting a historical house.
What’s more, the museum contains thousands of pieces such as forestry tools, vegetal and animal fossils, maps, different kind of trees, old communication devices, historical documents. The website is here.
