Bursa (ancient Prousa), city in north-western Turkey, near Mudanya, is
the capital of Bursa Province. Bursa is divided into three parts by a series of
ravines, spanned by a number of bridges. A ruined castle on a rocky eminence in
the central section marks the site of ancient Prousa. Known as "Green
Bursa", from its gardens and parks, and from being in the middle of
an important fruit growing region, the province stands on the lower slopes of
Uludag.
Founded in the 3rd century BC by Prusias I, king of Bithynia, and made the
royal capital, Bursa later was included in the Roman and Byzantine empires.
Orhan, son of the sultan of Turkey, captured the city in 1326 during the Turkish
conquest of the Byzantine Empire and made it the capital of the Ottoman Empire.
The city is noted for its mosques, some of which show Byzantine, Persian, and
Arab architecture influences, for its hot sulphur springs and Turkish baths
"Hammam", and for its Ottoman tombs. Textile and the manufacture of
towels and rugs are principal industries of the city.
The Turkish baths worth a visit in Bursa. The Eski Kaplica is the oldest in
the province. The Karamustafa Pasha Baths are famous, and boast the best hot,
mineral waters. One of the earliest recorded visitors to Bursa's bath was the
Byzantine Empress Theodora. Today, the Ottoman baths, known as Eski Kaplica,
continue to function as part of Hotel Kervansaray in Cekirge. These domed baths
are an excellent example of early Ottoman architecture.
Try the delicious "Iskender Kebap", the candied chestnuts which are
a specialty and the peaches. Bursa is a centre of the silk trade and towel
manufacturing. Visit the Covered Bazaar, "Bedesten", or the Koza Han,
an attractive building and also a centre of silk trade.
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