The city of Bursa is the administrative center of the northern Turkish province. Located in the Marmara Region, Bursa is the second-biggest city in the region and Turkey’s fourth-largest city. It is also home to Turkey’s automobile industry.
During the Ottoman Empire, Bursa Silk Road was a thriving center for the silk trade. Mount Uludag, Turkey’s most well-known ski resort, is the top tourist attraction in Bursa.
Where is Bursa?
Bursa is near the Sea of Marmara, just across from Istanbul.
How Many Districts Does Bursa Have?
Bursa has 17 districts, as they are shown in the list below.
- Buyukorhan
- Gemlik
- Gursu
- Harmancik
- Inegol
- Iznik
- Karacabey
- Keles
- Kestel
- Mudanya
- Mustafakemalpasa
- Nilufer
- Orhaneli
- Orhangazi
- Osmangazi
- Yenisehir
- Yildirim
What is Bursa’s Population?
The total population is 3,101,833, 35% of people are under the age of 25 and 35% are between the ages of 25 and 64.
49.9% of the inhabitants are female and 50.01% are males.
What is Bursa Surface Area?
Bursa is a major city in northwest Turkey with a total area of 1,036 km2.
What are the Seasonal Characteristics of Bursa?
When it comes to nature, Bursa is known as Turkey’s green city. It has a wide variety of landscapes from deep pine forests to lowland plains dotted with wildflowers and deciduous trees. Bursa’s humid and moderate climate is ideal for growing Mediterranean and subtropical plants.
Bursa gets the most significant precipitation in the winter, as a result, snowfall is frequent. The city’s average winter temperature ranges from 10°C (50°F) to 2°C (35°F). Winter in Bursa is humid and cloudy.
During spring, the average high temperature is 20°C (68°F) and the average low temperature is 7°C (45°F), while humidity stays roughly at 70%.
Summer in Bursa is hot and humid, with highs in the mid-to-low 30°C (the upper 80°F/lower 90°F). If there is a heatwave, temperatures can rise to 40°C (104°F). The city has an average of five to six rainy days per month throughout the summer and the humidity stays at 65%.
What are the Most Famous Meals of Bursa?
Bursa’s cuisine is renowned for its Iskender kebab, chestnut sugar, Gemlik olives, and many other things. Additionally, you may sample Ottoman cuisine, which features mouthwatering flavors that date back hundreds of years. The four most popular dishes in Bursa are listed below.
- Kemalpasa is a Turkish dessert that takes its name from one of the regions in the city. This tasty dessert is made with a delicate local cow’s milk cheese with flour, semolina, eggs, and baking powder. The dough is formed into little balls and baked before being dipped in a sweet syrup.
- Inegol kofte is made with breadcrumbs, ground beef or lamb, and onions. As a rule, they are grilled and served as the main course. In the 19th century, a Turkish immigrant from Bulgaria named Mustafa Efendi created the famous meatball dish in Inegol. Inegol kofte is known as one of the best meatballs in Turkey.
- Iskender kebab, a specialty of Bursa gets its name from a butcher named Iskender Bey, who was the first to prepare this exquisite dish. It’s a grilled lamb dish generally served with a spicy tomato sauce and pita bread. It’s often topped with melted sheep butter and yogurt.
- Known worldwide, doner kebab is a special meal prepared with shredded and grilled beef on a long vertical skewer.
What are the Activities that can be done in Bursa in Winter?
