Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire in Turkey

Facts and Data

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2014
Size of heritage: 27 ha
- Buffer zone: 249 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 29,062°
Latitude: 40,185°

Summary

This property is a serial nomination of eight component sites in the City of Bursa and the nearby village of Cumalıkızık, in the southern Marmara region. The site illustrates the creation of an urban and rural system establishing the Ottoman Empire in the early 14th century. The property embodies the key functions of the social and economic organization of the new capital which evolved around a civic centre. These include commercial districts of khans, kulliyes (religious institutions) integrating mosques, religious schools, public baths and a kitchen for the poor, as well as the tomb of Orhan Ghazi, founder of the Ottoman dynasty. One component outside the historic centre of Bursa is the village of Cumalıkızık, the only rural village of this system to show the provision of hinterland support for the capital.

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Bursa and Cumalıkızık: The Birth of the Ottoman Empire

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Bursa and Cumalıkızık, located in Turkey, holds immense historical significance as it marks the birthplace of the Ottoman Empire. This site encompasses the city of Bursa, situated at the foot of Mount Uludağ, and the nearby village of Cumalıkızık.

History

Bursa, formerly known as Prusa, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. It was founded by the Bithynians in the 3rd century BC and later became the capital of the Byzantine Empire in the 4th century AD. However, it was during the 14th century that Bursa gained prominence as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire.

After the Battle of Bafeus in 1302, the Ottoman Empire began to expand under the leadership of Osman I. His son, Orhan Gazi, captured Bursa in 1326, establishing it as the capital of the newly formed empire. Bursa served as the political, economic, and cultural center of the Ottoman Empire until the conquest of Constantinople in 1453.

Cumalıkızık, located approximately 10 kilometers east of Bursa, played a crucial role in the early years of the Ottoman Empire. It served as a settlement for the Turkmen tribes who supported Osman I during the establishment of the empire. The village's strategic location allowed it to serve as a military base and a center for agricultural production.

Current State

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Bursa and Cumalıkızık showcases the architectural and cultural heritage of the Ottoman Empire. Bursa is renowned for its numerous historical landmarks, including the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), which is one of the largest mosques in Turkey. The mosque's impressive architecture, adorned with intricate calligraphy and decorative tiles, reflects the artistic achievements of the Ottoman period.

Another notable site in Bursa is the Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami), known for its exquisite turquoise tiles and intricate woodwork. The adjacent Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe) houses the tombs of Sultan Mehmed I and his family, featuring stunning examples of Ottoman architecture and decorative arts.

Cumalıkızık, on the other hand, offers a glimpse into the rural life of the Ottoman era. The village is characterized by its well-preserved traditional houses, built with local materials such as wood and adobe. These houses, with their distinctive architectural style, reflect the social and cultural aspects of the Ottoman period.