Early Ottoman Architecture in Bursa
Bursa Ulu Camii / Grand Mosque
Bursa Ulu Camii is one of the oldest mosque in the center and it was commissioned by Sultan Beyazıd I and completed in 1399. It represents early Ottoman architecture with Seljuk Turkish influences. It has two minarets and also 20 domes supported by 12 columns. The pillars are covered with 192 excellent calligraphy works by different 41 people.
Calligraphy is a prominent element in the decoration and ornamentation in Islamic architecture. At the center of the mosque, there is an enormous şadırvan, fountain, which is rare to find in a regular mosque. It is a fascinating mosque at first glance and becomes more fabulous when you explore inside. Finally, according to a legend, Karagöz and Hacivat, the main characters of the Turkish shadow puppet play. They were workers during the construction of Ulu Camii.
Green Mosque and Social Complex
Welcome to one of my favorite mosques in Turkey, Green Mosque. It’s hard to express the reason why I love this mosque. Whenever I go to Yeşil neighborhood, I feel peaceful. I am amazed by architecture and calmness every time.
Yeşil Mosque is one of the marvelous examples of the early Ottoman architecture with Seljuk elements. There are mosque, madrasa, hospice, lodging, bath and tomb. It was commisioned by the fifth sultan of Ottoman Empire, Sultan Mehmed Çelebi I and completed in 1419. The architect’s name is Hacı İvaz Paşa. The name of the mosque is coming from stunning dominant interior green tiles inside. It is also an example of a detailed architecture and ornamentation with both interior tiles and exterior marbles.
Green Mosque, Green Tomb are one of the famous structures in Bursa from 15th century. This great social complex in Yeşil district. Both take their names from green and blue tiles. The mosque has a reversed T-plan just as Hüdavendigar mosque. This feauture shows us that T-plan was a prominent characteristic in the early Ottoman Architecture. T-plan style means the mosque has multi-functional characteristics. Yeşil Mosque was used as a government mansion which makes it disjunctive from other mosques. The structure served as both praying and conducting governmental issues.
Murad I Hüdavendigar Mosque and Social Complex
Murad I is the third sultan and his father is Orhan Gazi. Hüdavendigar Mosque is an early Ottoman architecture style from 14th century. As you may notice, I pick the term “early Ottoman architecture” in posts related to Bursa. This is a prominent feature what makes Bursa different and unique from Istanbul and from many other cities in architectural manner.
The complex is located in Çekirge district which is close to Uludağ road and famous hammam area. It is not only a mosque but a large complex. I mention this mosque because it is underestimated or less known even by locals, according to me. Muradiye complex where I find the peace, history and an amazing view while I drink my tea.
If you are planning to go to Uludağ mountain or hamams in Çekirge, you can take a break there. You will see Muradiye Mosque, madrasa, hamam, tombs of şehzades, public soup-kitchen, hospice in the area. The mosque is with two-storey and it has two minarets. Inside, you will see şadırvan, fountain just like Bursa Grand Mosque.
