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7 places to visit in the Büyükorhan district of Bursa: Aliova Stream, Düğüncüler Village and Büyükorhan Castle. Plan your trip to Büyükorhan with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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The high altitude brings a cool mountain climate, and the district has a rugged, mountainous terrain. The economy of the district is based on agriculture and livestock farming.

History

In the Byzantine period, the area was part of the lands of the Tekfur of Atranos (today’s Orhaneli). It came under Ottoman rule in 1321 under Orhan Gazi, and took the name Orhan-ı Kebir after the Conqueror Orhan Bey. In 1943, the Büyükorhan sub-district was established in Orhaneli district, with its centre at Yenice village; it became a municipality in 1967 and a district in 1987.

Economy

The arable land has low water-retention capacity and groundwater is limited, so both dry and irrigated farming are practised in the district. The most important crop is wheat, and strawberries are also grown; barley is grown at higher altitudes. Excluding the centre, the district consists of 1 town, 40 villages and 44 neighbourhoods.

History and Culture

The Büyükorhan region came under Ottoman rule in 1321 under Orhan Gazi. The settlement, made up of three obas, was given the name Orhan-ı Kebir.

Highlights

Every year in the second week of June, the Görecik Plateau Yörük and Türkmen Festivals are organised by Büyükorhan Municipality. Research into the origins of Büyükorhan and the surrounding settlements shows that the local people came from the Kayı tribe, which belongs to the Oghuz tribal confederation.

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Places to Visit in Büyükorhan

  • 2 Historic
  • 1 Religious
  • 4 Nature
Nature

Aliova Stream

A stream flowing through the south of the district. It is an important water source for irrigated farmland.

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Nature

Düğüncüler Village

A village 20 km from the district centre. Rafting and trekking take place here because of its hot springs.

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Historic

Büyükorhan Castle

Castle ruins thought to date from the Byzantine period, on the hill south-west of the district centre. Part of the walls still stands and forms a landscape integrated with the surrounding forest.

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Nature

Çınarcık Plateau

A plateau at an altitude of about 1,200 metres above sea level. It is preferred in the summer months for its cool climate and pine forests. It has areas suitable for camping and walking.

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Religious

Büyükorhan Bazaar Mosque

A mosque built in the Ottoman period, the oldest place of worship in the district centre. Its timber ceiling craftsmanship and stone masonry reflect traditional Ottoman provincial architecture.

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Nature

Kocasu Canyon

A canyon carved by the Kocasu Stream over thousands of years. Its steep cliffs and clear water attract nature photographers. Walking trails run along the canyon.

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Historic

Historic Houses of Harmanlık Village

Stone and timber houses from the Ottoman period, rare examples that preserve traditional rural architecture. Some of the houses have been restored and opened to visitors.

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Places to Visit Around Bursa Province

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While you are in Büyükorhan, you can also see the highlights of Bursa province. These places are in other districts; Büyükorhan is about 95 km from the provincial centre.

  • Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) — A 20-domed mosque built between 1396 and 1400 by Bayezid I after his victory at Nicopolis; it is the most monumental example of the multi-pillared mosque plan and has the widest inner congregation hall of any mosque in Türkiye.
  • Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami) — A mosque with zaviye rooms (a mosque-cum-lodge) commissioned by Sultan Mehmed I Çelebi, designed by Hacı İvaz Paşa and completed in December 1419; it holds the finest examples of 15th-century Ottoman tilework.
  • Green Tomb (Yeşil Türbe) — A tomb that Sultan Mehmed I Çelebi had built during his lifetime in 1421, its exterior covered in turquoise tiles; the tiled mihrab inside is among the masterpieces of İznik tilemaking.
  • Muradiye Complex — A complex of mosque, madrasa, hammam and imaret (soup kitchen) built by Murad II in 1425–1426; with the 12 tombs added later, it is the burial place of more members of the dynasty than anywhere except Istanbul.
  • Koza Han — A caravanserai in the Khans District, between the Grand Mosque and the Orhan Mosque, commissioned by Bayezid II at the end of the 15th century from the architect Abdül Ula bin Pulat Şah; it takes its name from the silk cocoon trade and still carries on that function today.
  • Cumalıkızık — A village 11 km from Bursa on the northern foothills of Uludağ, founded in the 1300s as a waqf (endowment) village and preserving early Ottoman rural architecture; it became a UNESCO World Heritage site together with Bursa in 2014. It is famous for its stone and timber houses, narrow streets and village breakfast.

Practical Information for Visiting Büyükorhan

Suggested time
1 day
Best time to visit
Spring and summer
Places to visit
7 places

What to Eat in Büyükorhan

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  • Keşkek (wheat and lamb porridge)

    Keşkek, prepared by boiling cracked wheat and lamb for hours and then pounding them, is an indispensable dish at weddings and festive meals in Büyükorhan.

  • Mantı (dumplings)

    Local mantı is prepared by placing minced meat inside small pieces of dough and is served with a garlic yoghurt sauce. Büyükorhan mantı is known for its thin dough and generous filling.

  • Bazlama (griddle flatbread)

    Bazlama, baked on a griddle, is the staple bread of village breakfasts. It is eaten with fresh butter and honey.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Büyükorhan

  • Yörük Culture

    Büyükorhan has historically been home to Yörük communities. The nomadic livestock tradition, regional costumes and hand-woven kilims bear the traces of this culture.

  • Traditional Handicrafts

    Kilims and socks woven by women in the area stand out for their geometric patterns and natural dyes. These handicrafts are passed down from generation to generation.

Local Products

  • Chestnuts — Chestnuts that grow naturally in Büyükorhan's forests are gathered in the autumn months and sold fresh or dried. They are an important source of income in the district's economy.
  • Forest Honey — Honey obtained from pine and chestnut forests is known for its dark colour and intense aroma. It is produced by local people using traditional beekeeping methods.

Economy

The economy of Büyükorhan is based mainly on agriculture and livestock farming. Chestnuts, walnuts and forest products are the district's main sources of income. Small-livestock farming is widespread, and milk and dairy products are produced. Coal mining also takes place in the district.

How to Get to Büyükorhan

Büyükorhan is 95 km from Bursa city centre. Transport is by road; regular minibus services run from Bursa intercity bus terminal. The nearest airport is Bursa Yenişehir Airport (about 120 km).

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Büyükorhan: Frequently Asked Questions

What are the places to see in Büyükorhan?

The 7 highlights of Büyükorhan are Aliova Stream, Düğüncüler Village, Büyükorhan Castle, Çınarcık Plateau, Büyükorhan Bazaar Mosque, Kocasu Canyon and the Historic Houses of Harmanlık Village.

What should I eat in Büyükorhan?

Keşkek, Mantı and Bazlama are the standout flavours on the tables of Büyükorhan.

What is Büyükorhan famous for?

Büyükorhan is known for chestnuts and Yörük Culture. Chestnuts that grow naturally in Büyükorhan's forests are gathered in the autumn months and sold fresh or dried. They are an important source of income in the district's economy.

How do I get to Büyükorhan?

Büyükorhan is 95 km from Bursa city centre. Transport is by road; regular minibus services run from Bursa intercity bus terminal. The nearest airport is Bursa Yenişehir Airport (about 120 km).

How long should I set aside for a trip to Büyükorhan?

Suggested visit length: 1 day. Best time to visit: spring and summer.

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