Osmangazi: The Historic Heart of Bursa

• HelloMerhaba
  [Mer-ha-ba]
• GoodbyeHoşça kal
  [Hosh-cha kal]
• YesEvet
  [Eh-vet]
• NoHayır
  [Ha-yur]
• Please/You're welcomeLütfen
  [Loot-fen]
• Thank youTeşekkür ederim
  [Te-shek-kur eh-de-rim]
• Excuse me/SorryÖzür dilerim
  [Oz-ur dee-le-rim]
• How are you?Nasılsınız?
  [Na-suhl-su-nuz]
• Fine. And you?İyiyim. Ya siz?
  [Ee-yee-yim. Ya siz?]
• Do you speak English?İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?
  [Ing-i-liz-je ko-noo-shu-yor musunuz]
• I don't understandAnlamıyorum
  [An-la-muh-yo-rum]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenüyü görmek istiyorum, lütfen
  [Men-oo-yu ger-mek is-tee-yo-rum, loot-fen]
• I don't eat meatEt yemem
  [Et ye-mem]
• Cheers!Şerefe!
  [She-re-fe]
• I would like to pay, pleaseÖdemek istiyorum, lütfen
  [O-de-mek is-tee-yo-rum, loot-fen]

• Help!Yardım edin!
  [Yar-duhm eh-din]
• Go away!Uzaklaş!
  [Oo-zak-lash]
• Call the Police!Polisi arayın!
  [Po-lee-see a-ra-yun]
• Call a doctor!Doktor çağırın!
  [Dok-tor cha-ee-run]
• I'm lostKayboldum
  [Kai-bol-dum]
• I'm illHastayım
  [Has-ta-yum]

• I'd like to buy...Satın almak istiyorum...
  [Sat-uhn al-mak is-tee-yo-rum]
• I'm just lookingSadece bakıyorum
  [Sa-de-je ba-ku-yo-rum]
• How much is it?Ne kadar?
  [Ne ka-dar]
• That's too expensiveBu çok pahalı
  [Boo chook pa-ha-luh]
• Can you lower the price?Fiyatı indirebilir misiniz?
  [Fee-yat-uh in-de-re-bi-lir mi-sin-iz]

• What time is it?Saat kaç?
  [Sa-at kach]
• It's one o'clockSaat bir
  [Sa-at beer]
• Half past (10)Saat on buçuk
  [Sa-at on boo-chuk]
• MorningSabah
  [Sa-bah]
• AfternoonÖğleden sonra
  [O-le-dehn ah-sor-ah]
• 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?
  [... ner-e-deh]
• What's the address?Adres nedir?
  [Ad-res ne-deer]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Haritada gösterebilir misiniz?
  [Har-i-ta-da ger-ste-re-bi-lir mi-si-niz]
• When's the next (bus)?Sonraki (otobüs) ne zaman?
  [Son-ra-ki o-to-boos ne za-man]
• A ticket (to ....)Bir bilet (....'a)
  [Beer bee-let ....'a]

Osmangazi, named after Osman I, the founder of the Ottoman Empire, is steeped in history that dates back to the establishment of Bursa as the first capital of the Ottomans in the late 13th century. Osman I captured the city in 1299, marking the beginning of the Ottoman era. This strategic location allowed Osmangazi to flourish as a center of power and culture.

Throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, Osmangazi played a crucial role in the expansion of the Ottoman Empire. The neighborhood became a hub of administration and commerce, with various architectural developments, including mosques, madrasas, and caravanserais. The Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii), completed in 1399, stands as a testament to the architectural and cultural advancements of the time.

The devastating earthquake that struck Bursa in 1855 had a significant impact on Osmangazi. Many historic buildings were damaged or destroyed, prompting restoration efforts that reshaped the neighborhood's landscape. This event served as a catalyst for urban renewal and modernization in the region, influencing architectural styles and urban planning.

During the 19th century, Osmangazi experienced cultural diversification and modernization. The establishment of schools and cultural institutions reflected the changing dynamics of the Ottoman society. The introduction of Western architectural styles began to blend with traditional Ottoman designs, creating a unique urban fabric in Osmangazi.

With the establishment of the Republic of Turkey in 1923, Osmangazi underwent significant urban transformation. The neighborhood embraced modernization while retaining its historical essence. The development of new infrastructure and public spaces, alongside the preservation of historical sites, showcased Bursa's commitment to maintaining its rich heritage while progressing into the modern era.

Osmangazi can be easily reached from other neighborhoods in Bursa via public transport. The Bursa Metro connects Osmangazi to the city center and other districts, with regular trains operating throughout the day. Additionally, local buses (dolmuş) are available and provide frequent services to Osmangazi from various neighborhoods. If you're arriving from the Bursa Intercity Bus Terminal, you can take a direct bus or a taxi for a short ride into Osmangazi.

Osmangazi is well-equipped with public transportation options. The Bursa Metro is the most efficient way to navigate the area, with several stations located throughout Osmangazi. Local buses and dolmuş (shared taxis) also operate extensively, making it easy to reach various attractions. For a more leisurely experience, bicycles can be rented from local shops, and walking is a great way to explore the historic streets and local markets.

Osmangazi is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. Avoid wandering alone at night in poorly lit areas, especially near the outskirts of the neighborhood. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, so it's advisable to keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for ambulance and fire services, or 155 for police assistance. There are several hospitals and clinics in Osmangazi, including state hospitals and private medical facilities. It is recommended to have travel insurance for medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available, often with English-speaking staff.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or traditional areas. Women may want to carry a scarf for covering their heads when entering mosques. Religion: Do show respect during prayer times and do not disturb worshippers. Public Transport: Do offer your seat to elderly passengers and keep noise to a minimum. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with a friendly handshake and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as Iskender kebab and listen to locals' recommendations. Don't refuse food offerings, as this is considered impolite.

To experience Osmangazi like a local, visit the historic Koza Han, where you can explore silk shops and enjoy tea in the courtyard. Check out the local bazaars for fresh produce and traditional crafts. Don't miss the chance to try Bursa's famous dessert, 'Kemalpaşa', from local pastry shops. Engage with locals in cafes, as they are often eager to share stories and recommendations. Lastly, be sure to explore the beautiful parks and the scenic waterfront areas along the Bursa River for a relaxing day outdoors.