City history
From its ancient origins as Prusa to its status as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, Bursa remains a cornerstone of Anatolian history.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"Likely derived from the Bithynian region"
The city was known as Prusa during the Hellenistic and Roman periods before its later Ottoman identity emerged.
Bithynian origin
Used during the Greek and Roman eras.
Evolution of Prusa
Became the primary name during the Ottoman conquest.
Chapter two
Turkey transitioned from traditional Ezanî time to standard international time following the Republic's formation.
Turkey officially abolished daylight saving time, staying on UTC+3 all year round.
Chapter three
The city was captured by Osman I, serving as the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire.
The Grand Mosque was completed, marking a peak in early Ottoman architectural achievement.
The installation of civic clock towers signaled the arrival of synchronized urban timekeeping.
Bursa's historical sites were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.