Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami)

The Green Mosque is a part of a larger complex that also includes a school (madrassah), a kitchen, a bath (hammam), and the Green Tomb. The distinct architecture of the mosque—made of sandstone and marble, with two minarets—bridges the Seljuk style and the Ottoman style that would become dominant in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Many full-day private and small-group tours visit the Green Mosque and other Bursa highlights from Istanbul. Typically round-trip transportation is included.

• The Green Mosque is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.

• The mosque is an active prayer space, so women need to cover their heads, and all visitors must cover their shoulders and knees to enter.

• Wear shoes that are easy to slip on and off, as you must remove your shoes to enter the mosque.

The Green Mosque is located in the Yesil neighborhood of Bursa, not far from other mosques and museums in the city center. If not visiting with a tour, you can get to Bursa from Istanbul via ferry or bus.

The Green Mosque is open to the public seven days a week. It is closed to non-Muslims during prayer times, which are usually listed in front of the mosque and can also be found online. Fridays and religious holidays see longer prayer times and fewer hours open to non-Muslims.

The Green Mosque is named after the green and turquoise tiles that decorate its interior, as well as those that cover the exterior of the Green Tomb. The influence of the mosque extends to the name of the neighborhood, which is called Yesil and means green in Turkish. Bursa’s main soccer team also draws inspiration from the city’s famous mosque: Their official color is—you guessed it—green.