Parks and Open Spaces to Visit in Bursa

Bursa, the fourth most populous city in Turkey, has witnessed many memories that can be considered turning points in history from the years when it was the capital of the Ottoman Empire to the present day, and has directly hosted some events. The city hosts the dynamic life cycle it gained by adapting to the revolutions of the Republic of Turkey, along with the prestige that being a capital has given it in the past years. Therefore, Bursa is a multifaceted city with historical structures dating back centuries, places of worship, and museums that receive many visitors.

In addition to historical structures; Although the first thing that comes to mind when Bursa is mentioned is "Iskender" :), green areas in many different locations are integrated with the city. The fact that these areas are in the city center or very close to the center offers a great opportunity to tourists and Bursa residents. For this reason, you can find many opportunities such as resting and various sports areas where you can get plenty of oxygen, and picnic areas in this green city.

In this article, which covers Bursa's historical inns and bridges, botanical parks and picnic areas, we have compiled information about a few locations that we think you will enjoy reading. Before moving on to this section, we would like to share some valuable information about the "city of sincerity" Bursa, blend our article with general culture and present it to GeziBilenler.

Enjoy reading.

The World's First Animal Hospital: Gurabâhâne-i Laklakan

Gurabâhâne-i Laklakan, established in Osmangazi/Bursa during the Ottoman period, is an animal care and treatment point. This structure, which has a name meaning "house of fallen storks", is a charity institution where various animals, especially migratory storks, are treated.

With this service, which began to be put into practice in the 19th century, Gurabâhâne-i Laklakan has the distinction of being the world's first animal hospital. In the world of centuries ago, while human rights were still being discussed, the defense of animal rights and the establishment of an area for them during the Ottoman period undoubtedly draws a picture full of compassion and humanity in our minds.

The person who gave this painting its name and who we can include in the painting is Ahmet Haşim. Known as one of the pioneers of the symbolism movement in our literature, Ahmet Haşim saw storks feeding in the garden of a house while he was in Bursa and named it “Gurabâhâne-i Laklakan” (house of the poor storks).

The world’s first animal hospital, established by the Ottoman Empire and named after the great poet Ahmet Haşim, has reopened today with the support of the Osmangazi Municipality and continues to provide its services on the western leg of the Irgandı Bridge on certain days.

Additional Information: Ahmet Haşim, who has a work called “Gurabâhâne-i Laklakan”, includes his impressions of Bursa and different essays in this work. Ahmet Haşim is also a true animal rights defender. There are many other examples of writings that can testify to his animal love, such as “Animal Revenge” where he deals with this ideology, and “Animal Torture” where he expresses his satisfaction with the lawsuit filed against the owner of the seal that was shown to the public for money.

After this information that Bursa has witnessed, we can start exploring the locations where we can store oxygen by heading to open area tours of the district.

Koza Han

Built in 1492 by Bayezid II on a very large area between the Orhan Mosque and the Ulu Mosque, Koza Han is a foundation inn. Carrying the architecture of the Ottoman period, the inn is a structure where mostly cut stone is used, as well as bricks in places. Koza Han has a large area both indoors and outdoors due to its two-story structure and a portico in front. The inn has a total of 95 rooms, 50 on the upper floor and 45 on the lower floor. The inn, where silk fabrics and silk products are sold, is still used for the same function today.

The inner courtyard of Koza Han, also known as “Han-ı Cedid-i Evvel”, is currently organized as a resting place and tea garden. And of course, it is actively working as a silk and trade center today, as it was in the past. Therefore, many opportunities await tourists and locals visiting Bursa in this historical inn.

Koza Han, where you can witness turquoise colored tiles, is also known for hosting Queen Elizabeth II of England and her husband Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 2008. Various shows and rich meals are organized here for the queen and the duke. The interest shown by Queen Elizabeth II in Koza Han’s famous and attractive silk fabrics fills the headlines of newspapers.

Silk fabrics, shawls, headscarves, shirts, ties, handkerchiefs, dresses and skirts, bed sheets, tablecloths, carpets and many other textile products are offered for sale here. You can also buy various accessories, artistic products, silver and valuable souvenirs from here and give them to your loved ones or get a souvenir of your trip.z while shopping, your hot tea, the shadows of the trees and a magnificent view will be waiting for you at Koza Han!

Soğanlı Botanical Park

Soğanlı Botanical Park, which is open to plant research and scientific studies, is located in Osmangazi district, which is the intersection point of all districts of Bursa. The city's rich oxygen source and a wide variety of plant species are of great value to both tourists, locals and researchers.

Soğanlı Botanical Park, which is a 1st degree protected area, consists of Japanese Garden, French Garden, English Garden, rock garden and rose, scented plants and shaped plant garden sections. There are 8,000 trees of 150 species in the park, 27 types of roses, 20 types of cover plants and 76 types of shrubs.

The botanical park, which has an area of ​​400 acres, offers its visitors almost all the opportunities to have a great time with its natural walking and running area as well as a cold asphalt-coated bicycle path. These facilities include hotels, restaurants, sports fields, children's playgrounds and automobile tracks, and activity areas such as sports equipment.

Soğanlı Botanical Park is one of the places you can choose to spend a wonderful day with your family and friends thanks to its various activities. In addition, there is an artificial pond in the park area and several famous old Bursa houses from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. This park, which has various natural beauties, opens a fascinating door for those who want to discover their own view.

Atatürk City Forest

Nilüfer district, named after Orhan Gazi's wife "Nilüfer Hanım", adds dynamism to the holidays and daily lives of local and foreign tourists with Atatürk City Forest. The forest, located in the back parcel of Odunluk Neighborhood, is 12 km away from the center. Due to its central location, the forest attracts visitors almost every season of the year.

Atatürk City Forest includes picnic tables, sitting areas, barbecue, children's park, prayer room and toilet. In this way, those who come just for sightseeing can spend time in the seating areas and watch the view, while visitors who have a picnic in the forest can have all the facilities they may need.

In addition to the walking paths, Bursa Atatürk City Forest also provides a sports area full of greenery for those who want to have a healthier and more energetic day. In addition, visitors can find themselves in a fascinating view thanks to the wooden bridge encountered during the city forest tour.

For a peaceful holiday plan, you can visit these three locations that you can include in your list of places to visit in Bursa and ensure that green and open areas take their place in your mind with their natural beauties.

Written by: Tuğçe Arıcan