The Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe) in Bursa is the mausoleum of Sultan Mehmed I, the fifth Ottoman sultan, completed in 1421. Its outer walls are covered in blue-green Iznik tiles, which give the tomb its name, and the interior holds more tilework, calligraphy and painted walls. It stands in a garden beside the Green Mosque, so the two sites make a short visit together. Take time for the tilework inside, and look at the wooden door, which was made without nails.
Who is buried here
The tomb holds the remains of Mehmed I, the fifth Ottoman sultan, who reunited the empire after a civil war.
Nine sarcophagi lie inside. Besides Mehmed I, they hold members of his family, including his daughters, sons and a wet nurse, so the building is a family burial place as well as a monument to the sultan.
The tiles outside and inside
The exterior is covered in blue, green and turquoise Iznik tiles. The color is often linked to peace and heaven, and the tiles are what gave the tomb its name.
Inside, the tomb has an octagonal plan and tiled walls, with ornately painted surfaces. Calligraphy and geometric patterns run through the decoration, which shows the blend of Persian and early Ottoman styles. The wooden door was made without nails.
Visiting the complex
The tomb sits in a garden just opposite the Green Mosque, which is still used for worship. Visitors can pray near the mosque and take photographs of the outside of the tomb.
Beside the tomb, the medrese now houses an ethnographic museum. The complex is about a ten-minute walk from the Grand Bazaar, and the entrance and parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
Perguntas frequentes
What should I wear to the Green Tomb?
Dress modestly, as this is a holy place. Women should carry something to cover their head to wear when entering the mosque and tomb.
How long do you need at the Green Tomb?
About 45 minutes covers the mosque, the tomb and the nearby streets.
Is the Green Tomb wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The entrance and the parking lot are wheelchair accessible.
Do I need Turkish lira at the Green Tomb?
Yes, the restroom charges a fee that is paid in lira.
When is the best time to visit?
Winter is a good time, as fewer visitors are in the city center and the place looks especially beautiful after snowfall.
