Grand Mosque of Bursa “ULU CAMİ”
In this article, we will talk about one of the most important historical monuments in Bursa, which is the Grand Mosque of Bursa. The Great Mosque in Bursa has also a tourist importance due to its historical and architectural value, in addition to its privileged geographical location.
An introduction:
Bursa city in Turkey is one of the most prominent cities and the most important tourist places. It is located in northwest Turkey in the Marmara region between the cities of Istanbul and Ankara. Bursa city is the fourth most populous city in Turkey. Moreover, Bursa has many tourist attractions and historical monuments. Therefore, it attracts thousands of tourists and visitors annually. One of the most prominent landmarks in Bursa that needs no introduction is the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami).
The Grand Mosque – Ulu Cami (name – reason for its construction – location):
Ulu Cami in Bursa, which means (the Great Mosque) or (the Grand Mosque of Bursa). It is a historic mosque in Bursa and one of the most important mosques in the city. It was built by the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I at the end of the fourteenth century AD between (1396 – 1399).
Reason for its construction:
The Sultan vowed to build twenty mosques if they won a victory over the European Alliance. After the victory in the battle of Nicopolis (Niğbolu Muharebesi), the Sultan ordered to build 20 mosques. However, that was difficult, so after consultation, scholars and advisors suggested building a single mosque with twenty domes. Therefore, they built the Grand Mosque of Bursa (Ulu Cami).
The location of the Great Mosque of Bursa:
It is located in the center of Bursa, next to the covered market and the silk market in Bursa. The mosque is also close to the shopping mall (Zafer Plaza). Furthermore, it is 1.5 km from the famous shopping center (Kent Meydanı). Visitors can reach the Great Mosque of Bursa by tram, or on foot through the historical markets.
Architecture of the Grand Mosque of Bursa:
Architect Ali Neccar designed the Grand Mosque, at the behest of Sultan Bayezid I. The great Mosque has 20 domes arranged in 4 rows, 5 domes in each row, Furthermore, those domes are supported by 12 columns. The dome over the unique fountain (şadırvan) is open to the sky to let in the natural light to illuminate the large building and the ablution water basin in the middle of the Grand Mosque. Taking into account that this dome is currently covered with glass to protect the contents of the mosque from weather factors.
The Grand Mosque of Bursa is a landmark of early Ottoman architecture. Furthermore, it has three entrances (to the north, west and east). In the south wall, there is the mihrab. Additionally, the sultan’s cabin that is built of wood is to the left of the mihrab. Next to it, there is the covering of the door of the Kaaba, which was sent to the sultan in 1517 from Mecca. The Great Mosque of Bursa has two minarets. Moreover, in the middle of the mosque, there is a large water basin for ablution. In the northeastern corner, there is a place for women surrounded by a wooden fence.
The mosque’s walls are painted with Ottoman Baroque-style decoration from the 19th century in addition to the paintings of the Arabic calligraphy. As for the minbar, it is an exquisite architectural masterpiece. On the right and left of the Ottoman mihrabs, there are two great candles, which were used for lighting in the past. Additionally, in the center of the great mosque, there is a water basin of white marble and a fountain.
The importance of the Great Mosque (Ulu Cami) and its historical and symbolic value:
The Grand Mosque of Bursa is the largest example of multi-domed mosque architecture within Ottoman architecture. It is located in Osmangazi district of Bursa, which is a historical area that includes the tombs of some of the Ottoman sultans, Bursa Castle and khans. Moreover, the Great Mosque (Ulu Cami) is recognized among the holy places within Islam.
Tourist visits to the Grand Mosque of Bursa:
The Grand Mosque in Bursa attracts Muslim and non-Muslim tourists and visitors from inside and outside Bursa. It receives thousands of tourists annually. Ulu Cami is one of the most prominent tourist and historical places in Bursa that tourists from all over the world visit That is because of its Ottoman architecture, archaeological landmarks and religious value. After visiting the Great Mosque in Bursa, the tourist can visit the commercial and historical places near it, such as the Silk Market and the Covered Market.
The tourist attractions near the Grand Mosque of Bursa:
Tourists can visit places close to the Great Mosque of Bursa to do shopping, have a good time and take photos. Beside the mosque, there are the Silk Market and Koza Han Market, which are among the oldest markets in Bursa.
Koza Han is a market located in the heart of the city where the famous silk scarves are sold in Bursa. It dates back to 1490 AD during the rule of Sultan Bayezid II.
Moreover, there is the covered market which is one of the most popular and attractive markets for tourists. In the covered market, gold, accessories, clothes and much more are sold.
In addition, there are many restaurants and cafes in the area of the Great Mosque in Burs.. Where tourists can eat delicious meals, and sip coffee and tea.
Thus, we have provided detailed information about the Great Mosque of Bursa (Ulu Cami).
Edited by: Ebla Group Real Estate
If you like this subject, do not forget to share it with your friends to benefit
