# Bursa

> city in Turkey

**Wikidata**: [Q40738](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q40738)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bursa)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bursa

## Summary

Bursa is a major city in northwestern Turkey and the administrative center of Bursa Province, situated in the Marmara Region. Founded in 202 CE under the name Prusa, it served as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire from 1329 to 1365 before the capital was moved to Edirne. With a population of approximately 2.99 million as of 2018, Bursa is one of Turkey's largest metropolitan areas and a significant industrial, cultural, and historical center.

## Key Facts

- **Location**: Northwestern Turkey, Marmara Region; coordinates 40.191°N, 29.081°E
- **Administrative status**: Capital of Bursa Province; metropolitan municipality in Turkey
- **Area**: 11,043 square kilometres
- **Elevation**: 100 metres above sea level
- **Timezone**: UTC+03:00 (Eastern European Time)
- **Postal code**: 16000
- **Local dialing code**: 224
- **Official language**: Turkish
- **Founded**: 202 CE (as Prusa)
- **Historical name**: Prusa ad Olympum (ancient Greek name)
- **Population (2018)**: 2,994,521 (Address-Based Population Registration System)
- **Population (2016)**: 2,901,396
- **Capital of Ottoman Empire**: 1329–1365 (replaced Söğüt, succeeded by Edirne)
- **Siege of Bursa**: 1317–1326 (significant historical event)
- **Awards**: The Europe Prize (1991)
- **Member of**: League of Historical Cities; Organization of World Heritage Cities

## FAQs

**What is Bursa known for historically?**
Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire from 1329 to 1365, established after the Siege of Bursa (1317–1326) when Ottoman forces captured the city from the Byzantine Empire. It was originally founded in 202 CE by Prusias I of Bithynia under the name Prusa.

**What is Bursa's administrative structure?**
Bursa is a metropolitan municipality in Turkey and serves as the capital of Bursa Province. It is located in the Marmara Region of northwestern Turkey, at coordinates 40.191°N latitude and 29.081°E longitude.

**What is Bursa's population?**
According to the Address-Based Population Registration System, Bursa had 2,994,521 inhabitants as of 2018. Historical figures include 2,901,396 (2016), 1,854,285 (2015), 1,184,144 (2000), 487,604 (1980), and 128,875 (1955).

**What organizations is Bursa a member of?**
Bursa is a member of the League of Historical Cities and the Organization of World Heritage Cities. It received The Europe Prize in 1991, recognizing its historical and cultural significance.

**What are Bursa's international sister city relationships?**
Bursa has twinned relationships with numerous cities worldwide, including Darmstadt (since 1971), Denizli, Kars, Multan, Oulu, Sofia, Tiffin, Kairouan, North Nicosia, Anshan, Bitola, Ceadîr-Lunga, Kyzylorda, Mascara, Kulmbach, Pleven (since 1998), Plovdiv, Pristina, Tirana (since 1998), Košice, Vinnytsia (since 2004), Van, Rabat, Bakhchysarai, Oskemen, Herzliya (since 1997), Mykolaiv, Sarajevo, Xanthi, Simferopol, Tlemcen, Chiang Mai (since 2013), and Mogilev (since 2013).

**What is Bursa's economic profile?**
Bursa has a significant industrial economy and is one of Turkey's major manufacturing centers. The city has substantial urban and rural population distributions, with urban population reaching 612,510 by 1985.

**What are some notable identifiers for Bursa?**
Bursa has numerous international identifiers including VIAF ID 123562716, GND ID 4009173-9, Geonames ID 750269, ISNI 000000010719773X, Freebase ID /m/0160d, and OpenStreetMap node ID 289534897.

## Why It Matters

Bursa holds profound historical, cultural, and economic significance in Turkey and the broader region. As the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa represents the birthplace of one of history's most influential empires, which would go on to control vast territories across three continents for over six centuries. The city's capture in 1326 by Osman I's forces marked a pivotal turning point in Ottoman expansion, transforming it from a small beylik into a growing state that would eventually challenge the Byzantine Empire.

Beyond its historical importance, Bursa serves as a critical economic engine for Turkey. Its position in the Marmara Region—the country's most densely populated and industrially developed area—makes it a hub for manufacturing, trade, and commerce. The city's diverse industrial base, combined with its strategic location between Istanbul and Anatolia, has made it a magnet for investment and migration, resulting in rapid urban growth from a population of just 128,875 in 1955 to nearly 3 million by 2018.

Culturally, Bursa preserves a rich heritage of Ottoman architecture, including the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) and numerous tombs of early Ottoman sultans. The city is known for its traditional silk production and is surrounded by the scenic Uludağ mountain range, making it both a historical and tourist destination. Its membership in the League of Historical Cities and the Organization of World Heritage Cities, along with the 1991 Europe Prize, underscore its recognition as a city of significant cultural value.

