Have you ever wondered where the best place is to take in Bursa in a single breath, to feel the city's soul with both its past and present? The answer is hidden on that magical hill where the heart of the city beats, where history and greenery meet: Tophane Park. This place is like a viewing terrace for Bursa; it will instantly charm you with the view laid out at your feet. If you want to collect unforgettable memories on your Bursa trip, our list of things to do in Tophane is just for you.

This place promises much more than just having a tea against the panoramic view of the city. Tophane is a living history book that witnessed the birth of an empire, hosts its founders, and tells a different story in every corner. Let's take a look together at what awaits you on this unique hill and discover Bursa through the eyes of Tophane.   

Visit the tombs of the Ottoman founders, Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi

The moment you step into Tophane Park, an atmosphere of spiritual peace greets you. Because this is not just a park, but also the eternal resting place of the two great figures who laid the foundations of a mighty empire. The tombs of the founder of the Ottoman Empire, Osman Gazi, and his son Orhan Gazi, who conquered Bursa and gifted the state its first capital, await visitors side by side in the most special corner of Tophane.   

It is rumored that upon Osman Gazi's will, he was buried at the site of the Byzantine chapel known as the Gümüşlü Kubbe (Silver Dome) after the conquest. It was his son, Orhan Gazi, who fulfilled this wish. However, history has not always been kind to these sacred places. The tombs, completely destroyed in the great Bursa earthquake of 1855, were rebuilt in their original style in 1863 by Sultan Abdülaziz. This reconstruction was not just a repair, but also a powerful symbol of the empire's commitment to its roots and founding will during a difficult period in the 19th century.   

The mother-of-pearl inlaid wooden sarcophagus inside the octagonal-planned Tomb of Osman Gazi takes visitors back to the elegance of that era , while the adjacent square-planned Tomb of Orhan Gazi impresses with its simplicity. As you wander through this spiritual atmosphere, you will feel as if you are witnessing the birth of an empire. These tombs offer a unique opportunity to witness the dawn of the Ottoman Empire. If you want to take a deeper journey into the city's rich past, we recommend you also check out our article on our site Places to Visit in Bursa. We should also mention that the visit is completely free and the tombs are generally open from 08:00-20:00 in the summer and 08:00-18:00 in the winter.   

Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the front of the historic clock tower

When you leave the spiritual presence of the Ottoman founders and take a few steps, this time you are greeted by a monument from the last period of the empire: the Tophane Clock Tower. Completed in 1905 in honor of the 29th anniversary of Sultan II. Abdülhamid's accession to the throne, this elegant tower has become the symbol of Tophane. The 6-story, 33-meter-high structure not only tells the time but also serves as a balcony offering the most beautiful view of Bursa.   

When you step onto the viewing terrace right in front of the tower, Bursa is laid out before you. On one side, the lush green Bursa Plain, on the other, the majestic Uludağ... Directly opposite is the historical heart of the city: the Khans' Region, the Covered Bazaar, and of course, the Grand Mosque, known as Bursa's Hagia Sophia. Looking at the city from this point is not just watching a beautiful view, but also like reading the layers of history. Due to its location, the tower was also used as a fire watchtower in the past, which proves its strategic importance.   

Stop here and think for a moment. On one side, the tombs symbolizing the birth of the empire, and on the other, a clock tower symbolizing modernization and centralism. Tophane is one of the rare places that offers you the chance to see the beginning and the final periods of Ottoman history in the same frame. Don't complete your Tophane visit without seeing this view, which is beautiful by day and even more so at night with its illumination.   

Watch the traditional cannon fire here during Ramadan

Perhaps one of the best times to truly feel the spirit of Tophane is during the month of Ramadan. This is because the hill hosts a very special tradition that has continued for centuries: the Ramadan cannon fire. In the past, before technology, the most effective way to announce the time of iftar to the whole city was to fire a cannon from this most dominant hill of the city.   

Today, this tradition is still alive, but with a small difference. To avoid environmental pollution and for practicality, a sound bomb is now detonated in a controlled manner by the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality fire brigade instead of a real cannon. This is a great example of how a tradition can be adapted to modern life without losing its essence. The tradition hasn't died, it has just changed its form.   

If you are in Tophane close to iftar time during Ramadan, you can witness the excitement of that moment. Although the historical cannons are now displayed as ornaments in the park , the powerful sound that explodes right on time, followed by the call to prayer rising from the minarets all over the city, creates a spiritual atmosphere that will give you goosebumps. This is one of the most authentic experiences you can have in Bursa.   

While You're Here...

After watching Bursa from Tophane, how about diving into the historical fabric that creates that view? Leaving the magic of Tophane behind, you can discover other treasures of Bursa with a pleasant walk down the hill.

Bursa Castle (Saltanat Kapısı): As you descend from Tophane, the ancient city walls and the magnificent Saltanat Kapısı (Sultanate Gate) will greet you. This is a living witness to history, where the conquest of Bursa took place.   

Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque): It's time to take a closer look at that massive 20-domed structure you saw from the viewpoint. The Grand Mosque, built by Yıldırım Bayezid as a sign of victory, will fascinate you with the most beautiful examples of calligraphy and its fountain inside.   

Koza Han and the Covered Bazaar: Right next to the Grand Mosque, Koza Han, one of the last stops on the Silk Road in history, awaits you. You can take a coffee break in its courtyard and browse the shops famous for their silk products. If you get bored after wandering around the historical bazaars, there are great suggestions waiting for you in our article A Nostalgic Day in Cumalıkızık Village.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is there an entrance fee for the tombs of Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi, and what are the visiting hours? No, visiting the tombs is completely free. The tombs are generally open to visitors from 08:00 to 20:00 during the summer and from 08:00 to 18:00 during the winter.   

2. Is it possible to climb the Tophane Clock Tower? Although there is a staircase with 89 steps inside the Tophane Clock Tower, the tower is generally closed to public visits and climbing as it is actively used by the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality for fire-watching purposes. However, you can fully enjoy the view from the viewing terrace right in front of it.   

3. How can I get to Tophane in Bursa by public transport? Tophane is located in the central Osmangazi district of Bursa, so it is very easy to reach. You can take municipal buses from many parts of the city (e.g., lines 20A, 24B, 6FD, 9D) or minibuses to nearby stops like Timurtaş Paşa and reach Tophane Park with a short walk. Walking from Kent Meydanı or Heykel is also a pleasant option.   

Source: Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism. (2025). Clock Tower - Bursa. Retrieved from: https://www.kulturportali.gov.tr/turkiye/bursa/gezilecekyer/saat-kulesi977258