One Day in Bursa: A Day Trip to Bursa
You can have a day trip to Bursa from Istanbul and complete main structures in one day in Bursa. Bursa is a great city for history lovers since it was the first capital of Ottoman Empire. The first settlement goes back around 5200 B.C. There was the kingdom of Bithynia, and the name, according to some sources, derives from the first king of Bithynia, Prusias I. Above all, Bursa is surrounded with gorgeous Uludağ mountain, greetings you with its rich and long history. It is the fourth biggest city near the Sea of Marmara. Besides agriculture, nature and history, it is one of the most significant city with textile, metal and car industry as well.
Bursa Castle and Tophane
The Castle of Bursa and city walls were built firstly by East Roman Empire. Ottoman Empire formed and used the walls after the siege of the city. There are five Gates in the castle; Saltanat (Imperial Gate), Kaplıca (Thermal Gate), Zindan (Dungeon Gate), Pınarbaşı and Yer Kapı. All the gates represent a mixture of East Roman and Ottoman Empire. It is located in Tophane district and you can explore them walking through easily.
While you are enjoying the walking between the gates, you will come across with Tophane Park. Tophane is one of the highest points which gives you a panoramic view of Bursa. There are three important structures you should see in this area.Tophane takes its name from the cannons located in area. The main function was to announce people iftar and sahur times during Ramadan in the past. Sultan Abdulaziz built the Tophane Clock Tower and it is in the citadel with an amazing view of Bursa. During the evening the clock tower becomes colorful with bright lights.
The Tombs of Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi
Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi are the founders of Ottoman Empire. Their tombs are close to each other. According to some sources, Osman Gazi wished from his son Orhan Gazi to be “laid to rest beneath the silver dome of Bursa”. At that time, dome was belong to the East Roman Empire. That’s the reason you’ll see a mosaic ornamentation from the chapel of St. Elie.
Irgandı Bridge
It is really rare to find a historical bridge with shops on it such as Irgandı Bridge. There are just four examples of “bazaar-bridge” or “arasta-bridge” in the world today and Irgandı is one of them. Irgandı Bridge was built in 1442 during the reign of Murad II. Archtitecturally, Irgandı Bridge is very authentic and one the outstanding icons in Bursa. Especially, it has an amazing view during the night and snowy days.
It is rising on a historical stone arch. The location is over Gökdere river and the bridge is full with craftwork shops. The shops are functioning both as a workshop and store. You can see great works such as calligraphy, woodwork, ceramics, miniature painting, marbling art workshop, hand-made bracelets with natural stones. While you walk in this unique bridge, you can also buy souvenirs for your friends and family members.
Bursa Turkish and Islamic Arts
Bursa Turkish and Islamic Arts museum is located in Yeşil Social Complex, Külliye. Its former name was Yeşil Madrasa/Sultaniye Madrasa. It was built under the command of Sultan Çelebi Mehmed I in 1495. The building has been functioning as a museum since 1975. There are ceramics, wood-works, manuscripts, artifacts of bath culture, dervish lodgings items, guns, armors, ancient coins, pitchers, candlesticks, traditional handicrafts, weapons, traditional shadow play Karagöz and Hacivat puppets from early Turkish and Islamic Empire times between from 13th to 20th century.
It is not decorated with tiles wholly like we see in Green Mosque and Green Tomb. However, there are ornamentations in the vault over the main gate, the ceiling of one iwan, eyvan, and pediments of windows. The madrasa consists of 13 rooms. There are also gravestones at the courtyard which gives a function to this museum as an open-air also.
Emir Sultan Mosque and Social Complex
Once you complete your glorious tile-works tour in Yeşil neighborhood, Emir Sultan Mosque is waiting with its gorgeous complex for your visit. Emir Sultan was a famous scholar of Islam and he was married with Yıldırım Bayezid’s daughter Hundi Fatma Hatun. After his death, Emir Sultan’s wife command to built a mosque in the name of Emir Sultan at the beginning of 15th century. As you may notice, this is a mosque which was not commissioned by a padişah but by a scholar’s wife.
After the big earthquake in 1795, like many other historical buildings, it was also destroyed and rebuilt by Selim III in 1804. You can see the affect of baroque and rococo styles through the age’s dominant flow.
Extrnally, there is an octagan şadırvan, fountain, in the courtyard. It has one main dome over octagonal hoop. It is possible to see wooden works, curved marbles and several windows. At the north of mosque, you can see the tomb of Emir Sultan and it was octagonal grave. Emir Sultan, his wife and their daughters’ tombs are here.
