Bursa

The Early Ottoman capital of Bursa llies about 100km south of Istanbul and some 30km inland from the Sea of Marmara. A city of 1.5 million people, making it Turkey's fourth largest city, Bursa is a rapidly developing industrial and commercial center. Known as "Green Bursa", the city is home to gardens and parks and overlooks a green plain. Bursa is also the center of an important fruit growing region and has been popular since Roman times for its silk trade, towel manufacture and thermal springs.

Modern baths and up-to-date treatment facilities are now part of Bursa’s landscape. Furthermore, the locally invented Iskender Kebab, a dish of bread, tomato sauce, strips of grilled meat, melted butter and yoghurt is a thing you shouldn’t miss once you are in Bursa. In the old and picturesque quarter of Bursa are situated the mausoleums of Osman, the founder of the Ottoman Empire, and his son Orhan Gazi who commanded the army that conquered Bursa. Together with the numerous edifices build during the Ottoman period, the mausoleums form Bursa’s main landmarks. The cafes of Tophane offer a good place to stop for refreshment. Nearby in Ressamlar Sokak (Artists Street) local artists work in the open air. Situated in the foot of Uludag Mountain and only 25km away from the seaside resort of Mudanya, Bursa is a perfect starting point for both winter and summer vacations.