It was founded in the 3rd century BC, at the foot of the Mysian Mount Olympus near the south eastern shore of the Sea of Marmara, as the seat of the kings of Bithynia.



The city derives its name from its founder King Prusias, of Bithynia. Its previous antique name was Prussa ad Hypium. It subsequently came under Roman, then Byzantine rule before falling to Orhan Gazi in 1326, when it become the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Many important Ottoman buildings remain.

Something you will enjoy in Bursa is the warm, mineral rich springs indeed most of the hotels in this province have thermal bath facilities. The Turkish baths are great places which should be visited in Bursa.

The Ottoman Empire and the burial place of several sultans do more justice to its setting than any other Turkish city.

Bursa is known for its beautiful early Ottoman architecture, like the Green Mosque and Tomb.

Known as Green Bursa, the city is filled with gardens and parks and overlooks a verdant plain. It is at the centre of an important fruit growing region. It was and is still famous for its peaches, silk trade, towel manufacture and thermal springs. The locally created Iskender Kebap, a dish of bread, tomato sauce, and strips of grilled meat, melted butter and yoghurt is delicious. Candied chestnuts are another regional speciality.

Yenisehir Semaki House is an old Turkish house dating from the eighteenth century. It is situated in Yenisehir, a sub-province of Bursa. It is known as Semaki House. It was acquired as public property and preserved. The ceilings and wooden sections of the two-storied house are decorated with painted designs. Semaki House is a valuable example of Turkish civil architecture.

Bursa, which was located on the westernmost extension of the Silk Road, has been the centre of sericulture and silk production since the 15th Century, producing silk cloth and also silk threads for the famous Hereke silk carpets.

Since 1948, Bursa grew very much and increased its position as one of Turkey most industrial city. It is in fact getting nearer to the city centre thanks to a tunnel. The Bursa metro is under construction. These new lines revive the memory of the ill fated a narrow gauge line that once existed in Bursa.