BURSA YESIL CAMI – GREEN MOSQUE

Yesil Cami in Bursa, Turkey was constructed by the renowned architect Hacı Ivaz Pasha, at the request of Ottoman Sultan Celebi Mehmet, between the years 1415 and 1419. The mosque’s intricate decorations and artwork were created by talented painters Haci Ali and Ilyas Ali, while the master artist Mehmet Mecnun added his touch with stunning tiles.

The Green Mosque, located in the city of Green Bursa (Yesil Bursa in Turkish), comprises a mausoleum, a madrasah, a cultivation area, and Turkish baths.

YESIL CAMI ARCHITECTURE
The Green Mosque is so named for its distinctive blue-green tiles and the turquoise accents used in its decorations. The mosque’s mihrab is 10 meters high and is considered a prime example of tile work. The majority of the mosque is covered in tiles, contributing to its brilliance. The muezzin’s call to prayer platform is also adorned with tiles, and the sultan’s area is decorated with luxurious tiles, including floral patterns. This intricate tile work makes the Green Mosque a true masterpiece.

Designed with a reverse T-plan and featuring a marble facade, the mosque boasts four ornate windows with two mihrabs and four niches with railings. The windows are considered some of the best examples of ornamental stonework in Turkey, with intriguing incomplete scripts around them.

The mosque’s grand entrance, with its ornate stalactite design, took three years to complete and is a magnificent sight. Information about the mosque’s construction can be found on the 2-3 meter long inscription above the entrance. Inside the vestibule are two Byzantine columns. It leads to side rooms at the eastern and western parts, which have groined vaults and low entrances that lead to the central chamber.

The mosque’s stunning mihrab is adorned with tiles and stands at over 10 meters tall. It is considered the pinnacle of tile work, with its geometric motifs and floral designs. The ironwork in the doors, windows, and cupboards is beautifully crafted. There is no central gathering area in the Green Mosque, which is believed to have been left unfinished due to the sudden death of the Sultan. Some claims suggest it was intended to be a council of state. The mosque’s minarets were rebuilt in the 19th century.

MADRASAH AND TURKISH BATHS
The Green Mosque’s madrasah, named Sultaniye, was constructed using a combination of face stone and brick. It is located 100 meters from the mosque and is surrounded by a rectangular courtyard with porches and a dome. The madrasah served as a training center and provided accommodation for students. The courtyard feature a marble pool with a fountain. No remains exist of the Turkish baths built by Sultan Fatih Mehmet the Conqueror. Today, the bathhouse is used for commercial purposes.
GREEN TOMB

The Green Tomb, established by Sultan Celebi Mehmet in 1421, is located on a hill across from the Green Mosque. The skilled architect Haci Ivaz Pasha designed the structure.

One of the most significant mausoleums in Bursa, the Green Tomb earned its name from its green tiles. The tomb is designed with an octagonal plan and the burial vault on the lowest floor resembles a Seljuk vault. The dome of the structure is covered with a lead covering and has eight magnificent windows that create a celestial atmosphere. The tiles used for the window pediments are decorated with verses from the Quran and the deeds of Prophet Mohammad.

The door of the magnificent mausoleum is made of walnut wood and adorned with green tiles, rosettes, Arabic calligraphy, and geometric designs. The mosaic tile embellishments in the tomb are unique and beautiful.

The mihrab of the tomb with its exceptional tiles continues to captivate visitors to this day and is considered an artistic masterpiece.

In the center of the octagonal Green Tomb, there are many sarcophagi belonging to Sultan Celebi Mehmed, his sons Mustafa, Mahmud, and Yusuf, and his daughters Selçuk Hatun, Sitti Hatun, Ayse Hatun, and Daya Hatun, the governess of Sultan Celebi Mehmed. Inscriptions are carved on the white, blue, yellow, and navy blue tiles of the sarcophagi.

WHY VISIT BURSA YESIL CAMI?

Bursa Yesil Cami, with its stunning architecture, intricate tile work and rich history, is a must-visit destination for all tourists traveling to Turkey. With the Green Mosque and Green Tomb, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage of the Ottoman Empire. The intricate tile work and beautiful calligraphy make the mosque and tomb an architectural marvel. The location’s peaceful and serene atmosphere, surrounded by rolling hills, provides a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Tour Maker Turkey offers tailor-made tours to Bursa Yesil Cami that are designed to provide a comprehensive and unforgettable experience. Our knowledgeable and experienced tour guides will take you on a journey through the history and culture of the mosque and tomb, sharing with you the fascinating stories and legends that have been passed down through generations. Whether you are a history buff, an architectural enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful and serene environment, Bursa Yesil Cami is the perfect destination for you.

In addition to visiting the mosque and tomb, our tours also include visits to other historical and cultural landmarks in Bursa, such as the Grand Mosque and the Cumalikizik village. Our aim is to provide you with a well-rounded and complete experience, showcasing the best of what Bursa has to offer.

So why wait? Book your tour to Bursa Yesil Cami with Tour Maker Turkey today and discover the magic of this magnificent destination for yourself! With our commitment to providing the best possible experience, you are guaranteed to have a once-in-a-lifetime trip that you will remember forever. Don’t miss this opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful and historically rich destinations in Turkey.