Photos of the Great Mosque
Great Mosque
Great Mosque Ulu Cami - Bursa, Turkey
The Great Mosque of Bursa, or Ulu Cami, is an active Muslim place of worship and one of the key monuments of early Ottoman architecture. It is over 600 years old and remains an important site for learning about the history of the first Ottoman capital city.
The mosque was built at the end of the 14th century by order of Sultan Bayezid I. According to tradition, the ruler vowed to build 20 mosques, but he fulfilled that vow in a single building with 20 domes. The works were overseen by the architect Ali Neccar, and construction took place around 1396-1400.
On the outside the mosque stands out for its elongated volume and two minarets, while inside there is a spacious hall supported by massive piers. A central clerestory window provides natural light, and the interior is decorated with large calligraphic panels and a carved walnut minbar made using a traditional wooden assembly technique.
Ulu Cami is located in Bursa's historic center, near caravanserais and bazaars, within walking distance of Koza Han. The building has been restored several times, including after the major earthquake of 1855. Admission is free, but it is best to visit outside prayer times, observe the dress code, remove shoes and behave respectfully.
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The Great Mosque of Bursa, or Ulu Cami, is an active Muslim place of worship and one of the key monuments of early Ottoman architecture. It is over 600 years old and remains an important site for learning about the history of the first Ottoman capital city.
The mosque was built at the end of the 14th century by order of Sultan Bayezid I. According to tradition, the ruler vowed to build 20 mosques, but he fulfilled that vow in a single building with 20 domes. The works were overseen by the architect Ali Neccar, and construction took place around 1396-1400.
On the outside the mosque stands out for its elongated volume and two minarets, while inside there is a spacious hall supported by massive piers. A central clerestory window provides natural light, and the interior is decorated with large calligraphic panels and a carved walnut minbar made using a traditional wooden assembly technique.
Ulu Cami is located in Bursa's historic center, near caravanserais and bazaars, within walking distance of Koza Han. The building has been restored several times, including after the major earthquake of 1855. Admission is free, but it is best to visit outside prayer times, observe the dress code, remove shoes and behave respectfully.
Domes and calligraphy define the mosque's interior.
Interior and layout of Ulu Cami
The prayer hall has a rectangular layout and rests on 12 massive columns. The domes are arranged in a regular grid of four rows of five, while upper openings provide soft natural lighting and good acoustics.
Inside, more than 190 calligraphic panels and inscriptions attract attention, featuring verses from the Quran and the names of revered figures in Islam. Among the woodwork the walnut minbar stands out, made using the kundekari technique - a complex assembly without nails, and the marble mihrab is adorned with fine carved decoration.
After your visit, stop by Koza Han and the covered market rows, then climb up to Tophane to see the tombs of Osman and Orhan Gazi and the Tophane Clock Tower. It is a 10-15 minute walk from Sehrekyustu metro station to the mosque; you can also take the tram or bus to stops on Ataturk Street.
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