Get On That Bus...

Could this be a silk worm?  Wonderful calligraphy in Ulu Cami

Despite having an introduction to Turkey’s popular coastal areas, the Motleys decided a tour (15 days with Intrepid Travel) to take in the “real” country was in order.  So it was we found ourselves thrust into a bustling Istanbul with only a day for a quick overview.  Happily we had planned time after our tour to do justice to this intriguing city.  More on that later then…

We met in our designated hotel in Istanbul, then were taken out for an orientation walk of the local area by our Guide. We were all keen starters.  So, let's get on that bus and get going! 

 

Destination #1: Bursa

Bursa Market full of colourful, interesting goodies

Having left a frenetic, tourist-drenched Istanbul by ferry, we sped easily across Marmaris Sea’s choppy waters to arrive at a small transport hub, Yalova, on Turkey’s Asian shores.  Here we managed to immediately ruffle feathers by carrying lots of luggage onto a local bus - at least it was a quick, rather quiet trip into Bursa.

Bursa has existed since 183 BC.  With natural hot springs it attracted many settlers including Romans, Byzantines and later Ottomans.  We however, came to see Ottoman masterpieces and a remarkable caravanserai, the Koza (or cocoon) Han, that once marked the end of the Silk Road. Luckily, you can still buy silk....

Shopping in the Koza Han since 1491

Bursa was the first capital city of the Ottomans (1326) and it remained the heartland of an emerging Turkish empire.  Six Sultans chose to be buried in the peaceful surrounds of this city.  It is therefore, a city of pilgrimage and we were fortunate to attend a sema (whirling ceremony) by a Sufi Order at their lodge one evening. 

Whirling Dervishes

Hot mineral rich springs means hamams, and the Cap’n reported back that the Eski Kaplica, dating from Roman times, was well worth the soak.

Ulu Cami (1396)

Fact File: Tarzan.  It seems that Hollywood hero, Tarzan, had a Turkish double.  Amongst its excellent ethnographic displays, the Bursa City Museum features details of notable citizens. Tarzan was just one.  I’m sure he will feature in a movie remake…one day.