Ulucamii

ULUCAMII

Ulucami was the Great Mosque of Bursa which was built by Sultan Bayezit I between the years 1396-1400.

Ulucami was the first congregational mosque built by the Ottomans. Unlike many other mosques, this one does not have one big central dome. The area of the building is covered with 20 equally-sized domes which are carried by 12 pillars inside. Transitions from the legs to the domes are through pendentives.

Mihrab, the prayer niche, is a fine example of the Ottoman stone work and dates from 1571. The 15C minber, the pulpit is made of walnut with representations of heavenly bodies. It does not have a typical courtyard. The sadirvan is in the shape of a pool inside the mosque. Like many other buildings in Bursa, Ulucami also underwent many restorations due to earthquakes and fires. The features which give the mosque the quality of a calligraphy museum are the beautiful hand writings dating from the 19C.