DAILY TOURS: Green Bursa

Early in the morning (07:00 – 07:30) embark on this tour to discover the beauties of the first capital of Ottoman Empire and first, drive from Istanbul, enjoying the lovely country, to Eskihisar port and take ferry to Topcular. Ferry takes about 45 minutes than drive to Bursa.

The city of Bursa is frequently cited as Green Bursa in a reference to the beautiful parks and gardens located across its urban tissue, as well as to the vast forests in rich variety that extend in its surrounding region. The city is synonymous with the mountain Uludag, which towers behind the city core and which is also a famous ski resort. The mausoleums of early Ottoman sultans are located in Bursa and the numerous edifices built throughout the Ottoman period constitute the city's main landmarks. The surrounding fertile plain, its thermal baths, several interesting museums, notably a rich museum of archaeology, and a rather orderly urban growth are further principal elements that complete Bursa's overall picture.

Whether winter or summer, take a cable-car up and see the views and the cool, clear air of Uludag National Park. You will have free time for ATV safari (optional) or ski motor and skiing in winter (optional)

Uludag Mountain & National Park is a mountain with an elevation of 2,543 m, which makes it the highest mountain of the Marmara region. It is a popular centre for winter sports such as skiing, and a national park of rich flora and fauna.

BBQ or local Turkish lunch will be provided. 

The mosque for the Complex of Mehmet I was built between 1491-1421 by architect Haci Ivaz Pasa. The building went under extensive renovation following the earthquake in 1855, led by architect Parveillée. The mosque is based on a reverse T-plan with a vestibule at entrance leading to a central hall flanked by eyvans on the east and west and a larger eyvan with mihrab niche on the south. Two small eyvans flank the entryway above which the royal box (hünkar mahfili) is located. The interior of the mosque is decorated with a mosaic of blue green tiles on walls and ceiling of eyvans from which it gets its name.

Set amidst cypresses on top of the hill in Yeşil (Green) neighborhood of Bursa, the Green Tomb stands higher than the rest of the complex. It is built on a hexagonal plan and crowned with a hemi-spherical dome. The exterior of the mausoleum is clad with green-blue tiles that give it its name. The entry portal is crowned with semi-umbrella vault and has muqarnas niches above marble seats on both side of entrance. Iznik tiles with flower patterns in blue, white and yellow adorn the portal. The exterior of the mausoleum is clad with green-blue tiles that give it its name.
Inside, past the carved wooden doors, the royal catafalque stands on a platform at the center surrounded by seven other tombs. It is richly decorated with scriptures and flower designs painted in yellow, white and blue glazed tiles. The lower section of walls is lined with blue-green tiles, also used in tympana of windows on the interior. The muqarnas niche of mihrab on the qibla wall is also set in a large frame of ornamental tilework: the mosaic of tiles inside the niche depicts a garden of roses, carnations and hyacinths. The chandelier and the colored glass windows are later additions.

Kozahan was built by the great architect Abdul Ula Bin Pulat Sah as a foundation for historical works in Istanbul by the order of Ottoman Sultan Bayezid II in 1491. 
Once upon a time, it was a place where pod (silkworm cocoon) was sold. The silk fabrics obtained the cocoons played the first role to be a textile centre of Bursa. Approximately, having lived around Bursa for a thousand year and called as ‘’Greengrocers’’, Turks have made the production of pod for centuries. That tradition, sericulture comes from Central Asia. 
Silk Market is two-storey “han” located on the rectangle yard. There is found a sadirvan with 95 rooms in the middle of that magnificent structure. The stores of Silk Bazaar contains high quality and cheap productions such as silk fabrics, silk scarfs, shawls, outfit materials, artistic goods, dowry, home textile products, underwear, silver and the other valuable souvenirs.

The Koza Han is connected to Bursa’s bewildering covered bazaar, which extends in all directions through halls, into courtyards, down underground, along tiny passages and onto upper floor terraces looking down on tea gardens. In terms of size and confusion, Bursa’s bazaar is nearly the equal of Istanbul’s. 
Return to Istanbul around 19:00-19:30 and be transferred to your hotel.