Old Mosque (Eski Camii) | Bursa

Information

Landmark: Old Mosque (Eski Camii)
City: Bursa
Country: Turkey
Continent: Asia

Old Mosque (Eski Camii), Bursa, Turkey, Asia

The Old Mosque (Eski Camii) is a historical religious structure located in the city center of Bursa, Turkey.

This mosque is one of the earliest Ottoman mosques, built in the early 15th century.

Visual Characteristics

The Eski Camii is a rectangular building constructed primarily from cut stone and brick. It features a large, flat roof supported by internal pillars, a characteristic of early Ottoman mosque architecture. The exterior is largely unadorned, with simple stone detailing around the windows and doorways. The interior is characterized by its expansive prayer hall, divided by numerous stone columns supporting the roof. The walls are plastered, and the mihrab and minbar are made of carved stone.

Location & Access Logistics

The Old Mosque is situated in the central Osmangazi district of Bursa, approximately 1 kilometer south of the Uludağ University campus and 2 kilometers west of the Bursa City Hall. It is accessible via Atatürk Caddesi, a major arterial road. Public parking is available in designated lots within a 200-meter radius, though availability can be limited during peak hours. Bus lines 15/A, 15/B, and 19/A stop within 100 meters of the mosque on Atatürk Caddesi.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Old Mosque began in 1419 and was completed in 1420. It was commissioned by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed I. The architect is not definitively known, but it is considered a significant example of early Ottoman religious architecture, influenced by Byzantine styles. Its original purpose was to serve as a congregational mosque for the growing city of Bursa.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the architectural layout of the prayer hall. The interior calligraphy and stone carvings are points of interest. The mosque is still an active place of worship, and visitors are expected to adhere to religious protocols during prayer times. Photography is permitted, but respectful behavior is required.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on the premises. Limited shaded areas are present in the courtyard. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally good within the mosque complex. No food vendors are located directly within the mosque grounds, but numerous cafes and restaurants are situated on Atatürk Caddesi within a 50-meter radius.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal interior lighting and fewer crowds, visiting between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM on weekdays is recommended. The best months for weather in Bursa are April through October, offering mild temperatures suitable for exploring the city and its historical sites.

Facts & Legends

A unique feature of the Old Mosque is its large, central dome, which is not a true dome but a flat roof supported by a grid of stone columns. Local lore suggests that the mosque was built on the site of an ancient pagan temple, though historical evidence for this is scarce.