Celebrating Bursa's Independence Day and Heritage

_{Bursa: Heykel, sculpture in Bursa}

---

---

We explored Bursa in quite a rush. In the last travelogue, I told you about Bursa and how we did a one-day trip. Taking the first ferry in the morning and returning to Istanbul on the last ferry in the evening... So here is, presented to you, Bursa Palace, or rather, Bursa Kalesi. Which we only saw from the outside!

Bursa Kalesi, located in Bursa, Turkey, is a historic fortress dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods. It served as a defensive structure for the city, with walls that stretch around 3.4 kilometers. The castle played a significant role during the Ottoman Empire's early years, particularly in the conquest of Bursa in 1326. Today, sections of the castle walls and several gates remain, showcasing the city's rich historical heritage.

The Turks display their flag with such pride, and the size of their flag is always so large. Turks, red, red Turks... the roofs are red, the flag is red, and the love in the air is red. Ok what was that!!!

Moving forward:

Tophane Park

As I mentioned before, this city’s history stretches back to ancient times. It played a significant role during the Ottoman period, with several Ottoman sultans buried here after their passing. That’s why Bursa is home to many important cemeteries and memorials. These tombs are enclosed within Tophane Park. In the photo at the bottom of this post, you’ll see the tomb of the first sultan of the Ottoman Empire.

_{The tomb, known as "Osman Gazi Türbesi," is a modest yet symbolic structure, surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the city. It serves as a tribute to his legacy and is a site of respect and reflection for many who visit Bursa.}

_{These two people are very interesting... Even today, the guard is still assigned to the protection of Osman’s mausoleum}

And there were also the tombs of the Sultan’s children, his wife, and other family members. We recited Fatiha here. I literally had goosebumps... They say that even when you pass away, people keep you alive in their hearts... I could truly feel that.

The Grand Mosque Bursa:

Here are some of the shots of the Grand Mosque in Bursa... By that time, we were practically running out of time.

The Grand Mosque of Bursa, known as Ulu Camii, is an architectural marvel completed in 1399. It is renowned for its stunning Seljuk architecture, featuring 20 domes and intricate calligraphy that adorns its interior. The mosque serves as a significant cultural and religious site, reflecting the rich history of the Ottoman Empire. Its serene courtyard and beautifully detailed prayer hall provide a peaceful atmosphere for worshippers and visitors alike. The Grand Mosque is not only a place of prayer but also a symbol of Bursa's historical and artistic heritage.

When we became a part of Independence Celebrations in Bursa

The highlight of our day in Bursa was when we joined in their Independence Day celebrations. Remember I mentioned Bursa’s famous Iskender kebab in my Turkish cuisine blog? Well, after enjoying the meal, we walked over to this sculpture. Our taxi driver had parked a bit far away, and while he was on his way, we suddenly heard the sound of marching bands. We rushed to the other side of the square, and what a sight it was!

This trip was truly fulfilling. I had the chance to interact with some of the youngsters there, and I will cherish this celebration for the rest of my life. It filled me with so much joy.

Long Live Bursa, Long LiveTurkey ❣️...