Wednesday - Bursa, Muradiye, Ulu Cami, Yesil
Breakfast at 8.30, good choice of food, but why does the orange juice have to be powdered? Out by 9.30.
First stop was the tombs of Muradiye. Muradiye is the cemetery for many Ottoman Sultans and Princes who were buried in a poetic garden in the shade of 1,000 year old plane trees.
Back on to the coach and off to the Ulu Cami, Grand Mosque. This, the "Grand Mosque" is located in the commercial centre of town, next to the covered bazaar and silk manufacturers' bazaar (Koza Han). Built at the end of the 14th century, the Ulu Cami is an interesting example of the period before the classical Ottoman architecture.
This mosque had all 99 names of Allah. There was a fountain in the mosque, not outside. The land belonged to a Jewess who would not sell the land for worship. So the fountain was placed there, so no one can pray on that bit of land. There was also no gallery for women, just a screened off area. The mosque had 20 domes.
After the visit to the mosque, we had a walk around the silk market and the general market. The silk market was not what R expected, being mostly sold made-up scarves and pashminas with very few Turkish patterns and no rolls of silk. The building was a lovely Ottoman design. Stopped for a drink in the cafe nearby and an open kebab.
On to the Green Mosque in the district called Yesil (green). An important part of town with its turquoise coloured mosque and inner mausoleum which were built during the sultan Mehmet I period. The tomb of Mehmet I is inside the Yesil Türbe. Mehmet I is considered to be the second founder of the Ottoman state as he re-established the empire after the invasion of the Mongolians ruled by Tamerlane in the 15th century. The Yesil Türbe is attractive with its ceramics, interior decoration and woodwork on its doors. The small mosque across the mausoleum is a fine example of marble workmanship and glazed tiles. The Yesil Mosque is called the "Jewel of Bursa" because of its beauty, both inside and out.
Back to the hotel at 3.15, not like an Explore trip which would still have you out walking & exploring until dusk; we were a bit taken aback. Took a walk into the local district to buy some beers to drink (rather than pat the exhorbitant hotel rates). Other VJV guests doing the same. There was a lovely vegetable market, from which we bought some pistachios. Back at the hotel sat on the balcony, too hot for R, and too noisey from the hotel's air conditioning.
By the pool the hotel staff were preparing a reception, laying out tables draped in white cloths and banded in yellow ribbons. One waiter dropped a whole tray of glasses, and then there was a rather ineffective clean up operation.
Supper at 8.00, same as the previous night, a very good buffet. The Kervansaray Termal Hotel was a good excellent hotel, far to good for the likes of us two!
