Green Tomb (Yesil Türbe)

Continuing the visual theme from its exterior, the inside of the tomb is bedecked with colorful blue and green Iznik tiles with floral patterns. Carved walnut wood doors add to the ornate decorations. The royal tombs, including those of Sultan Mehmed I Celebi’s sons, sit in the center of the structure.

Many private and small-group tours of Bursa visit the Green Tomb and Green Mosque complex from Istanbul as a day trip.

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

• If you’re planning to visit the Green Mosque as well as the tomb, make sure to wear shoes that are easy to remove and to have a head covering.

• The Green Mosque is closed during prayer times, but the Green Tomb is still open.

The Green Tomb is part of the Green Mosque complex, located in the Yesil neighborhood of Bursa, not far from other mosques and museums in the city center. From Istanbul, take a ferry or longer bus ride to Bursa—or skip the hassle and book a tour that includes round-trip transportation.

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

The Green Tomb’s distinctive style comes from its use of Iznik tiles, produced in the Iznik region of Turkey. From the 15th through the 17th centuries, Iznik was celebrated for its pottery and ceramics, and the region became famous for its high-quality patterned tiles, usually in the colors of red, blue, and green.