Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe) | Bursa

Information

Landmark: Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe)
City: Bursa
Country: Turkey
Continent: Asia

Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe), Bursa, Turkey, Asia

The Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe) is an Ottoman mausoleum located in Bursa, Turkey.

It serves as the final resting place for the fifth Ottoman Sultan, Mehmed I.

Visual Characteristics

The structure is characterized by its octagonal plan and a conical, tiled dome. The exterior is covered in turquoise and green glazed tiles, giving the tomb its name. The interior walls are adorned with intricate tilework and calligraphy. The minaret adjacent to the tomb is constructed from cut stone.

Location & Access Logistics

The Green Tomb is situated in the Yeşil district of Bursa, approximately 2km east of the city center. Access is via Atatürk Caddesi, turning onto Yeşil Cadessi. Parking is available in designated lots near the tomb complex. Public transport options include the T1 tram line, which stops at the "Yeşil Türbe" station, a short walk from the site.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Green Tomb began in 1419 under the commission of Sultan Mehmed I. It was designed by the architect Hacı İvaz Pasha. The original purpose was to serve as the mausoleum for Mehmed I, who died in 1421.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can observe the detailed tilework and calligraphy within the mausoleum. The tomb chamber contains Mehmed I's sarcophagus. Photography is permitted in designated areas. The surrounding complex includes a mosque and a former hospice.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the complex. Limited shaded areas are present in the courtyard. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally good. Food vendors are located outside the complex on Yeşil Caddesi.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal interior lighting and fewer crowds, visit between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM or between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. The months of April, May, September, and October offer pleasant weather conditions for visiting.

Facts & Legends

A local legend states that the tomb's construction was so costly that it led to a period of economic hardship for the empire. The tomb was damaged by an earthquake in 1855 and subsequently restored.