The Muradiye Mosque Complex

The Muradiye Mosque Complex

The Muradiye Mosque complex is located in a beautiful neighborhood in Bursa and was constructed in 1426. The complex includes the Mosque of Sultan Murat II, which is the main structure, as well as the tombs of numerous early Ottoman princes and princesses, Muradiye Madrasa, Muradiye Bath, Muradiye Hospice, a fountain, epitaphs, and several other tombs.

The complex is also home to two old Ottoman houses, which have been converted into museums. Additionally, there is a historic Turkish bath within the complex.

The Muradiye Mosque Complex

The first project undertaken in the complex was the construction of the mosque, which was completed in 1426. The mosque features a simplified inverse T plan and has four large domes. The walls of the mosque are adorned with hexagonal tiles in shades of turquoise and dark blue.

The mosque also has two minarets, with the one on the right being older than the one on the left due to earthquake damage in the past. The mosque suffered fire damage early in its history, and when it was rebuilt, Rococo style was employed in 1904 to create intricate designs for both the interior and exterior of the religious building.

Several tombs can also be found within the complex, including the tomb of Sultan Murad II, Şehzade Ahmed, Cem Sultan, Şehzade Mahmud, Şehzade Osman, Şehzade Mustafa, Mahidevran Hatun, Şehzade Mehmed, Gülşah Hatun, Ebe Hatun, Hüma Hatun, Sittişah Hatun, the Saraylilar, and Şirin Hatun.

Overall, the Muradiye Mosque complex is a remarkable testament to the Ottoman architectural style and the history of Bursa, making it a must-visit for those interested in history and culture.The Muradiye Mosque complex in Bursa includes the Muradiye Mosque, Madrasa, Bath, Hospice, and several tombs of early Ottoman princes and princesses. The Mosque, built in 1426 by Murad II, follows a simplified inverse T plan and is adorned with hexagonal tiles in turquoise and dark blue. It has four major domes and a minaret on the right, which is older than the one on the left. After suffering damage from a fire, the mosque was reconstructed in Rococo style in 1904 with intricate designs both inside and out.

To the west of the mosque lies the Madrasa, built in brick and stone, featuring a central courtyard surrounded by student rooms and a classroom at the back, covered by a dome. The exterior entrance is adorned with brick. The madrasa has undergone several restorations, and thus does not have its own construction inscription. The mosque, on the other hand, has an elaborate inscription indicating its construction in 1426 by Murad II. Dark blue and turquoise tiles decorate the interior of the mosque.

The tomb of Murad II is situated in the complex and features a square plan topped with a dome left open at the top. The construction date is unclear, with some sources indicating it was built before his death in 1451 and others suggesting it was commissioned by his son Mehmed II in accordance with Murad II's will. The building is constructed using bricks and stone, with a vaulted gallery surrounding the dome resting on Byzantine capitals. The entrance is adorned with an impressive wooden canopy carved in relief and embellished in star patterns. An annex contains four additional tombs, while the remaining eleven tombs belong to the rest of the Sultan's family and are decorated in tiles. In the 1950s, the Madrasa was converted into a tuberculosis clinic and is currently a medical center.