Bursa

Bursa is the name of the city today, an ever important stop of trade and goods. In fact, Bursa was, uniquely for Anatolia, a major exporter of silk beginning during the Byzantium Empire and lasting this day. Unsurprisingly, it has been on the radar for travelers for a long time. Bursa is situated on quiet slopes of rolling mountains, a peaceful setting and a strategic location. So much so that the Ottoman Empire established Bursa as their capitol city until 1402. Hundreds of mosques have been built here in the ensuing years, warranting a local proverb - “a walk for every day in the year, and a mosque for every walk.”

Most of the famous Ottoman rulers are buried here, ranging from the founder of the empire, Osman, to lesser known rulers. It is of no surprise that the highlight of visiting modern Bursa is quietly walking among these elaborate tombs, taking turns to gaze closely at each tile then occasionally stepping back to observe hundreds of Turks pay respect to these rulers of bygone days. The tree lined streets of Bursa hide numerous bazaars selling various trinkets and oddities - a particularly odd one is the Koza Han bazaar selling silkworm cocoons. Bursa is naturally a more authentic viewpoint into Ottoman Turkey than Istanbul, the other capitol of the empire. Less foreigners mingle with the locals here, creating sometimes awkward glances but also memorable interactions and authentic conversations.