How to Pronounce Bursa

Meaning and Context

Bursa is a major city in northwestern Turkey and the administrative center of Bursa Province, situated at the foothills of the majestic Uludağ mountain. Historically, it served as the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire following its capture from the Byzantines in 1326, earning it the revered title "Cradle of the Ottoman Empire." This rich heritage is visibly embodied in its UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, including the grand Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) with its distinctive twenty domes and the exquisite Yesil Cami (Green Mosque) and Yesil Türbe (Green Tomb), famed for their stunning Iznik tiles. Beyond its historical significance, Bursa is a powerhouse of Turkish industry and remains globally synonymous with its historic silk production and trade, a legacy preserved in its vibrant Koza Han (Silk Market). The city is also celebrated as the birthplace of the iconic Iskender kebab and serves as a premier destination for both winter sports on the slopes of Uludağ and thermal tourism in its many historic hamams. As a key part of the Marmara Region and one of Turkey's most populous cities, Bursa seamlessly blends its Ottoman-era bazaars and tombs with modern automotive and textile manufacturing, making it a compelling hub for cultural tourism and economic activity.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The primary spelling is Bursa, which is consistent in both Turkish and English. A common historical and alternative spelling is Brusa, which was frequently used in older Western texts and travelogues. This variant can still be encountered in some historical references. Frequent typos or misspellings often arise from phonetic interpretations or keyboard errors, such as "Bursas," "Bursia," or "Bursaa." It is also sometimes mistakenly written as "Bursas," which is actually the name of the city's famous football club, Bursaspor. When referring to the anatomical term for a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction (e.g., prepatellar bursa), the spelling is identical, but the context makes the meaning clear. Capitalization is important for distinguishing the city; the lowercase "bursa" refers specifically to the anatomical structure.

Example Sentences

No visit to Turkey is complete without exploring Bursa, the former Ottoman capital renowned for its stunning Green Mosque and vibrant silk bazaar.

Many tourists take the cable car from the city up to Uludağ for skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer months.

The famous Iskender kebab, invented in Bursa, is a culinary must-try, best enjoyed in one of the historic restaurants near the Koza Han.

Historians often cite Bursa's architectural evolution as a critical blueprint for later Ottoman imperial design seen in Edirne and Istanbul.

While the city is a modern industrial center, the echoes of its past as a major stop on the Silk Road are palpable in its covered markets and hans.

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