Bursa
Historic Ottoman capital and modern industrial hub in northwestern Turkey.
Bursa is a city in northwestern Turkey and the administrative center of Bursa Province. It is the fourth-most populous city in Turkey and second-most populous in the Marmara Region after Istanbul.
- population_city_2025_estimate
- around 2.5 million
- historical_name
- Prusa (Prousa)
- known_for
- Automotive production, silk trade, Ottoman landmarks, thermal baths
- nickname
- Yeşil Bursa (Green Bursa)
Lore & Background
The earliest known human settlement near Bursa's current location was at the Ilıpınar Mound in c. The Bithynian city of Prusa was built by King Prusias I of Bithynia, and was known for its hot springs called 'royal waters'. In 75/74 BC, the last Bithynian king bequeathed the kingdom to the Roman Republic. Under Byzantine rule, the city prospered after Emperor Justinian I built a palace, and by the mid-6th century it was a famous silk textile manufacturing centre. The first official Ottoman mint was established there. After the capital moved to Adrianople in the 1360s, Bursa retained spiritual and commercial importance, becoming a hub of the Ottoman silk trade and a resort town with many springs.
Reader's Guide
Bursa's significance lies in its role as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, where early sultans built mausoleums and numerous edifices that remain landmarks. It was a center of the Ottoman silk trade, distributing goods from the East to Mediterranean city-states like Genoa and Florence. In the modern era, Bursa became one of Turkey's centers of automotive production and an industrial hub, with public factories and private enterprises established during the Turkish Republic. The shadow play characters Karagöz and Hacivat are based on historic personalities who lived and died in Bursa in the 14th century.
Did You Know?
- Bursa was known as Prusa ad Olympum, referring to its location at the foot of Mount Uludağ (Bithynian Olympus).
- The shadow play characters Karagöz and Hacivat are based on historic personalities who lived and died in Bursa in the 14th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bursa?
Bursa is a major city in northwestern Turkey that serves as the administrative capital of Bursa Province in the Marmara Region. With roughly 2.5 million residents as of 2025, it ranks as the fourth-largest city in the country.
Why is Bursa nicknamed 'Green Bursa'?
The Turkish name Yeşil Bursa reflects the city's lush, forested hills and abundant parks that wrap around its urban core. This verdant setting gives Bursa a distinctly green character that sets it apart from drier Turkish metropolises.
What was Bursa's historical role?
Originally known as Prusa, the city served as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire before Istanbul assumed that position. It still preserves a dense cluster of Ottoman-era landmarks, including the Grand Mosque and the tomb of Osman I, the dynasty's founder.
What drives Bursa's modern economy?
The city is a leading center for automotive manufacturing, home to several large car-assembly plants. It also retains a textile legacy rooted in silk production and is widely recognized for its natural thermal springs and spa culture.
How does Bursa compare to Istanbul?
Bursa is the second-most populous city in the Marmara Region after Istanbul, making it the region's clear runner-up in both size and economic output. While Istanbul dominates as Turkey's financial and political hub, Bursa plays a complementary role as an industrial and manufacturing powerhouse.
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