While Turkey remains a beloved holiday destination for Brits, famed for its sun-drenched beaches and the iconic metropolis of Istanbul, a compelling alternative is capturing the attention of savvy travellers. TikTok influencer Luke Patrick is championing the city of Bursa, declaring it a "highly underrated" destination unfairly overshadowed by its more famous neighbour.
An Ottoman Capital Awaiting Discovery
Luke Patrick, who boasts over 22,000 followers on TikTok by highlighting lesser-known spots across Eastern Europe and beyond, recently showcased Bursa in a detailed video guide. Located in north-west Turkey, just south of Istanbul across the Sea of Marmara, Bursa is one of the country's largest cities and served as an early capital of the vast Ottoman Empire.
"I am in Bursa, one of the largest cities in Türkiye, and one of the former capitals of the Ottoman Empire," Luke begins in his video. "Here's how to spend a day in this wonderful city." The Ottoman Empire, which spanned over six centuries from the 14th century until 1922, once dominated regions across South East Europe, West Asia, and North Africa, with its heart rooted in modern-day Turkey.
Unmissable Sights and Culinary Delights
"Bursa is one highly underrated city," Luke asserts. "It's unfairly a bit overshadowed by Istanbul, but I'm here to change that." His itinerary starts with Tophane Park, the burial site of old Ottoman Sultans, which offers panoramic views over the city.
However, it is the local cuisine that truly earns his highest praise. "Bursa is in my opinion the best food city in Türkiye," he states emphatically. He specifically recommends trying iskender—a rich dish of sliced lamb or chicken with hot tomato sauce over pita bread, lavished with sheep's milk butter and yoghurt—paired with tahini bread and simit, a ring-shaped bread akin to a bagel.
"You eat it by dipping the simit in the tahini. This is usually my go-to breakfast," Luke explains, highlighting a simple yet delicious local tradition.
Historic Markets and Authentic Experiences
Luke also directs visitors to Koza Han, a historic caravanserai that once served as a rest stop for merchants and travellers. "Here you can get the best Turkish coffee," he notes, pointing to an authentic cultural experience.
His final must-see is the Grand Bazaar, where he assures that "they sell everything, and it's all much cheaper than at the one in Istanbul." This bustling market offers a more affordable and arguably more authentic shopping experience compared to its Istanbul counterpart.
Adding to the city's appeal, a commenter on his video mentioned Bursa's renowned skiing resort and the oldest Ottoman village, Cumalıkızık, suggesting further historical and recreational depth for visitors.
Practical Travel Advice for Reaching Bursa
For those inspired to visit, reaching Bursa requires a bit of planning. The closest airport, Bursa Yenişehir Airport, lies approximately 30 miles east of the city, but no airlines currently operate direct flights from the UK.
The most straightforward route involves flying to one of Istanbul's two major airports—Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Direct flights to both are available from numerous UK airports, with a flight duration of around four hours. From Istanbul, travellers can hire a car or take a bus to Bursa, a journey that typically takes about two hours.
This combination of rich history, vibrant markets, stunning vistas, and exceptional cuisine positions Bursa as a compelling alternative for travellers seeking an authentic Turkish experience beyond the well-trodden paths of Istanbul.
