Bursa and Söğüt Day Trip: Visiting Osman Gazi, Orhan Gazi & Ertuğrul Gazi Tombs
A pilgrimage back to the 13th-century roots of the Ottoman Sultanate. Everything you need to know about visiting Söğüt and the green city of Bursa from Istanbul.
history_edu Why This Route Resonates So Deeply
Long before Istanbul was conquered in 1453, the foundation of the 600-year Ottoman Empire was forged in the fertile hills of Söğüt by Ertuğrul Gazi and his brave warriors, and in Bursa, the empire's magnificent first imperial capital. For millions of viewers worldwide who fell in love with Diriliş: Ertuğrul and Kuruluş: Osman, walking these actual sacred courtyards bridges cinematic drama with authentic Islamic history.
1. The Route: Istanbul to Söğüt via Osmangazi Bridge
The drive from Istanbul to Söğüt takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours depending on traffic. With our chauffeured Mercedes VIP Vito, we depart your Istanbul hotel early at 07:00 AM.
Your van crosses the engineering marvel of the Osmangazi Bridge spanning the Gulf of İzmit, drastically shortening travel time and offering sweeping sunrise views of the Sea of Marmara. Onboard Wi-Fi and plush reclining leather captain chairs ensure your family travels rested.
2. Söğüt: Resting Place of Ertuğrul Gazi, Halime Hatun & Kayı Alps
Upon arriving in the quiet town of Söğüt (Bilecik province), you step into the sacred türbe compound of Ertuğrul Gazi (d. ~1280 CE).
The Alp Changing of the Guard Ceremony
Standing guard outside Ertuğrul Gazi’s tomb are soldiers dressed in authentic historical Alp warrior uniforms, complete with leather armor, wolf-fur hats (börk), and traditional battle axes. The changing of the guard ceremony takes place every hour, featuring disciplined military precision and traditional martial salutes.
Surrounding Ertuğrul Gazi's shrine lie the graves of his beloved wife Halime Hatun, his legendary companion Turgut Alp, his brother Dündar Bey, and his sons Saru Batu Savcı Bey and Gündüz Bey. You will also visit Kuyulu Mescit (the Well Mosque), the first prayer sanctuary constructed by Ertuğrul Gazi upon settling in Söğüt.
3. Bursa: Tophane Shrines of Osman Gazi & Orhan Gazi
A 1-hour scenic drive from Söğüt brings you to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman state (conquered in 1326). We ascend directly to the historic Tophane Park atop the citadel plateau.
Here, side by side, lie the foundational sultans:
- military_tech Osman Gazi Türbesi: Osman I, the son of Ertuğrul who officially established the dynasty. His tomb stands on the remains of the Byzantine chapel of Saint Elias.
- military_tech Orhan Gazi Türbesi: The second Ottoman ruler who completed the capture of Bursa, established the first Ottoman mint, and built the imperial infrastructure.
From the terrace by the historic clock tower, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of modern Bursa sprawling at the foot of snow-capped Mount Uludağ.
4. Bursa Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) & Silk Bazaar
Constructed between 1396 and 1399 by Sultan Bayezid I (Yıldırım Bayezid), the Grand Mosque of Bursa (Ulu Cami) is renowned as one of Islam's five most spiritually significant mosques. It features 20 massive domes supported by 12 pillars and an extraordinary indoor fountain (şadırvan) situated directly underneath an open central skylight dome.
The mosque is also an open-air museum of world-class Islamic calligraphy, boasting 192 monumental wall inscriptions crafted by the greatest Ottoman calligraphers of the era.
Steps away from Ulu Cami is the 15th-century Koza Han, historic terminus of the ancient Silk Road. Here you can browse Turkish silk scarves, pray in the central stone octagonal mescit, and sip Turkish coffee under ancient plane trees.
Authentic Bursa İskender Kebab
No trip to Bursa is complete without tasting original İskender Kebab - thinly sliced grilled lamb döner layered over warm pita bread, drenched in rich tomato butter sauce, and served with tangy sheep's milk yogurt and sizzling browned melted butter poured tableside. Our guides escort you to century-old heritage eateries rather than commercial tourist traps.
Bursa & Söğüt Private Day Excursion
Includes round-trip private VIP van, bridge tolls, licensed Urdu/English guide, and hotel door-to-door pickup.