Bursa Grand Mosque
A calligraphy treasure under twenty domes
Image credit: HALUK COMERTEL, CC BY 3.0
About
Rising in the centre of Bursa, the Grand Mosque, with its twenty domes and magnificent interior, is one of the masterpieces of early Ottoman architecture. On entering, the airy, luminous atmosphere beneath the domes moves the visitor deeply. The mosque's greatest treasure is its 19th-century calligraphy adorning the walls and columns; the giant inscriptions from the hands of master calligraphers turn the space into an open-air calligraphy museum. The ablution fountain at its very centre lends the mosque a unique feature. With its spiritual atmosphere, exceptional acoustics and artistic richness, the Grand Mosque is a stop at the heart of the city where every visitor to Bursa will find peace.
History
Built between 1396 and 1399 by Sultan Bayezid I (Yıldırım Bayezid) after the victory at Nicopolis. The space above the ablution fountain was originally left open and later covered with a dome.
Visiting Tips
- ✓Examine the giant calligraphy panels inside
- ✓Visit outside of prayer times
- ✓Dress modestly and covered
- ✓Stop by the adjacent Koza Han
- ✓Don't miss the dome over the fountain
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Bursa Grand Mosque?
Bursa Grand Mosque is located at Osmangazi, Bursa in Bursa.
When is the best time to visit Bursa Grand Mosque?
Recommended time: Year-round, outside of prayer times.