Bursa is among the important holiday regions of Turkey with its historical artifacts, natural beauties, summer vacation, and winter vacation opportunities. Firstly, the Oylat Thermal Springs in the Oylat Valley, the facilities in Cekirge, and the hot springs and hot springs in the districts of Gemlik, Orhangazi, and Mustafakemalpasa receive visitors every season of the year. In addition to the baths and pools in the regions, accommodation facilities serve both domestic and foreign tourists all four seasons of the year. When it comes to sports activities in Bursa, winter sports draw attention. Uludag, one of the most important winter sports centers in the country is in Bursa. During the winter season in Uludag, you can stay in hotels and do winter sports or join daily tours. When it comes to winter tourism in our country, Uludag is among the few centers in the world with ski slopes. The ski center, which is frequently preferred due to its proximity to Istanbul, also offers great facilities. On the other hand, paragliding is also done at different points in Bursa. The most preferred region is the Diskaya Village of Gursu district. Gursu Aviation Club, located in this region, organizes both tandem flights and paragliding training. If you wish, paragliding is done in many parts of Bursa. Different sports activities to be done in Bursa are bicycle tours in Botanik Park and water skiing in Sukay Park. Narlıdere region is among the regions where rock climbing is done.
Which Hotels Are in Bursa?
The best hotels in Bursa are listed below.
- The Crowne Plaza Bursa Convention Center & Thermal Spa
- The Sheraton Bursa Hotel
- Movenpick Bursa
- The Hilton Bursa Convention Center & Spa
Bursa’s History
Philip V of Macedon, Greece’s monarch, granted Prusias II of Bithynia, the hamlet, of Cius near Mount Uludag in 200 BC. Prussia was given the name Prussia by King Prusias after he renovated and enlarged the hamlet. After Nicomedes IV Philopator, the last of the Bithynian kings, in 74 BC, the Romans took over as rulers of Prussia.
The appearance of the first Ottoman monarch in Bursa’s history was in the 14th century. Osman Gazi, the founder of the Ottoman Kingdom, made Bursa the first capital of his expanding empire after besieging it in 1326.
Orhan Gazi expanded Osman’s realm from Ankara to Edirne. Having ruled over the Byzantine emperors since 1359, he became sultan of the Ottoman Empire. This era laid the groundwork for Bursa’s development as a significant economic significant administrative hub.
Even when the Ottoman Empire moved its capital to Edirne in the early 15th century, Bursa remained important. There are two notable historical tombs in this city, one belonging to Osman and Orhan. During the 17th century, Bursa’s silk manufacturing grew into one of the city’s most important exports, supplying lavish Ottoman palace decorations.
Bursa’s importance persisted even after Turkey switched from Ottoman to modern-day Turkish sovereignty. Industry and commerce have characterized Bursa, Turkey’s contemporary metropolis, with new enterprises and industrial facilities in Bursa’s suburbs during the 1960s and 1970s. Today, this city is one of the wealthiest in Turkey and has a significant place in commercial life.
Ancient Civilizations Lived in Bursa
Ancient civilizations that lived in Bursa are listed below.
- As far back as 5200 BC, human remains have been found in Ilipinar Hoyugu near Bursa.
- Philip V of Macedon handed the Greek city of Cius to Prusias I, king of Bithynia, in 202 BC. Prusias rebuilt the town, renaming it Prusa in the process.
- Bursa, named after the Greek city of Prusa, became the Ottoman Empire’s first capital in 1326 after it was seized from the Byzantines. As a result, urban growth took place in the town throughout the 14th century.
- In 1363 the Ottomans turned Bursa into their capital city after serving as their spiritual and commercial heart.
What are the Features of the Bursa?
Several historical sites, mosques, and other tourist attractions in Bursa date back to the Ottoman Empire. Turkey’s Iskender kebab, one of the country’s most well-known dishes, can be found throughout the city, making it a great food destination.
Bursa also sits at the foot of the majestic Uludag Mountain and is an excellent destination for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Uludag’s ski resorts and cable cars spoil skiers in the winter. The mountain’s cable car service is open to visitors all year round.
Here are the essential features of the Bursa.
- The Bursa Teleferik is the world’s longest cable car, ascending Uludag’s hills in Bursa. The last station at 1,810 meters above sea level is reached after an 8.2-kilometer ascent that takes 22 minutes to complete.
