Churches Open to Visitors in the Ottoman City of Bursa

When we say Bursa, we usually think of mosques, inns or shrines. However, there is more to this city, which was once the capital of the Ottoman Empire, than we know; Bursa churches...

Although there are many church ruins dating back to prehistory and later, there are very few churches that are open to worship or serve as cultural centers today. For this reason, today we will talk about structures that will benefit you and that you can only visit at certain times.

1. Bursa Protestant Church (Osmangazi)

Built by French merchants in the late 19th century, Bursa Protestant Church is located in Osmangazi, the fourth most populous district of Turkey. It is also known as the French Church or Santa Maria Church. It has a different structure from other churches. It is known that there were orphanages, patient care facilities and dispensary areas in the building when it was built. The building was not used much after 1960 and over time it fell without a congregation. The restorations that began as a result of heavy damage over the years were completed in 2004 and the church was opened for worship. This structure, which was condemned to solitude for a long time, is currently known as the only church that continues its service in Bursa. In fact, it provides a peaceful environment by bringing together the three main sects of Christianity: Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant. Bursa French Church visiting hours are between 13:00-18:00 on Thursdays and Saturdays. Worship time is 12:30-14:00 on Sundays. You will need to show your HES code before going. If you do not carry any risk in this regard, do not forget that you have the right to watch the worship.

2. St. Panteleimon Church (Gölyazı)

Our next stop is Gölyazı St. Panteleimon Church, one of the most important examples of Anatolian Greek Orthodox churches. It is located in the Gölyazı village of Nilüfer district. It was built in the early 20th century and is known as one of the newest churches in the region. The church continued its function as a place of worship until the population exchange period, but was later used for various purposes. Although it tried to defy time, it unfortunately succumbed. With the helping hand extended by Nilüfer Municipality, it came to its senses in 2014 and started to serve as a cultural center. Today, it has become a structure where art and photography exhibitions, symposiums and concerts are organized. For those who say, “Everything is fine and dandy, but if you had also given the hours, it would have been perfect.”, you can visit during the weekdays between 09:00-17:00 and on weekends between 09:00-18:00.

3. St. Basil’s Church (Tirilye)

Also known as Ayios Yeoryios Church, it is located in Tirilye. It is known that the structure, which was previously used for meetings, gained the function of a church in the 19th century. After the departure of the Greeks, it served as a dining hall for the students of Taş Mektep, and later was used as a cinema and wedding hall by the Tirilye locals. This structure, which bears the traces of history, was named “Faruk Çelik Cultural Center” after the restorations carried out in 2008-2009. After 2014, it was changed and named as "Trilye Cultural Center". This valuable cultural center located in Tirilye, which is affiliated to Mudanya district, is open to visitors between Tuesday and Sunday from 09:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 18:00. It is closed on Mondays.

Written by: Berfin Aktaş