Bursa

What it's known for

Bursa became the capital of the early Ottoman Empire after the Ottomans took it from the Byzantines in 1326, and the tombs of the early sultans Osman and Orhan are here. It was famous for its silk trade, and it is one of the main centres of Türkiye's car industry.

Fun facts

1. The Grand Mosque, or Ulu Cami, is covered by 20 domes set in four rows of five.
2. İskender kebab, sliced meat with tomato sauce, melted butter and yogurt over bread, is named after its inventor, İskender, who lived in Bursa in the late 19th century.
3. Its nickname is Yeşil Bursa, or Green Bursa, because of its parks and gardens and the forests around the city.