Mosques, Markets, Kultur Park, Convention Centre

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Geo: 40.198, 29.0573

Bursa is the fourth most populated city in Turkey. has been occupied since 5000 BC by Persia, Roman and Byzantine cultures. It became the first major capital city of the early Ottoman Empire following its capture by the Byzantines in 1326. It remained the most important administrative and commercial centre until Mehmed II conquered Constantinople in 1453. It was known for baths and hot springs. There is a very heavy Ottoman influence. It is identified with textile, silk, curative thermal springs, towels, Iskender Kebab, candied chestnuts and the neighboring Uludag is a winter tourist destination. The city has been a major center for refugees from various ethnic backgrounds from the Ottoman territories in Europe between the late 19th and 20th centuries. More recently it has become home to Balkan Turks when the communist regime in Bulgaria expelled them (1940-1990). It is a very busy city with very pleasant parks and recreational space. It is the center of the Turkish automobile industry including Fiat, Renault and Karsan as well as automotive suppliers. The textile and food industries are equally strong. Unfortunately the archaeological museum was closed but we were treated to a photographic exhibit at the convention centre near the hotel. The current population is approximately 2 million people.

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Comments

[Carla]

Looks like a very modern city. Very interesting.

[crw]

The temperatures seem to be falling slowly, but the sky is still blue, the leaves and grass are still green, and there is a scent of spices in the air. How wonderful! Oh, and you are safe and seem to be having a great time.