The Grand Mosque or Ulu Camii is a historic mosque in Bursa, Turkey. Built between 1396 and 1399, this mosque was commissioned by the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I. While you’re there, be sure to check out the Calligraphy Museum and the Pulpit. We also have a look at the exterior. After reading the above, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect at the Grand Mosque of Bursa.
Calligraphy Museum
Today, visitors can see calligraphy examples in the museum’s halls. The museum’s calligraphy displays are well worth the visit. If you have a passion for calligraphy, be sure to visit this museum!
The interior of the mosque is a vast, airy space with large domes. The pillars create a sense of privacy, while also dividing the space. The walls are covered with Arabic calligraphy, some of which are in the form of geometric shapes and fanciful curves. The calligraphy in the Grand Mosque dates from the 18th to the early 20th centuries and is part of the museum’s permanent collection.
The Grand Mosque of Bursa features beautiful calligraphy. During the time of the Ottoman Empire, Arabic calligraphy became an integral part of Islamic architecture and communicated its meaning to its visitors. The Grand Mosque features 192 monumental wall inscriptions by 41 Ottoman calligraphers, dating from the seventeenth century to the early twentieth. These calligraphies were painted on walls, columns, and small plates and are composed of Qur’anic verses, the 99 names of Allah, the Prophet Muhammad, and other major Islamic scholars.
While the interior of the Grand Mosque of Bursa is impressive, it isn’t the only museum that showcases calligraphy. The city’s other important attractions include the Muradiye Complex, one of the largest collections of Ottoman royal tombs. It is worth visiting for its architecture and beautiful tiles. In the Grand Mosque of Bursa, you’ll find some of the finest examples of calligraphy in the world.
Pulpit
The Pulpit in the Grand Mosque of Bursa is made of hard walnut and is an example of the kundekari technique. The artist, Mehmed bin Abdulaziz, was a student of the Sultan of Bursa and is considered to be one of the best woodcarvers in the country. The pulpit has reliefs that represent the Milky Way galaxy and the solar system. The pulpit was completed in 1399 and contains an inscription that states the building was constructed in that year.
The interior of the Grand Mosque is also worth a visit. The pulpit is adorned with wood carving art. Its architecture is based on the Seljuk style. It has 192 calligraphy plates and graffiti and a fountain under the open dome. The construction of this mosque began in 1396 and was completed just a few years after the Nigbolu War. It is also notable for its pulpit, which is a perfect example of transitional Seljuk wood carving art.
The interior of the Grand Mosque of Bursa is a fascinating experience. The Pulpit in the Grand Mosque of Bursa was photographed in August 2009. This image shows the central part of the mosque and the skylight. The upper part of the minbar is also visible. Its awe-inspiring architecture and unique motifs make this place of worship a must-see for any Bursa visitor.
Exterior
Ulu Cami, or the Great Mosque, has 20 domes and is a classic example of early Seljuk architecture. Built between 1396 and 1399, it has mighty square columns and a cloud of domes. The interior is also impressive, with a large dome in the center and many smaller ones lining the other sides.
The mosque is more than 5000 square meters in size and has a pulpit covered with 20 domes. They are supported by octagonal pulleys that descend from the top. At the center of the mosque, a huge ablution fountain is located beneath the dome. The exterior of the Grand Mosque of Bursa is equally impressive. Its colossal minarets are estimated to date back to the Sultan Celebi Mehmed period. The building is also surrounded by deaf pointed arches, which were built to offset the thick body walls made from smooth-cut stones.
A sulus-scripted pulpit is one of the most important pieces of architecture in the Grand Mosque of Bursa. This example of Seljuk art is the only one that features an open center dome. Originally, raindrops dripped into the middle dome, and the light would illuminate the mosque. However, the glass dome does not collect rainwater and provides lighting instead. The mosque also features an 18 cornered fountain.
Restoration
The first phase of the restoration of the Grand Mosque of Bursa was completed in 2009. The work involved restoring the interior of the mosque, including its ablution fountain and skylight. This complex contains some 600 years of history and is known for its tiles. The project took over 2.5 years and cost 1.8 million Turkish Liras. The finished product is a work of art that will make Bursa a world-class travel destination.
While the original building dates to the early 14th century, a local expert noticed red specks behind the carving a few years later. This discovery prompted the restoration of the mosque’s decorative elements. After the mosque was closed for several years, an expert in the field realized that it had fallen victim to decades of erroneous restorations. Thankfully, that expert’s vision came to fruition in the form of the restoration project.
The interior of the Grand Mosque of Bursa features colossal inscriptions, baroque decorations, and kufi script. Before the restoration project, the mosque had been plastered in white and was made of honey-colored limestone. The minarets are a combination of marble and brick with a lead or wooden cap. The mosque’s west entrance is also in a state of disrepair.
Dress code
When visiting the Grand Mosque of Bursa, the dress code is strictly enforced. Men and women must wear long trousers or skirts and cover their legs and arms. Women should wear headscarves. If you’re not comfortable wearing a headscarf, wear a hooded jacket. If you want to avoid covering your head, wear a slacks hood. You may also want to remove your shoes before entering the mosque.
In accordance with Islamic etiquette, you must wear a modestly-dressed outfit when visiting the Grand Mosque of Bursa. Visitors are also required to remove their shoes before entering the mosque. If you have any doubts, you can consult with your travel agent for more information. While visiting the Grand Mosque of Bursa, remember that you’re visiting a place of worship, not a museum.
The Grand Mosque of Bursa is the largest mosque in the city. Built-in the 14th century, this mosque is a prime example of early Ottoman architecture. The Grand Mosque has twenty individual domes supported by 12 giant columns. The Mosque is decorated with fine wood carvings and over 200 calligraphic inscriptions. Visitors are encouraged to adhere to the dress code of local Muslims and adhere to its traditions.
While you’re in the neighborhood, you can also check out the Grand Mosque. The hotel overlooks the grand mosque, which has 20 domes and two minarets. Wear something comfortable to avoid being bothered by the crowds. If you’re not comfortable in a Muslim ensemble, wear a simple, conservative outfit and don’t forget to keep the hair tied back. When visiting the Grand Mosque of Bursa, don’t forget to take plenty of photos.