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Bursa

Situated northwest of ancient Asia Minor, the ancient site of Mysia used to cover parts of the Turkish city of Bursa. Our span of knowledge on the history and traditions of the Mysians is quite limited, but we have enough documented history to know that they were competent in land transportation. Records reveal that the Mysians traveled across the meandering routes and lower mountain slopes of today&rsquo;s Bursa &ndash; this formed the inspiration behind the present-day Mysia route!

Discover Bursa’s fast-growing Mysia Route

About 35 kilometres west of Bursa and 5 km south of the Bursa-İzmir Highway lies Lake Uluabat. İstanbul is around three hours away by car. Being situated on important routes for migrating birds, Lake Uluabat is a haven for a wide variety of bird species. The Ramsar Convention (full name: Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat) has designated this area as a protected wetland due to its abundance of plant and animal life. Here you may find interesting places like the Eskikaraağaç and Gölyazı Peninsulas, as well as huge and small islands in the lake that can be explored by boat, and ancient ruins. Research into the lake led to the discovery of twenty-one different fish species. Northern pike and carp are the most commonly fished species for commercial reasons. The fishing fleet also occasionally catches small amounts of freshwater mullet, herring, and red wingfish. The town of Gölyazı, situated on the banks of Lake Uluabat, is a significant historical and fascinating site in the area. The town's 800-meter-long historic walls still enclose the modern-day settlement. The walls include ancient repurposed architectural parts, and the towers and gates are still standing. Various parts feature a fusion of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman architectural elements. The ancient name for this town was Apollonia. The Church of Saint Panteleimon, another significant local landmark, was constructed between 1908 and 1918 to accommodate the Orthodox inhabitants of ""Yeni Mahalle"" (New Neighbourhood). In 2014, after undergoing renovation, it resumed its role as a cultural centre. Guests can enjoy Gölyazı's water-borne trees in the spring, the nesting of ducks, pelicans, and storks on house rooftops, the charming tiny cobblestone lanes, and the warm hospitality of the inhabitants.

Lake Uluabat is located approximately 35 km west of Bursa, and 5 km south of the Bursa-İzmir Highway. It is about a 3-hour drive from İstanbul. Lake Uluabat is home to many bird species and varieties due to its location on bird migration routes. As a wetland with rich flora and fauna, it has been declared a protected area by the Ramsar Convention (in full, Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat). Places of interest here include the Eskikaraağaç and Gölyazı Peninsulas, the large and small islands that can be visited by boat on the lake, and the historical ruins dating back to antiquity. Following scientific studies conducted in the lake, 21 species of fish were identified. The main species that are fished for commercial purposes are northern pike and carp. Freshwater mullet, herring, and red wingfish are also fished but in small quantities. Gölyazı, a village established on the shore of Lake Uluabat, is one of the region's most interesting and historical places. The town settlement is still inside the ancient walls, which are about 800 m long. The walls contain re-used architectural elements dating back to antiquity, while the gates and towers in still in place. In some sections, the Roman, Eastern Roman, and Ottoman architectural styles are intertwined. In antiquity, the settlement here was known as Apollonia. Another notable local monument is the Church of Saint Panteleimon, which was built between 1908 and 1918 to serve the needs of the Orthodox population of “Yeni Mahalle” (New Neighborhood). Following restoration, it has been serving as a cultural center since 2014. Gölyazı awaits visitors with trees that remain in the water due to the rising waters in spring; ducks, pelicans, and storks that nest on the roofs of houses every spring; narrow, clean cobbled streets; and friendly, hospitable locals.

