Orhan Gazi Mosque

Interesting facts

1. 1

   It is the earliest known example of the 'inverted T' (zaviye-mosque) plan, which allowed the space to serve simultaneously as a house of prayer and a social center.

2. 2

   The mosque was built during the reign of Orhan Gazi, the second ruler of the Ottoman Empire, just thirteen years after his father Osman Gazi died.

3. 3

   It replaced an earlier wooden structure that was destroyed during the siege of Bursa.

4. 4

   The building reflects the period's architectural shift where the mosque's social function (hosting travelers) was as important as its religious purpose.

5. 5

   The massive dome above the main prayer hall was a significant engineering feat for the early 14th century.

Overview

The Orhan Gazi Mosque, completed in 1339, is the oldest mosque commissioned by an Ottoman Sultan, Orhan Gazi. It serves as a prime example of the 't-plan' or 'inverted t-plan' architectural style, characterized by a central courtyard and flanking domed chambers once used as dervish lodges. The structure was significantly damaged in the 1855 Bursa earthquake and underwent extensive restorations. Unlike many later Ottoman mosques, its facade remains relatively austere with a brick-and-stone masonry exterior. The interior features simple, refined stone workmanship that reflects the early transition from Seljuk to Ottoman architectural traditions. It sits within the historic commercial heart of Bursa, integrating closely with the city's traditional bazaars. The building functioned historically as a multi-purpose social complex, or külliye, which included a soup kitchen and a medrese.

Insider tips

• Combine your visit with a walk through the adjacent Koza Han to see the historic silk market.

• Remove your footwear at the entrance and carry them in provided plastic bags or place them in the provided shelves.

• Observe the exterior masonry closely to distinguish between original 14th-century brickwork and 19th-century restoration materials.