BURSA

The city of Bursa, southeast of the Sea of Marmara, lies on the lower slopes of Uludag (Mt. Olympos of Mysia, 2443 meters). The city derives its name from its founder Prusias, King of Bithynia. It subsequently came under Roman, then Byzantine rule before falling to Osman Bey in 1326 becoming the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Many important Ottoman buildings remain.

Known as "Green Bursa", the city, is filled with gardens and parks and overlooks a verdant plain. It is at the center of an important fruit growing region. Bursa was, and is still, famous for its silk trade,towel manufacture and thermal springs. You must taste locally invented Iskender Kebab, a dish of bread, tomatoe sauce, strips of grilled meat, melted butter and yoghurt. Candied chestnuts are another regional speciality.

Map of Bursa