Bursa: The Green Gem of Turkey

• HelloMerhaba
  [Mer-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeHoşça kal
  [Hosh-cha kal]
• YesEvet
  [Eh-vet]
• NoHayır
  [Ha-yur]
• Please/You're welcomeLütfen
  [Loot-fen]
• Thank youTeşekkürler
  [Teh-shek-kuur-ler]
• Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim
  [O-zur dee-leh-rim]
• How are you?Nasılsınız?
  [Na-sul-suh-nuhz]
• Fine. And you?İyiyim. Siz?
  [Ee-yee-yim. Siz?]
• Do you speak English?İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?
  [Ing-ee-leez-jeh ko-noo-shu-yor mus-unuz?]
• I don't understandAnlamıyorum
  [An-lah-muh-yor-um]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenüyü görmek istiyorum, lütfen
  [Men-oo-yu gur-mek is-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]
• I don't eat meatEt yemem
  [Eht ye-mem]
• Cheers!Şerefe!
  [She-re-fe!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÖdemek istiyorum, lütfen
  [Uh-deh-mek is-tee-yor-um, loot-fen]

• Help!Yardım!
  [Yar-dum]
• Go away!Uzaklaş!
  [Oo-zak-lash]
• Call the Police!Polisi arayın!
  [Po-li-si a-ryun]
• Call a doctor!Doktor çağırın!
  [Dok-tor cha-ee-run]
• I'm lostKayboldum
  [Kai-bol-dum]
• I'm illHasta oldum
  [Has-ta ol-dum]

• I'd like to buy...Satın almamı istiyorum...
  [Sat-un al-ma-muh is-tee-yor-um]
• I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [Sah-deh-je ba-ku-yor-um]
• How much is it?Ne kadar?
  [Neh ka-dar]
• That's too expensiveÇok pahalı
  [Chok pa-ha-luh]
• Can you lower the price?Fiyatı indirebilir misiniz?
  [Fiyat-uh in-de-re-bi-leer mis-in-iz]

• What time is it?Saat kaç?
  [Sa-at kach]
• It's one o'clockSaat bir
  [Sa-at beer]
• Half past (10)On buçuk
  [On boo-chuk]
• MorningSabah
  [Sa-bah]
• AfternoonÖğleden sonra
  [Oh-leh-den ah-sor-na]
• EveningAkşam
  [Ak-sham]
• YesterdayDün
  [Doon]
• TodayBugün
  [Boo-goon]
• TomorrowYarın
  [Ya-run]
• 1Bir
  [Beer]
• 2İki
  [Ee-kee]
• 3Üç
  [Ooch]
• 4Dört
  [Durt]
• 5Beş
  [Besh]
• 6Altı
  [Al-tuh]
• 7Yedi
  [Yeh-dee]
• 8Sekiz
  [Seh-keez]
• 9Dokuz
  [Do-kooz]
• 10On
  [On]

• Where's a/the...?.... nerede?
  [Neh-reh-deh]
• What's the address?Adres ne?
  [Ad-res neh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bana gösterebilir misiniz (haritada)?
  [Ba-na gur-ste-re-bi-leer mis-in-iz (ha-ree-ta-da)]
• When's the next (bus)?Bir sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?
  [Beer son-rah-ki (o-to-boo-s) neh za-man]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....'e)
  [Beer bee-let (....'e)]

Bursa, located in the northwestern part of Turkey, was founded by the Bithynians in the 3rd century BCE. It became a significant city under the rule of Prusias I, the King of Bithynia, who named it Prusa after himself. The city flourished due to its strategic location along the ancient Silk Road, serving as a crucial trade hub between the East and the West.

In 74 BCE, Bursa was incorporated into the Roman Empire and later became part of the Byzantine Empire. During this period, the city continued to thrive as a commercial center. It was known for its thermal baths and luxurious textiles, particularly silk, which were highly sought after across the empire.

Bursa holds a special place in Ottoman history as the first major capital of the burgeoning empire. In 1326, after a prolonged siege, Bursa was captured by Orhan Gazi, the second Ottoman sultan. The city then served as the empire’s capital until 1363, when the capital was moved to Edirne. During this period, Bursa saw the construction of many significant architectural and cultural landmarks, including the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) and the Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe).

The 15th and 16th centuries were a golden age for Bursa. As a major center of trade, culture, and industry, it became renowned for its silk production. The legendary Silk Road contributed to Bursa's wealth, making it one of the richest cities in the Ottoman Empire. Many of the city's iconic buildings, such as the Koza Han (Silk Bazaar) and the Emir Sultan Mosque, date back to this prosperous era.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Bursa underwent significant modernization. The city was integrated into the national railway network, enhancing its role as a commercial hub. After the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, Bursa continued to grow and develop, balancing its rich historical heritage with modern advancements in industry and technology.

Bursa is not just a historical city but also a cultural jewel. It is famous for its thermal baths, culinary delights such as İskender Kebab, and the annual International Bursa Festival. The city’s cultural scene is enriched by traditional crafts, including silk weaving and towel making, which continue to thrive. The rich blend of history and culture makes Bursa a living museum, offering a vivid glimpse into Turkey's past and present.

Bursa is well-connected by various modes of transportation. The nearest international airport is Istanbul's Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), located about 120 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a bus, a shuttle, or a taxi to Bursa. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Istanbul to Mudanya, a coastal town near Bursa, and then a bus or taxi to the city center. Bursa is also accessible by intercity buses from various cities in Turkey.

Bursa has a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and metro lines. The BursaKart is a rechargeable card that can be used on all forms of public transport. Taxis are also available and relatively inexpensive. For more flexibility, you can rent a car. However, be aware that traffic can be heavy, especially during peak hours. Walking is a great option within the city center, where many attractions are located.

The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Bursa, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available for cash withdrawals. Currency exchange offices are also found in the city center and shopping malls.

Bursa is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any other city, it is advisable to take standard safety precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and be cautious of your surroundings. Neighborhoods like Yıldırım and Osmangazi have higher crime rates, particularly for petty crimes targeting tourists. Always keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for medical emergencies, 155 for police, and 110 for fire services. Bursa has several hospitals and clinics that provide medical care. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are plentiful and can provide over-the-counter medications for minor health issues. English-speaking staff might be limited, so it’s helpful to know some basic Turkish phrases or have a translation app handy.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head and shoulders when entering mosques. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A slight bow of the head is also a sign of respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Bursa like a local, visit the local markets such as the Koza Han for silk products and the Bursa Grand Bazaar for a variety of goods. Engage with locals; they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city’s history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the historic Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) and the Green Mosque. For a unique experience, take the cable car up to Mount Uludağ, which offers stunning views and is a popular spot for skiing in the winter.