Muradiye Complex: Garden of Princes, 12 Dynastic Tombs and Visit Guide

Historical and Spiritual Importance of Muradiye Social Complex

Muradiye Complex, the last dynasty complex built in Bursa before moving to Edirne, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, was built by the 6th Ottoman sultan, Sultan II, in 1425-1426. It was built by Murad. Complex; It consists of a mosque, madrasah, soup kitchen, bathhouse and 12 dynasty tombs that were built around it over time.

Muradiye hosts the most touching stories of the Ottoman dynasty. Fatih Sultan Mehmed's father, Mehmed II. Princes, sultan's wives and members of the dynasty, who went down in history with throne fights and tragic endings, especially Murad, lie side by side in this rose garden shaded by centuries-old plane and cypress trees. The famous French writer André Gide was amazed by the tranquility of the complex and described it as 'The most noble garden of death and peace'

Important Tombs and Artifacts in the Complex

1. Sultan II. Murad Tomb

Sultan II, the founder of the complex. Murad's tomb is the most impressive monument to Islamic humility in the history of architecture. According to the sultan's will, the tomb was not covered with any dome or roof, it was left open for rain, and a simple tomb was built on the ground. The wood carving on the ceiling eaves of the tomb is a masterpiece of early Ottoman art.

2. Tomb of Prince Mustafa and Mahidevran Sultan

The tomb of the unfortunate crown prince Prince Mustafa, who was strangled in 1553 when he was the eldest son of Suleiman the Magnificent and the most powerful heir to the throne, is the most visited point of the complex. The tomb was built by his brother II. It was built by Selim in 1573. Its walls are decorated with the rarest dark blue, turquoise and coral red Iznik tiles of the 16th century. Next to Prince Mustafa lie his mother Mahidevran Sultan and his son Mehmed, who died at an early age.

3. Cem Sultan Tomb (Prince Mustafa-i Atik Tomb)

He was the son of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror and his elder brother II. It is the tomb of Prince Cem, who died abroad after the struggle for the throne with Bayezid. It is the richest structure of the complex in terms of interior decorations. Its walls are covered with turquoise and dark blue tile panels, and the original gold-leafed floral motifs on its dome are dazzling.

4. Muradiye Madrasa (Quran and Manuscripts Museum)

The classical Ottoman madrasah with an open courtyard and portico, located in the west of the social complex, currently serves as the Quran and Manuscripts Museum by the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality. Centuries-old calligraphy plates, manuscript mushafs and illumination samples are exhibited inside.

Where and How to Get to Muradiye Social Complex?

The Social Complex is located within the borders of the historical Muradiye District of Osmangazi district.

• By Public Transportation: You can take buses 9/M, 1/A, 19/C and B/38 from Heykel or Çakırhamam towards Çekirge and get off at Muradiye stop (approximately 7 minutes).
• By walking: A 15-minute walk west from Tophane Park, among the historical mansions along Kaplıca Street, is a pleasant sightseeing route.
• Parking: There is a car parking area open to visitors right next to the complex.

Special Recommendations of Our Bursa Editor

• Examine the Tomb Tiles: Take a close-up photo of the color harmony of the original underglaze Iznik tiles in the tombs of Prince Mustafa and Cem Sultan.
• Spiritual Atmosphere: Sitting on the benches in the garden and listening to the whisper of the cypress trees in the wind, contemplate the prince stories of Ottoman history.
• Uluumay Ottoman Folk Costumes Museum: Be sure to visit the rich collection of folk costumes and jewelry in the Poet Ahmet Pasha Madrasa, located right across the complex.