A former capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa Province is set on the sparkling Sea of Marmara and is home to ancient mosques, mausoleums and religious sites. Venture out of the city to find mineral-rich thermal spas and a ski resort.
Things to do in Bursa Province
The city of Bursa is the province's bustling capital, anchored by Ulu Cami, a 14th-century mosque topped by soaring domes and engraved with intricate calligraphy. You can also visit the ancient Muradiye Complex, which is filled with beautifully decorated Ottoman tombs.
Rising over 2,500 metres high, Mount Uludag is Turkey's premier ski resort. An eight-kilometre-long cable car whisks passengers up to the village of Oteller, which is filled with snow sports outfitters and atmospheric teahouses. In summer, the resort moonlights as a popular hiking destination.
Just a few kilometres from the Bursa city centre, Cekirge is known for its mineral-rich thermal spas. Yeni Kaplica is a favourite with locals, housed in a historic 16th-century building. It features a sparkling central pool filled with thermal water that streams out of a lion's head statue. For the full experience, splurge on a massage and head-to-toe scrub.
The ancient tradition of shadow puppetry was coined in Bursa and quickly spread across the Ottoman Empire. You can find out more about the art of shadow puppetry at Bursa's Karagoz Museum, which showcases a colourful collection of puppets from Turkey, Russia and Romania.
Getting around Bursa Province
The city of Bursa is relatively easy to get around on foot and is serviced by local buses and taxis. Buses also run to nearby towns and cities, such as Mudanya. Flights arrive at Yenişehir Airport, around 50 kilometres east of Bursa.