Historical Bazaars and Shopping in Bursa
What to buy in Bursa is a frequently asked question by travelers. Besides sigthseeing with its ancient history background, shopping in Bursa is also an extensive experience that I highly recommend. The city has many historical bazaars, traditional shops, handcraft workshops, bazaar bridge and so on. Here’s a quick summary of the things you can buy from Bursa: Silk scarfs, ceramics, towels, pottery, tiles, rugs, carpets and of course candied chestnut. Now, let’s see which historical bazaars are at the center.
Kozahan: The Center of Silk Trade
Kozahan (1491) situated very close to Bursa Ulu Cami. Silk production was one of the major occupations in the town. That’s the reason Bursa became one of the leading cities in textile. Koza means “cocoon” and Kozahan actually was a kervansaray, caravanserai, where people stay and trade.
Kozahan has two floors with 95 rooms and there is masjid and şadırvan (fountain) in the middle of courtyard. These rooms are functioning as shops which sell silk scarfs, silk clothes, shawls, artistic goods now. After visiting this historical shops, there are tea and coffee shops around Kozahan. You can watch this beautiful structure, listen the sound of peaceful water and imagine how many traders, travelers passed and stayed in this place while enjoying your drink.
Pirinç Han
Pirinç Han is one of the oldest inns in Bursa city center. Inns were built starting from 14th century until 16th century mostly. The architecture style is mostly with two floors and traders, travelers were staying or trading here. They served as a revenue for some mosques and imarets (public soup kitchens for poor people).
For example, Pirinç Han was built by Sultan Bayezid II in 1508 to provide an income for charity association in Istanbul. There were some water tanks in the middle because travelers and their animals’ needs. Right now, there are coffee/tea shops in Pirinç Han.
Bursa Kapalı Çarşı / Bursa Covered Bazaar
Bursa Covered / Grand Bazaar reminds you of Grand Bazaar in Istanbul at first. However, as you know Bursa was the first capital of Ottoman Empire and center for trade, Bursa Covered Bazaar is older than Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.
There are separated passages, courtyards, inns and shops. You can find towels, food, jewelery, silk clothing, silk scarfs, fabric and so on. It’s connected with Kozahan as well.
Uzun Çarşı / Long Bazaar
Uzun Çarşı is very close to Kozahan and Pirinç Han as well. You can find a great variety of textile shops from clothes to shoes. The bazaars’ origin goes back to 15th century. If you are in Bursa Ulu Camii area, you may consider as a shopping center alternatively.
