BURSA TURKEY AND CUMALIKIZIK VILLAGE!
Hi everyone! We continue our blog series with a new one! In this post, we will focus on explaining Bursa Turkey and Cumalikizik Village in Unesco! (Also read Unesco sites in Turkey)
In this post, we will mention the history of Bursa City, today’s Bursa city, and Cumalikizik Village…
HISTORY OF BURSA TURKEY
Bursa, located in the northwest of Anatolia, has a rich history that dates back over two millennia. The first known settlement, called Prusa, was established on a hilly terrain in 185 BC by the Bithynians. Over the centuries, Bursa came under the control of Romans (74 BC – 395 AD) and later the Byzantines (395 – 1326 AD), serving as an important strategic and cultural center.
With the rise of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa became its first capital, marking the beginning of a new era. The city expanded beyond its original hilltop boundaries, and Ottoman sultans developed the urban landscape with the construction of Kulliyes—complexes consisting of mosques, schools, baths, and charitable institutions. These structures symbolized both religious devotion and social solidarity in Ottoman society.
The first Ottoman Kulliye, built by Sultan Orhan in 1339, included a mosque, imaret (soup kitchen), madrasah (school), bathhouse, and inn, setting a precedent for later Ottoman urban development. Today, these historic Kulliyes remain a testament to Bursa’s cultural and architectural significance and its role as a cornerstone in the foundation of the Ottoman Empire.
TODAY’S MODERN BURSA CITY
Today, Bursa is a vibrant and dynamic city in the northwest of Turkey, home to approximately 3 million residents, making it the fourth-largest metropolitan area in the country. Known for its strategic location and economic strength, Bursa stands out as one of Turkey’s key industrial hubs.
The city has a diverse and robust economy, with leading sectors including automotive, textile, and agriculture. Its modern infrastructure, combined with historical richness, makes Bursa a unique blend of heritage and contemporary living. From bustling marketplaces to modern industrial zones, Bursa reflects Turkey’s economic growth while preserving its cultural roots.
Whether you are visiting for business, history, or tourism, Bursa offers a vivid mix of tradition and modernity that captures the essence of both past and present Turkey.
PLACES TO VISIT IN BURSA CITY
Bursa, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014, is home to six historically significant sites highlighted on the list. These include the Bursa Inns, several grand Sultan Complexes—Hüdavendigar (I. Murad) Complex, Yıldırım (I. Bayezid) Complex, Yeşil (I. Mehmet) Complex, Muradiye (II. Murad) Complex, Orhangazi Complex—and the charming Cumalıkızık Village.
As the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa played a crucial role not only politically but also commercially. Today, walking through its Ottoman inns, covered bazaars, and traditional markets, visitors can still feel the architectural grandeur and the historic power of the city during its prime. During the reign of Osman Bey, the founder of the Ottoman state, Bursa served as the capital for 39 years, and many early Ottoman works from the 14th century remain beautifully preserved and open to visitors.
Bursa stands out as one of the most significant cities to explore for anyone wishing to experience the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire. Among its treasures, Cumalıkızık Village is particularly remarkable. This historic village, with its cobblestone streets and traditional Ottoman houses, offers a glimpse into life during the early Ottoman period and is a must-visit for travelers. We will explore Cumalıkızık in more detail in a separate dedicated section.
CUMALIKIZIK VILLAGE IN UNESCO
Cumalıkızık Village is the best-preserved example of early Ottoman rural architecture and a remarkable living testament to Turkey’s rich cultural heritage. Founded over 700 years ago, the village is nestled on the slopes of Uludağ, the famous ski resort, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical charm.
Walking through Cumalıkızık is like stepping back in time. Its narrow cobblestone streets and colorful mudbrick houses transport visitors from the past to the present, showcasing the authentic lifestyle of early Ottoman villagers. Out of approximately 270 Ottoman-style houses, around 60% are still inhabited, maintaining the village’s vibrant community spirit.
In addition to the historic homes, the village bath (hammam) and mosque, both monumental works, are carefully preserved under UNESCO protection. With locals still living here, Cumalıkızık has effectively become an open-air museum, offering travelers a rare opportunity to experience living history while witnessing the traditions and daily life of an Ottoman-era village.
HOW TO GET TO BURSA FROM ISTANBUL
Since Bursa is a highly developed city, there is not even a transportation problem. Among the transportation possibilities; There is land and sea transportation. If you prefer road transportation; Bursa is about 4-5 hours from Istanbul. The roads are very good and wide.
Apart from renting a car, you can also reach by bus. Buses depart from Istanbul to Bursa approximately every hour. Another way of transportation is Ferry. This is a great opportunity for those who love sea transportation. However, it can become a bit problematic if you are not very careful with the transfer points.
Unfortunately, train transportation between Istanbul and Bursa is not possible. However, in 2019, the Turkish State started High-Speed Train works between Istanbul and Bursa and plans to complete this work in about 3 years. With this project, the distance between Istanbul and Bursa will be reduced to 2 hours.
HOW TO GET TO CUMALIKIZIK FROM BURSA
Cumalıkızık Village is just 10 kilometers from the heart of Bursa, making it an easy and convenient destination for both locals and tourists.
If you prefer public transportation, it’s a cost-effective and straightforward option. Local buses depart regularly from the city center, and the ride takes around 15 minutes, with a fare of approximately 10 Turkish Lira. Along the way, you can enjoy scenic views of the lush countryside surrounding Bursa.
For those traveling by private car, reaching Cumalıkızık is even more convenient. A quick 10-minute drive from downtown Bursa via Google Maps or any GPS system takes you directly to the village, offering flexibility and comfort at your own pace.
No matter how you choose to travel, visiting Cumalıkızık is a stress-free and accessible day trip, perfect for exploring its historic streets, colorful Ottoman houses, and charming atmosphere.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Turkey has a larger and richer cultural structure you can imagine. There are hundreds or even thousands of historical and cultural places that can be visited and explored. Continue reading our blog posts and benefiting from useful information to plan your Turkey Tours smoothly. If you ever need help with creating your itinerary or have questions, do not hesitate to contact our team! Also, we highly recommend you reading our post about Cappadocia, one of the most popular destinations of Turkey Tourism! If you liked our posts, do not forget to share them with your friends!
CATEGORIES
