The ancient city of Bursa was once the capital of the Ottoman Empire. The city has preserved a historical area with attractions, including mosques, mausoleums, ruins of the fortress, as well as many museums. In addition, Bursa is located near the Uludag ski resort. It is worth going here to spend a vacation away from the noisy streets of tourist megacities, among the mountains and the heritage of the Great Empire.
How to get and where to stop
Air ticket from Moscow to Istanbul costs from 8400 rubles* per person by one by one. You can get to Bursa in several ways. For example, by bus. However, we advise you to rent a car on OneTwotrip (from 2400 rubles* per day). This is the most convenient way to overcome the distance between the cities.
A few suitable hotel options:
Mercure Bursa The Plaza Thermal & Spa Hotel – from 8300 rubles* per night per person;
IBIS BURSA – from 2500 rubles* per night per person;
Kardes Hotel – from 4900 rubles* per night per person;
Almira Hotel Thermal Spa & Convention – from 9000 rubles* per night per person.
What to do in the former capital of the Ottoman Empire?
Many buildings in Bursa can serve as a clear manual on the history of Ottoman architecture. Go personally to observe the grandeur of the huge mosque of Ulu-jam and the identity of the village of Dzhumalykyzyk, where the streets are literally “breathing” history. In Uludag, it will be possible to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings from a bird’s height, and in local snacks-a traditional fast food of Kokorech.
Visit the mosque ulu-jami
Ulu-jami, or a large mosque, is one of the main historical monuments of not only ancient Bursa, but throughout Turkey. A building with powerful walls and high ceilings decorate 20 domes supported by 12 pillars. In addition, there are two minarers in the mosque, where Mudejin calls Muslims daily for prayer.
The large mosque is famous for the internal painting of the walls. After the visit, go for a walk in the vicinity: there are historical markets and a park with places to relax nearby.
The village of Dzhumalykyzyk
Dzhumalykzyk, perhaps the most authentic village of Turkey. Ottoman houses made of stone, wood and cheests brick have been preserved in the village. Pumped up on top of each other, buildings are built of the same stones with which the streets are laid. Wooden terraces are installed on the upper floors of houses. Moreover, some of them can even be visited, they work in museum format. And around there are tourist shops with shaggy hats, clay jugs, wooden figures and magnets.
It is possible to wander along cozy alleys of ancient Jumalykykka for a long time. We recommend that you look into local dining rooms for lunch and try home chorba, Köft and Dolmu.
Climb the Small Olympus (Uludag)
The next point of the route may be the Uludag National Park. In the summer it is a popular place for hiking and camping. And from December to the end of March, the park turns into a Mecca of skiing – the snow cover can reach three meters. There are routes for both beginners and experienced athletes.
Here you can stay at night, almost every hotel has its own lifts, the cost of using which is included in the price of living. Well -groomed wide routes take place among picturesque mountain landscapes, most in the forest.
If you go to Uludag in the summer, be sure to arrange tracking with a picnic at the top. As you rise, you will be accompanied by deciduous beech, oak, hazel, juniper, aspen, hyacinths and bright bells of crocus.
Try a cocory in one of the street shops
In Bursa, an unusual sandwich of lamb giblets is especially fond of – Kokores (Kokoreç). This is a popular Turkish and Albanian dish, which is common in the Balkans, in Azerbaijan and Iran. But Turkish chefs do not miss the opportunity to recall that for the first time it appeared on the territory of the Ottoman Empire. Kokorech is a fried heart, lungs, kidneys and other offal, which are cut or chopped, sprinkled with spices and served on a plate or piece of cake. In Bursa, they like to eat Kokorech by putting a baguette in a cut in half and sprinkling oregano and red pepper.
It is worth saying that this dish is one of the most favorite fast foods in the country. Be sure to try, it can be a memorable gastronomic impression of your trip.
With ideas for the upcoming vacation, our project “where to go” will help you. You choose a month and city of departure, and we offer the most interesting and affordable options – with ticket prices and information about restrictions for tourists.
*Prices are valid at the time of publication