Uluabat Lake

See the appeal of Bursa: Where History, Nature, and Culture Unite 
Why Bursa Should Be Your Next Destination Bursa, known as the 2022 Cultural Capital of the Turkic World, invites you to experience its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking nature, and warm hospitality. Nestled in the northwest of Türkiye, Bursa offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and modern attractions. Whether you're interested in winter sports, historical exploration, or simply enjoying local cuisine, Bursa is the perfect destination for a well-rounded experience.
Explore the downtown bazaar area, where you can shop for handmade crafts, savour local delicacies, and experience in Turkish culture. Bursa is also home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Cumalıkızık Village, the tombs of Osman and Orhan Ghazi, and Ottoman-era külliyes. If you are in search of calmlity, a visit to İznik, a town included in the Cittaslow network in 2021, will provide the peaceful escape you need. From thermal springs to mountain adventures, Bursa has it all. 
Embrace Adventure in Uludağ Take the gondola to Uludağ, a stunning mountain destination perfect for both winter sports and summer escapes. During the winter, Uludağ changes into a snowy wonderland ideal for skiing, while in the summer, it offers a refreshing escape from the city’s heat. The cable car makes getting up and down the mountain a breeze, offering magnificent views along the way. 
Experience in Bursa's Rich Heritage Bursa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a deep historical legacy. Visit some of the most iconic heritage locations, including the Cumalıkızık Village and the tombs of Osman and Orhan Gazi, founders of the Ottoman Empire. see the city's religious and social complexes, dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, which provide a glimpse into the early days of the Ottoman Empire. While you’re here, be sure to walk through the city’s museums. Bursa is home to several, including the City Museum, Archaeology Museum, Clothing and Jewelry Museum, and Ottoman House Museum. Each offers insight into Bursa’s past and present, with exhibits on human history, culture, and the natural environment. 
See Bursa’s Bazaar and Handicrafts Bursa’s central bazaar is a labyrinth of shopping streets, perfect for souvenir hunting and handmade crafts. Visit artisan shops in spots like Kayhan Pazar, Irgandı Bridge, or Balibey Han, or explore the Yeşil neighbourhood for Ottoman antiques, ceramics, and silk scarves. The Koza Han and Grand Mosque are prominent features in the bazaar, providing excellent spots for sightseeing and shopping. Browse for ebru painting, filography, metal art, and ceramics, as you soak in the authentic local culture.
Experience the Healing Waters of Bursa’s Thermal Springs Known for its volcanic natural history, Bursa’s thermal springs have been tapped for their healing properties for centuries. Today, you can enjoy traditional Turkish baths or modern spa experiences scattered throughout the city. Visit the Oylat Hot Springs in the İnegöl district, where natural waters renowned for their healing qualities are surrounded by the beautiful Alaçam Valley. 
Savour Bursa’s Flavours: İskender Kebab Bursa is renowned for its signature dish, the İskender Kebab. This famous Turkish meal features thinly sliced meat placed over pieces of pide bread and drizzled with melted butter and tomato sauce. Served with a side of yoghurt, it is a culinary experience not to be missed. For those seeking more local delicacies, be sure to try Oylat honey, Bursa chestnuts, and locally made baklava—sweet treats that perfectly reflect the city's rich gastronomic culture.
Connect with Nature in Bursa’s Scenic Locations Bursa’s natural areas are perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Uludağ National Park, Gölyazı, Misi Village, and Tirilye offer peaceful escapes into nature with activities such as hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and nature photography. The waterfalls, plateaus, and forests surrounding Bursa provide the perfect backdrop for a day of relaxation or exploration. For something truly special, visit Oylat Cave near İnegöl or Uluabat Lake, which is famous for its waterfowl breeding grounds.
Indulge in Bursa’s Unique Village Life Take a break from the city and explore Bursa's picturesque villages, such as Gölyazı, Misi, İnkaya, and Tirilye. Each village offers a unique charm, whether you’re sipping tea under ancient plane trees in İnkaya or enjoying a peaceful lakeside stroll in Gölyazı. These quiet escapes are perfect for those looking to unwind and experience authentic Turkish hospitality.

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Having recently become part of a project called&nbsp;Mysia Yolları, or Mysia Ways in English, that has tranformed it into a modern trail, the Mysia route&rsquo;s main track extends from the village of Misi in the south all the way to G&ouml;lyazı, a peninsula prying on Bursa&rsquo;s&nbsp;Uluabat G&ouml;l&uuml;&nbsp;or Lake Uluabat, and to the Marmara Sea in the north. Let&rsquo;s start by taking a look at the route&rsquo;s main attractions and continue with the opportunities it offers for outdoor activities and nature sports.
The route that starts in Bursa&rsquo;s Misi village passes through Nil&uuml;fer district&rsquo;s mountainous roads and ends in Orhaneli, where each village has a unique Ottoman tale to tell. The historical routes that extend westbound take visitors to Lake Uluabat and the villages perched on the lake&rsquo;s shores provide all the excitement of a cultural trip to visitors.The two separate paths that start in Tahtalı or &Uuml;r&uuml;nl&uuml; take cyclists and hikers alike to Kapanca, an ancient port that has lost nothing of its former ancient glamour, on the Marmara Sea&rsquo;s southern coast. All routes come with color-coded signs and newly paved paths, . Mounted on a bike, you&rsquo;ll be passing through towns of historical importance and have the chance to see Aktopraklık Mound, an eyewitness to over 8,000 years of history.

