EXPLORE BURSA

 

BURSA-The first capital city of the Ottoman Empire

Bursa, as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, was of key importance as a reference

for the development of later Ottoman cities. The city is located on the slopes of Uludağ

Mountain in the north-western part of Turkey. Bursa is the fourth largest city in Turkey

after İstanbul, Ankara and İzmir. The city is known as 'Green Bursa'.

Bursa was and is still famous for its peaches, silk trade, towel manufacture and thermal

springs. Candied chestnuts are another regional speciality.

 

CUMALIKIZIK-The oldest Ottoman village in Bursa

The historical treasures, traditional Nomadic houses, curly roads, stone paved paths

and ancient Turkish architecture have been preserved here for centuries. Cumalıkızık

holds 270 historical houses and 180 of them are still being used as dwellings. In the center

of the village you will see the locals selling products such as homemade bread, jams,

strawberries, cherries, eggs, handmade table clothes and towels.This village offer a great

sight for photographers. A 'must see' nomadic village. The municipality of Cumalıkızık has

recently applied to be part of the UNESCO World heritage. If you are a lover of nomadic

history, handicrafts, fresh air on the countryside, this nomadic village waits to be explored.

 

Day 1:

TOUR: Explore Cumalıkızık 

Early in the morning we will depart from İstanbul to Cumalıkızık-Bursa. We will pass to

Asian side of İstanbul by driving on Bosphorus bridge and we will pass to Yalova from

Asian side of İstanbul by ferry and will arrive in Cumalıkızık. Our day in Cumalıkızık will

start with a breakfast by a local family. During the breakfast you will have the opportunity

to talk with the local family about their daily life in their village. After having breakfast we

will do a walking tour in the village and will see the Turkish styled oldest wooden houses.

Overnight in Bursa

Day 2 :

TOUR: Explore Bursa

On this day we will start to visit the icons of Bursa; Green Mosque and Green Mousoleum

will be our first stop. The colourfull and intridicately designed tiles are truly exceptionel.

The Green Mousoleum was constructed in 1421 for the fifth Ottoman Sultan, Mehmet I.

The exterior of the mousoleum is clad with green-blue tiles that give it its name. Our next

stop will be the Ulu Camii (Grand Mosque). This is a prominent landmark of Bursa, featuring

20 domes, two minarets and a large water fountain in the middle. This mosque was built

between 1396-1399 and is famous for its Islamic calligraphy. We will also visit the colourfull

Koza Han (Silk market). Koza Han was first costructed in 1491 as a karavanserai. This is

the best preserved Han in Bursa. It has 95 rooms which is now used as silk shops. We will

also have a coffee break in the thee garden on the ground floor of the Koza Han. After the tour

we will depart to Istanbul.

Overnight in Istanbul or transfer to the airport...