- Shops and the central bazaar. Bursa’s central city center was littered with reconstructed structures from the Silk Route’s golden period, including some of the route’s notable shops. The Central Bazaar was a labyrinth of covered market alleys with caravanserais for vendors to sleep in and warehouses to keep their goods. The most well-known structure in the area, the Koza Han, was constructed in 1490. The two-story levels of this caravanserai’s storerooms are now utilized to sell silken items, while the courtyard’s shady center area is home to various cafés.
- Muradiye tombs are the last burial sites of the Ottoman Empire’s early sultans and royal families. Anyone interested in the artistic legacy of the Ottoman Empire should pay a visit to this place. Stunning tile work and fine calligraphy adorn tombs from the period, showing off the best of the artistry. There are twelve graves buried under the surface. Sultan Murat II’s tomb, where Mehmed the Conqueror was born, is an important historical site.
- Uludag is Turkey’s busiest ski center that has easy access from Bursa. The resort’s elevation ranges from 767 to 2,322 meters above sea level, and there are 28 kilometers of slopes ranging in complexity from beginner to advanced. You may pick from a wide range of pitches, making it ideal for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The main resort area includes a mix of budget and high-end accommodations, dining options, and cafés. If you don’t have your skis or snowboard, you can rent everything you need from one of the many rental shops. A road or scenic trip on Bursa’s Teleferik cable car will take you to the major ski resort region, located 31 kilometers south of the center. The ski season generally lasts from the end of December to the beginning of April.
- Turkish bath. Many visitors enjoy soaking and washing up in a hammam (Turkish bath) in Turkey and Bursa offers plenty of opportunities to do so. The best place to visit in Bursa is the thermal spa of Cekirge, five kilometers outside of downtown. The Eski Kaplica Hamam dates back to the 14th century and is notable for its typical marble architectural elements. Massages and other spa-like services are available in addition to the usual soak, sauna, and scrub.
Historical Places of Bursa
The top historical places in Bursa are listed below.
- The Great Mosque
- The Green Mosque
- Emir Sultan Mosque
- Tophane
- Uludag Mountain
What Are the Museums In Bursa?
Bursa, on the other hand, is a walking museum unto itself. Walking the streets, seeing ancient landmarks, shopping in bazaars, and interacting with the inhabitants give you the sense that life hasn’t changed much in decades.
You can discover a lot of information about Bursa’s culture and history just by taking a walk around town or visiting one of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Bursa has a few museums that are worth visiting, showcasing the history and culture of the town.
- Bursa City Museum: To start, the museum’s first level features 8,000 years of knowledge on the city’s cultural legacy as a pioneering city during the development of traditional Anatolian and Ottoman culture. Visitors may explore the historic artisan street in the museum’s basement, which has artifacts from the city’s economic past and information on silk production. Bursa’s history may be seen in the lower level’s historical chronology. There is no admission fee.
- Bursa Archeology Museum: When Turkey’s first archaeology museum, Muze-i Humayun, opened in 1904 at Bursa High School for boys, it was called Bursa Archaeological Museum. The ancient relics were moved to Resat Oyal culture park’s building and made available to visitors after being rearranged following modern standards. The entrance fee costs US$1.
- Ataturk Mansion: The home was built by Muhyi Bey in the late 1800s. Bursa Mayor Hasan Sami Bey commissioned the house and dedicated it to Ataturk during the latter’s second visit to Bursa (January 20 – 24, 1923). After World War II, the Ministry of Culture was given responsibility for the house. After completing the required restorations and reorganizations, it was reopened as a museum in 1973, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Turkish Republic. There is no entrance fee.
- Hunkar Mansion Museum: Hunkar Mansion was built in 19 days on Sultan Abdulmecit as a “Hunting Mansion” (1844). Sultan Abdulaziz and Mehmet V. Resat hosted Ataturk and the leaders of the War of Independence for 12 days (1922). Ataturk, Turkey’s legendary leader, has visited Bursa three times in the 1920s and 1930s, staying in the palace every time. The mansion has a reception hall, Ataturk’s chamber, Sabiha and Ulku’s bedrooms, and a pool hall. Admission is free.