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The route&rsquo;s first stop is the historical village of Misi, which gets its name from the Mysians themselves. Local attractions include the Mysia Photography Museum and Nil&uuml;fer Literature Museum. The Mysia Photography Museum is a unique contemporary museum that preserves and documents visual memory via works of photography reflecting the history, nature, culture of Bursa and the district of Nil&uuml;fer. &nbsp;The Nil&uuml;fer Literature Museum exhibit items and works that used to belong to prominent authors and poets of Turkish literature. There are a total of 850 manuscripts in the museum&rsquo;s collection, some of which are displayed virtually.

Next on the route is G&ouml;lyazı, a peninsula on Bursa&rsquo;s Lake Uluabat. Among the main attractions here are the ruins of the ancient city of Apollonia, &nbsp;G&ouml;lyazı K&uuml;lt&uuml;r Evi (lit. G&ouml;lyazı Culture House and formerly the Church of St. Panteleimon), (formerly the Church of St. Panteleimon), and an urban layout featuring old Ottoman houses. Believed to have been constructed in the early 20th century, the church is a valuable example of Greek Orthodox religious architecture with its simple Neoclassical elements and irregular use of stone and brick. The structure was restored in 2014, and now serves as a space for cultural events.
The Byzantine ruins of Apollonia, which also fall within the boundaries of G&ouml;lyazı district, reflect the traces of the earlier cult of Apollo. In the antiquity, this site was referred to as &ldquo;Apollonia ad Rhyndacum&rdquo; so as not to be mistaken for the other ancient cities named after the god of oracles. Historical records tells us that there were a total of nine cities named Apollonia, meaning the house of Apollo, in the lands we now call Anatolia. Traces of Apollonia ad Rhyndacum are found in the historical fortification walls of the peninsula which feature several inscriptions and carved motifs. Lake Uluabat, which entered the international network of Living Lakes in 1998, is another local attraction. It is believed to have once served as a commercial hub with its heyday believed to have been around the 9th century CE. Another Mysian stop is &Uuml;r&uuml;nl&uuml; or Kite as the village was known in the Byzantine era. Once a Roman port, today visitors can see the ruins of a Roman castle here.
On your route you will come across Issız Han, a Seljuk-style caravanserai that is located on Lake Uluabat&rsquo;s northern shore. There are a few more caravanserais in its vicinity, all of which were constructed in the Seljuk period. Issız Han, however, was constructed in the Ottoman era, and served as a common meeting point for travelers along this commercial route.
Another destination that shouldn&rsquo;t be missed is the village of G&uuml;ng&ouml;r. Here is a village which observes the principles of slow life and slow food. The friendly faces of locals ploughing their fields will greet you and fishermen will treat you like they have known you their entire lives.
You may also want to stop by the villages of Dağyenice and Maksempınarı to enjoy local specialities with a &nbsp;traditional Turkish breakfast spread taking prime place!

What makes the Mysia Ways special is not only the historically and naturally beautiful landscape but also its suitability for several outdoor activities and nature sports. The roads that fall within the borders of this route have been specially redesigned within the scope of the project and are now fully suitable for activities like hiking, trekking, and cycling. They also feature several types of campgrounds with the west shore of Lake Uluabat being the most popular. The mountainous areas of Nil&uuml;fer district are a little more chilly, whereas the Uluabat area comes with forested villages.

When it comes to cycling, trekking, and hiking, the Mysia project has seen the development of an 850-kilometer-long trail with 50 stages - one to befit every expectation and level of difficulty. Specifically, there is a trail called Trans Mysia which extends for 58 kilometers and has 6 stages; a trekking route of 301 kilometers and 21 stages; a cycling route of 518 kilometers and 18 stages; and a horseback riding route that consists of 5 stages and spans 38 kilometers. When these redeveloped routes reach the natural beauties of Bursa, activities like birdwatching, caving, and paragliding were also be made available.
With the guidebooks, pocket maps, and information boards that have been prepared within the scope of the project, traveling along this route, either on foot or by bike, is easier and more entertaining than ever. The project aims to develop an alternative to traditional models of economic development. This new model is fully based on natural and cultural tourism, and is part of a larger project developed by the United Nations and T&uuml;rkiye that focuses on innovative approaches and applications for sustainable rural development.

Discover Bursa’s fast-growing Mysia route