## Notable For

- First capital of the Ottoman Empire (1329–1365)
- Founded in 202 CE as Prusa, making it over 1,800 years old
- Recipient of The Europe Prize (1991)
- Largest city in Turkey by industrial output outside Istanbul
- Home to significant Ottoman architectural heritage including tombs of early sultans
- Major center for Turkey's automotive industry
- Known for traditional Turkish silk production (İpek)
- Located at the foot of Uludağ, Turkey's most popular ski resort
- One of the few Turkish cities with continuous habitation since ancient times
- Contains the historic Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) built by Mehmet I in 1396

## Body

### History and Origins

Bursa's history stretches back nearly two millennia to its founding in 202 CE, when Prusias I of Bithynia established the city under the name Prusa. The ancient city was situated at the foot of Mount Uludağ (historically known as Mount Olympus) and became known as Prusa ad Olympum to distinguish it from other cities of the same name. The city passed through various hands over the centuries, including Roman and Byzantine rule, before becoming part of the emerging Ottoman state.

The most transformative period in Bursa's history came in the early 14th century during the reign of Osman I, founder of the Ottoman dynasty. The Siege of Bursa, which lasted from 1317 to 1326, represented a major Ottoman victory against Byzantine forces. Upon capturing the city in 1326, Bursa became the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, establishing it as the political and administrative center of the nascent state. The city served as the Ottoman capital until 1365, when the capital was moved to Edirne (Adrianople), which offered better strategic positioning for further expansion into Europe.

Following the establishment of the modern Republic of Turkey in 1923, Bursa became the capital of Bursa Province, a role it continues to hold today. The city had previously been the center of the Hudavendigar vilayet (province) from 1867 until the end of the Ottoman Empire in 1922.

### Geography and Demographics

Bursa is located in northwestern Turkey within the Marmara Region, one of the country's seven geographical regions and its most densely populated area. The city sits at coordinates 40.19133055555555°N latitude and 29.08053888888889°E longitude, approximately 150 kilometers south of Istanbul across the Sea of Marmara. The city's elevation is 100 metres above sea level, and it covers an area of 11,043 square kilometres, making it one of the larger provinces in Turkey by area.

The urban landscape of Bursa is characterized by its position at the foot of Uludağ (Mount Olympus), Turkey's highest mountain in the region and a major ski resort. This geographical setting has shaped the city's development, with the mountain providing both recreational opportunities and historical significance.

Bursa has experienced remarkable population growth over the past century, reflecting Turkey's broader urbanization trends. The population stood at just 128,875 in 1955, grew to 487,604 by 1980, and reached 1,184,144 by 2000. More recent figures show 1,854,285 in 2015, 2,901,396 in 2016, and 2,994,521 in 2018 according to the Address-Based Population Registration System. The city also has significant rural populations in surrounding areas, with historical data showing rural population of 162,108 in 1980 and 135,848 in 1985, while urban population reached 612,510 by 1985.

### Administrative Structure

Bursa functions as a metropolitan municipality in Turkey, serving as the administrative center of Bursa Province. The city operates under the governance of the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality (Bursa Büyükşehir Belediyesi), with the municipal government headed by a mayor. The local dialing code for the area is 224, and the postal code is 16000.

The city operates in the UTC+03:00 timezone, corresponding to Eastern European Time (EET) without daylight saving time adjustments. This timezone is standard for Turkey and aligns with the country's geographical position.

### International Relations

Bursa maintains extensive international connections through its sister city (twin city) program, with relationships spanning four continents. The city's twinning program began with Darmstadt, Germany, in 1971, making it one of the earliest Turkish cities to establish formal international partnerships. Since then, Bursa has developed relationships with cities including:

**Europe**: Darmstadt (1971), Denizli, Sofia (Bulgaria), Tiffin, Pleven (1998), Plovdiv (Bulgaria), Pristina (Kosovo), Tirana (1998), Košice (Slovakia), Vinnytsia (Ukraine, 2004), Kars (Turkey), Oulu (Finland), Bitola (North Macedonia), North Nicosia (Northern Cyprus), Xanthi (Greece), Simferopol (Crimea), Mykolaiv (Ukraine), Sarajevo (Bosnia), Tlemcen (Algeria)

**Asia**: Multan (Pakistan), Anshan (China), Kairouan (Tunisia), Kyzylorda (Kazakhstan), Mascara (Algeria), Kulmbach (Germany), Van (Turkey), Bakhchysarai (Crimea), Oskemen (Kazakhstan), Herzliya (Israel), Chiang Mai (Thailand, 2013)

**Africa**: Kairouan, Mascara, Tlemcen, Rabat (Morocco)

**Sister city relationships are maintained through various agreements and cultural exchanges, with many partnerships dating back to the late 1990s and 2000s, reflecting Bursa's growing role in international municipal cooperation.**

### Cultural Heritage and Recognition

Bursa's rich historical heritage has earned it significant recognition both nationally and internationally. The city was awarded The Europe Prize in 1991, an honor bestowed by the Council of Europe to recognize cities that have made outstanding contributions to European cultural cooperation. This award reflects Bursa's historical significance as a bridge between East and West and its ongoing commitment to cultural preservation.

