In 2022 the city of Bursa was selected as the cultural capital of the Turkic world. Today it’s the cultural capital, but it historically it was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and has a history of riches to show its importance. In Bursa you’ll find bridges that are as old as the city, small villages, large markets, tombs, and historic mosques. Bursa is a living history book and many of its landmarks have been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage sites.

Continue reading as we look at some of the most outstanding UNESCO World Heritage sites that we think you should visit.

Cumalıkızık Village

Cumalıkızık Village is an early Ottoman village located just 12 kilometers outside of Bursa. The term “kızık” is an 11th century word referring to Turkmen settlements in Anatolia and Norther Syria. The villages you’ll find outside of Bursa are thought to have been built in the 1300s. It’s best to visit Cumalıkızık Village because it’s the most authentic and best preserved village of its type.

Eski Hot SPring

The Eski Hot Spring is located 210 meters above sea level and is the oldest hot spring in the region. The hot springs were designed by a Byzantine architect named Hristodulos, who was a prisoner at the time of its design.

Hüdavendigar Complex

Built by Sultan Murad I between 1363 and 1366, the Hüdavendigar Complex consists of a mosque, public kitchen, Turkish bath, and royal tomb. The most important part is the madrasa, which is placed on an upper floor. Additionally, it’s mosque is unique because it has two porticos.

Khans Area

Bursa has been an important center of trade since its establishment as the capital of the Ottomans. The historically important commercial trade of the city is reflected in the Khans Area. This importance can be seen by the large khans, bedestan, and bazaars. This area has been the economic heart of the city since its establishment and the area has been impressively able to retain its aesthetic and social value.

The khans and bazaar have continued functioning without interruption for 650 years. Today, the area is fully pedestrianized, which makes it Ana ttractive location for residents and tourists.

Muradiye Complex

The Muradiye Complex is the last built by an Ottoman sultan before the capital moved to Istanbul. The complex was build by Sultan Murad II in 1426. A mosque, madrasa, Turkish bath, public kitchen, and sultan’s tombs are located in the complex.

This structure is the first example of a graveyard composed of tombs. There are 13 tombs within the Muradiye Complex, and inside them are the sultans and their families, but also various courtiers who served the families. An interesting fact is that the nobility were still buried here, even after the capital moved to Istanbul.

Tombs of Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi

Osman Gazi is regarded as the founder of the Ottoman Empire and his son, Orhan, conquered Bursa in 1326. When they arrived at Bursa, they saw a Byzantine chapel with with a lead-plated dome that shone under the sun. Osman named it “Silver Dome” and made it his wish to be buried at the site. Osman’s wish was fulfilled by his son in 1326. Orhan Gazi chose the same place for his burial in 1362.

At this World Heritage site you’ll find multiple mausoleums, with Osman’s encompassing 17 sarcophagi. Orhan’s mausoleum houses 20 sarcophagi. Some of the additional tombs are for the rulers’ close family members while others are unnamed.

Yeşil Complex

The Yeşil Complex was built in 1419 by Sultan Mehmed I in celebration of the rebirth of Ottoman rule following the defeat of Timur in the Battle of Ankara on July 28, 1402. The complex consists of the Yeşil Mosque (Green Mosque), a madrasa, a royal tomb, a Turkish bath, and a public kitchen. The mausoleum holds the coffins of ÇelebiSultan Mehmed and his sons and daughters along with their nanny.

The Yeşil Mosque is regarded as one of the most beautiful historic buildings of Türkiye. The mosques’ mihrab is covered with Ionic glass tiles that are 80% quartz.

Yıldırım Complex

Yıldırım was built in 1390 and is one of the most brilliant examples of architecture in Bursa. During its time, it served as a center of education because of its mosque and hospital. Other than the mosque and hospital, it also has a madrasa, royal tomb, public kitchen, and Turkish bath. Today, the hospital is still in service for ophthalmology.

The mosque is special in that that is’ the first mosque to use the “Bursa Arch”. And the tomb holds the coffins of the sultan’s wife and their sons.