Orhangazi Türbesi

Orhan Gazi (1281–1362), the second Ottoman sultan, expanded the state founded by his father Osman Gazi. During his reign, Bursa, İznik and its surroundings were incorporated into Ottoman territory, the state’s administrative structure was established, and the first Ottoman coins were minted. Orhan Gazi not only strengthened the foundations of the Ottoman state through his military campaigns but also by founding cities and reinforcing state institutions.

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Today, the Orhan Gazi Türbesi in Bursa stands as an important monument that recalls Ottoman history and connects us with the past. The tomb is located in Tophane Park in the Tophane neighborhood, directly opposite the tomb of his father, Osman Gazi.

The Orhan Gazi Türbesi was built on the remains of a structure that had been used as the Saint Elie Monastery during the Byzantine period. Even today, mosaics from that era can still be seen on the tomb’s floor. The original tomb was completely destroyed in the 1855 earthquake that struck Bursa; the current structure was commissioned by Sultan Abdülaziz in 1863.

Following Orhan Gazi’s will, he was buried immediately beside his father. Thus, the first two Ottoman sultans lie side by side.

The Orhan Gazi Türbesi has a square plan and is constructed with thick stone walls. It is covered by a high dome and illuminated by eleven windows. The interior is simple yet striking. At its center lies the coffin of Orhan Gazi, surrounded by brass railings. The coffin is covered with velvet fabric, upon which inscriptions in silver thread have been embroidered.

The tomb’s decorations feature Baroque-style motifs, calligraphic designs on the dome’s interior, and large ornamental patterns above the windows. The simplicity of the interior space is completed by curtains made of Hereke fabric.

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Beside Orhan Gazi’s coffin lie the graves of many members of the Ottoman dynasty. The tomb contains a total of 20 coffins, including those of:

Nilüfer Hatun (wife of Orhan Gazi)

Kasım Çelebi (son of Orhan Gazi)

Fatma Sultan (daughter of Orhan Gazi)

Emir Süleyman (son of Yıldırım Bayezid)

Musa Çelebi (son of Yıldırım Bayezid)

Şehzade Korkut (son of Bayezid II)

Abdullah, son of Cem Sultan

In this way, the tomb serves as an important site that brings together members of the Ottoman dynasty from different historical periods.