Day 3 – 4 : Bursa, the City of Green

As soon as I got up and could already see a couple of people exercise in the park, I had a quick wash up and was prepared to go. Following my guidebook, I first came to the hill on which the citadel was built and remains of the Sultans kept and treasured. Along the way uphill I also saw students walking to school and I stood outside the school to observe their flag raising and singing of the national anthem.

After I came to Turkey I found the Turkish people have a very strong alignment of their personal identity with that of the nation, which manifest itself every time when one tells me  why they think it is not important to acquire English as a second language. Turkey, in spite of its vicinity to both the European and Asian countries, its people have not really reached out far to experience the differences in these cultures. This is I believe largely due to the felt (to the foreigners) anachronism in the people, making them believe Turkey is still strong with solitude from the independent war they had won in the 1920s. The pride in them and the antagonism against the foreign invaders have made their way till the 21st century but fortunately, the effect is ebbing. I had also seen students from the Anatolia school (high school of special program for the more academically inclined students) who can converse in English perfectly.

The citadel is the oldest part of Bursa and also provided a strategic defense site in the past. It has been transformed into a little town inside and you can see market selling fruits and vegetables on the way.

A perfect view from the top of the hill where you can enjoy a cup of çay and spend the entire morning idling away (if you have time to spare). You can also see the stadium from here. The tombs of the Ottoman Kings are just nearby and are open for a certain time in the day only. The photo depicts the tomb of Osman Gazi and his wife and children.

Osman Gazi is the founder of Ottoman Empire which took over the then debilitated Byzantine Empire in terms of power and conquered lands and lasted as a super power for six centuries.

Day 2 : Istanbul to Bursa, by ferry

Upon waking up contained in the soft sun ray in Daril’s bed, which he kindly gave up and went to sleep with his flatmates instead, I felt so rejuvenated. It’s time for me to go, so I quietly packed my backpack and headed for the doorway. Waved good bye I set out again, in the direction of Yenikapı ferry terminal. It was a great morning as I walked the streets that was to me of certain familiarity from yesterday’s travel, and interacted with the locals by asking for directions and inquiring prices of some goods on sale. The ferry terminal was in the vicinity of Süleymanıye mosque and Istanbul University and I stopped by to admire the University which I believe in every part of the world portrays the culture of the country as a whole. Unfortunately I cannot enter as the entry applies only to students with valid pass probably due to security reasons.

The magnificent main entrance of University of Istanbul

The ferry is a popular means of long distance travel as compared to bus, though the bus can go onto the ferry itself. On the ferry there are limited entertainment but TV programs shown on large screen LCD or hanging outside the cabin to enjoy the sea breeze. A few kids came to me and tried to talk to me in Turkish and the least I can reply were “How are you” and “What is your name”. But still the enthusiasm of the kids upon seeing some Asian faces made their interest linger on me and we all smiled at one other without talking. When the ferry arrived at the terminal at Güzelyalı, the lovely children along with their families sent me the last but best regards.

From the terminal you have to take public bus that costs 6TL to the city centre (şehir merkezi). The scene outside the ferry terminal can be confusing at first but just head for the kiosk selling the ticket will be fine. Request for the purchase of the ticket then inquire which bus to take. There are always enough kind souls around to show you the way, which was true on my account I must say.

The ride lasted about 20 minutes and my destination were the Ulu Camii and the PTT (Turkish post office) opposite it. The sky was already getting dark and I tried to call my host but to no avail. There are internet cafes around or you can just try the cafe beside Ulu Camii as they provide WIFI to facilitate you searching for new hosts online. But in the end I chose to just roam around first because the reply can never be so immediate and spontaneous.

Bursa is a large city and was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Hence you will be able to find the tombs of the great kings, namely Osman and Orhan and also the buildings that remained from the past eras. I decided to save these exciting encounters till the next morning when I could have a clear and vast view of the city from the citadel on top of a hill. In the end I had my night in a small building in a large park called the Merinos Kütür Parkı.