How Many Tourists Come to Bursa annually?
Bursa receives around 2 million international tourists each year.
How to Get to the City Center from Bursa Airport?
You can reach the city center by using bus number 80, which runs between the airport and the city center. The departure times of the 80 line from the airport to the city center are arranged according to the departure and landing times of the airplane.
How to Provide Transportation in Bursa?
The two-line Bursa metro system is known as the bursary. The Bursary system includes both the metro and tram. There are ten trains per hour running in the evenings from 6:00 pm to 00:00 am.
A single contactless card or BursaKart should be put against the entrance turnstiles to pay the ticket once per journey, regardless of how many stations you visit. Line 1 and 2 are the only designations for the metro’s two lines and maps are colored in red and black to reflect this.
There are approximately 200 bus lines in the city. While most routes run from 6:00 to 23:00, timetables and frequencies vary by route. The cost per passenger varies from US$0.20 to US$0.70, depending on where you are going.
If you’re using contactless cards or BursaKart, you only have to pay once when you enter the bus. Cash payments are not accepted. An online route planner and a list of all routes may be found on Bursa’s official transport website. The 38 and 96 buses connect the Bursa bus station with the historic city center.
Private minibusses operate in the same manner as regular buses. Depending on the route, the cost ranges from US$0.20 to US$0.50.
Taxi Prices in Bursa
A variety of variables determines the price of a taxi in Bursa. These contain the route to be followed, the duration of the trip, and the current Bursa taxi rate. The base fee starts from US$0.40 and charges US$0.30 per kilometer.
Bursa Bus Ticket Prices
The smart BursaKart is essential for Bursa’s public transportation system (BuKart). This card can be used on municipal buses, trams, and metros.
A Smart BursaKart costs US$0.30 and it can be purchased from automated ticket machines across the city’s metro stations. Average one-way trips cost between US$0.20 to US$0.30.
What are the House Rental Prices in Bursa?
Bursa is an excellent choice for those who want to be close to Istanbul on a budget. An apartment with one-bedroom outside of the city center costs US$119.07 per month. A three-bedroom apartment in the heart of the city for US$306.92 per month. A three-bedroom apartment outside of the city costs about US$213.81 per month.
How to Buy a House in Bursa?
Decide what kind of property you want to invest in. Apartments, for example, are popular choices for those looking for a holiday home they can lock up and leave, as well as investors looking for a property they can easily rent.
Due to a lack of paperwork and bureaucracy, Turkish citizens may acquire property more rapidly. They may be able to obtain their title deeds within a few days.
First, you can investigate the market and the options that are accessible. Then you can get to know the area and ask around for recommendations from other ex-pats.
What are the Reliable Real Estate Sites to Buy a House in Bursa?
Choosing a real estate agent should be an enjoyable experience, that should go above and beyond in every aspect of making your decision happen. There are many reliable real estate sites to use when buying a house in Bursa, such as Intro Property, Skyturk Property, and Realty Group.
One of the most experienced real estate firms in Turkey is Realty Group, buying, selling, investing, property management, finance, and after-sale services are just a few of the ways to help you find the right property.
With over +11 years of customer satisfaction, 73% of Realty Group’s new client base comes from recommendations from previous clients who bought properties in Turkey.
What are the Points to Consider While Buying a House in Bursa?
Investing in Turkey appeals to many international investors and property investment has increased in recent years.
The number of foreign investors in Bursa increases year on year. Here are the important points to consider when buying a house in Bursa.
- Compare prices. Investing in Bursa and finding low-cost properties increases the return on your investment.
- Prepare documents. Before buying a house, make sure you have all of the necessary documentation.
- Location is important. You should investigate the community of the location. Accessibility to transportation is also important.
- Good research. It’s a good idea to do your research before deciding to buy a house in Bursa.
- Price analysis. It’s essential to get data from several sources while conducting pricing analysis. For example, the comfort and location of the house should be taken into consideration when determining the price. In other words, it will show if your investment pays out or not.