Tour of Marmara's Historic Capitals

Tour of Marmara's Historic Capitals is a special cultural tour experience prepared for those who wish to discover the cities that witnessed the history of the Ottoman Empire from its foundation to its transformation into an empire. Bursa, Edirne and Istanbul are among Turkey's most important historical routes, with their architectural works, complexes, mosques, palaces, bazaars and cultural heritage illuminating different periods of Ottoman history.

With itctur.com Marmara's Historic Capitals Tours, you can embark on a comprehensive journey of discovery extending from Bursa, the first great capital of the Ottoman Empire, to Edirne's historic texture and Istanbul's unique cultural heritage. Depending on the tour program, you may have the opportunity to discover important historical and cultural destinations in the Marmara Region, such as Iznik, Bursa, Çanakkale, Edirne and Istanbul, all together.

A Historic Journey in the Footsteps of the Ottoman Capitals

Bursa, Edirne and Istanbul, which were important political and cultural centers of Ottoman history, stood out as the administrative centers of the state in different periods. While Bursa held an important place on the stage of history as the first great capital of the Ottoman Empire, Edirne became one of the important administrative centers of the period opening toward the Balkans; following the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, the capital was moved to Istanbul.

Today, these three cities offer visitors a rich cultural route with their mosques, complexes, tombs, palaces, inns, bazaars and other historic structures remaining from the Ottoman period.

Bursa – The First Great Capital of the Ottoman Empire

Bursa, which holds an important place among Marmara's historic capitals, is considered the first great capital of the Ottoman Empire. The city, which came under Ottoman rule in 1326, became the capital during the reign of Orhan Gazi and played an important role in the development of the Ottoman state organization.

Depending on the content of the program, the Grand Mosque, the Green Complex, the Tombs of Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi, Tophane, historic bazaars and other important structures that have survived from the Ottoman period to the present day may be visited on Bursa tours.

While exploring Bursa's historic texture, you may also have the opportunity to experience the city's distinctive gastronomy and natural beauty.

Edirne – The Ottoman Empire's Gateway to Europe

Edirne holds an important place in our history as the second capital of the Ottoman Empire after Bursa. According to the Cultural Portal, the city became the second capital after Bursa in 1365 and developed as one of the Ottoman administrative centers for approximately a century.

Selimiye Mosque, Edirne's landmark structure, is one of the most important works reflecting the city's significance in Ottoman architecture. Depending on the tour program, important sites such as Selimiye Mosque and Complex, the Old Mosque, the Üç Şerefeli Mosque, historic bazaars, the Meriç River and Karaağaç may be visited.

As you walk through Edirne's historic streets, you can closely discover the urban culture, architecture and social life of the Ottoman period.

Istanbul – The Empire's Long-Standing Capital

Istanbul became the capital of the Ottoman Empire after being conquered by Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453 and became one of the empire's political, cultural and economic centers. Istanbul also possesses a unique historical heritage, having served as the capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires.

Depending on the content of the program, Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Sultanahmet Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, the historic peninsula and various historic structures that have survived from the Ottoman period to the present day can be explored on Istanbul tours.

Discover Marmara's Historical and Cultural Riches

The Marmara Region is an important geography bearing traces not only of Ottoman history but also of Rome, Byzantium and various civilizations. For this reason, cultural tours prepared around Marmara's historic capitals offer not only city sightseeing but also the opportunity to discover different periods together.

Destinations such as Bursa, Edirne, Istanbul, Iznik and Çanakkale offer distinct experiences in terms of history, architecture, culture and gastronomy.

Marmara's Historic Capitals Tours prepared by itctur.com may be organized as day trips or tours with accommodation, depending on the tour program. The duration of the program, destinations to be visited, accommodation and services included in the tour may vary according to the selected tour program.

Marmara Historical Tours Departing from Istanbul

Different cultural tours departing from Istanbul are offered for guests who wish to set out from Istanbul and discover the historic cities of the Marmara Region.

Especially with weekend and accommodation program options, you can discover the historic destinations in Bursa, Edirne, Iznik, Çanakkale and their surroundings and have the opportunity to see the important centers of Ottoman history in person.

You can review the current Tour of Marmara's Historic Capitals programs on itctur.com, view the tour dates, accommodation options and program details, and plan the trip that suits you.

What Can You Discover on Marmara's Historic Capitals Tours?

• Bursa's historical heritage extending from the Ottoman period to the present day
• Edirne's Ottoman architecture and historic urban texture
• Istanbul's historic peninsula and imperial heritage
• Traces of Iznik from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods
• Çanakkale's historical and cultural sites
• Historic mosques, complexes, tombs and bazaars
• The local flavors of the Marmara Region
• The cultural and architectural characteristics of different cities

Tour of Marmara's Historic Capitals offers a comprehensive travel experience for those who wish to get to know the important cities of the past up close, see the traces of Ottoman history in person and discover the cultural riches of the Marmara Region.

Set out on a new journey of discovery in the footsteps of history with itctur.com.