The city is a member of two notable international organizations: the League of Historical Cities and the Organization of World Heritage Cities. These memberships underscore Bursa's dedication to preserving its historical legacy and participating in global efforts to protect cultural heritage.

Bursa is home to numerous historical monuments from the Ottoman period, including the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), which was constructed between 1396 and 1399 during the reign of Sultan Bayezid I. The city also contains the tombs of early Ottoman sultans, including Orhan Gazi and Murad I, making it a pilgrimage site for those interested in Ottoman history.

### Economy and Industry

Bursa has developed into one of Turkey's major industrial and economic centers, second only to Istanbul in terms of manufacturing output. The city's economy is diverse, encompassing automotive manufacturing, textiles, food processing, and construction materials. The presence of major automotive production facilities has made Bursa a key component of Turkey's automotive export industry.

The city has a well-developed urban infrastructure and serves as a commercial hub for the Marmara Region. Its strategic location between Istanbul and Anatolia has facilitated trade and logistics, while the surrounding agricultural regions provide food processing opportunities.

### Media and Digital Presence

Bursa maintains an active presence across multiple social media platforms. The official Twitter account (@bursabuyuksehir) has been verified and active since 2009, with follower counts growing from approximately 277,902 in January 2021 to over 308,000 by early 2023. The city also maintains an official YouTube channel (Bursa Büyükşehir Belediyesi) which has been active since 2011, along with Instagram and Facebook presence.

The official municipal website (www.bursa.bel.tr) provides information about city services, events, and governance in Turkish.

### Encyclopedia and Reference Coverage

Bursa has been documented extensively in encyclopedic sources across multiple languages and traditions. The city appears in numerous reference works including:

- Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary
- The Nuttall Encyclopædia (as "Broussa")
- Jewish Encyclopedia of Brockhaus and Efron
- Small Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary
- Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1926–1947)
- Encyclopædia Britannica 11th edition (1911, as "Brusa")
- Encyclopædia Britannica online
- Meyer's Universum (1843, 1854)
- Treccani's Enciclopedia Italiana (as "Brussa")
- Encyclopædia Universalis (as "brousse-ville")
- Great Russian Encyclopedia Online (2017)
- Hrvatska enciklopedija (Croatian encyclopedia)
- TDV Encyclopedia of Islam

The city has Wikipedia articles in over 150 language variants, reflecting its international significance and the diversity of communities interested in its history and culture.

### Identifiers and Cataloging

Bursa appears in numerous international authority files and databases, facilitating research and information retrieval:

- VIAF (Virtual International Authority File): 123562716
- GND (German National Library): 4009173-9
- ISNI: 000000010719773X
- Geonames ID: 750269
- Freebase ID: /m/0160d
- Library of Congress Authority ID: n85244249
- OpenStreetMap Node ID: 289534897
- OpenStreetMap Relation ID: 223463
- UN/LOCODE: TRBTZ
- Yale University Lux ID: place/59d32d55-0cf3-474e-8096-3a189e1409ae

These identifiers enable precise referencing of Bursa across academic databases, geographic information systems, and digital libraries worldwide.

## References

1. [Source](http://website-pace.net/documents/10643/1405997/EuropePrizeWinnersSince1955-EN.pdf/200fd2d3-253d-4461-9a54-6738bf8d442f)
2. [Source](https://www.pleven.bg/bg/pobratimeni-gradove/bursa-turtsiya)
3. [Source](https://www.plovdiv.bg/en/about-plovdiv/побратимени-градове/)
4. [Source](http://www.tirana.gen.al/sister_cities.php)
5. [Source](https://tirana.al/uploads/2023/6/20230627125928_marreveshje-shoqata.pdf)
6. [Source](https://www.vmr.gov.ua/en/twin-cities#parentHorizontalTab5)
7. [Source](http://www.chiangmai.go.th/meet_file/sarupCM2557.pdf)
8. [Source](https://goridcentr.csgpb.by/pobratimy/virtualnaya-ekskursiya/bursa-turetskaya-respublika/)
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. BnF authorities
11. [Source](https://www.lhc-s.org/member_cities/index.php)
12. [Source](https://www.ovpm.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/liste-villes-en-regle-pour-page-web12-03-2024.pdf)
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. [Source](http://www.tuik.gov.tr/PreHaberBultenleri.do?id=24638)
15. GeoNames
16. BBC Things
17. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/tr.htm)
18. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
19. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Bursa-D5KA)
20. [Source](https://doi.org/10.1093/gao/9781884446054.article.T012613)
21. YouTube API
22. museum-digital