BURSA GUIDE

The history of Bursa dates back to 8500 years ago according to archaeological sources. This region played an influential role in the transition of the first agricultural communities of Central European and Balkan cultures to settled life. In ancient times, Bursa and its surroundings were subjected to invasions from both the north and the south, and as a result of these invasions, many colonial cities were established. B.C. 5-3. These cities, founded between the 15th and 15th centuries, especially by the Ionian cities, formed the basis of many ancient cities in the region and today's modern cities. M.S. Starting from the 2nd century, the surroundings of Bursa became an important region for Christians, and in different regions of Uludağ, A.D. More than 50 churches and monasteries have been built since the 5th century. The region, which has been known by different names throughout history, was named Olympos, Oros Ton Kalegeron, Keşişdağı and Ruhban Dağı, and finally took the name Uludağ in 1925. Today, Bursa, in addition to its natural beauties, is a world-class industrial and commercial center and is the fourth largest city in Turkey with its population. Bursa, which hosts unique artifacts from the Roman-Byzantine and Ottoman periods, along with world-famous products such as silk, towels, textiles and Iznik Tiles, is one of Turkey's leading cities in terms of cultural tourism.
 

Iskender Kebab was first discovered by Iskender Efendi, who lived in Bursa in 1867. In a departure from traditional meat cooking methods, he prepared lamb meat not horizontally, but by selecting the best quality parts and placing them on a vertical bar. This innovative approach ensured that the meat was cooked homogeneously with equal heat coming from the sides. Iskender Kebab should not be confused with döner kebab, as it has a unique taste due to the special selection of meat used. İskender Efendi's sons continue the family tradition and serve this unique taste in a small blue restaurant in Bursa. If you visit their place, you will see that there is a long queue in front of this small restaurant where you can taste the most delicious Iskender kebab.
 

Kemalpaşa dessert was first produced in dairy farms in Mustafakemalpaşa district. While the original name of this dessert was "Mustafakemalpaşa Cheese Dessert", its name changed to "Kemalpaşa Dessert" over time. This special dessert starts with making cheese from fresh milk. Then, flour, semolina and eggs are added to the cheese and turned into dough. The dough is then cut into small rounds and baked in the oven.
After cooking, the water and sugar mixture is boiled on the stove. The prepared sugar water mixture is poured over the cooked dough to moisten and soften the desserts. Thus, the characteristic texture and flavor of Kemalpaşa dessert emerges. This dessert is a special taste of Bursa cuisine, known and loved for its unique production process and the ingredients used.