Cumalıkızık is located in the Marmara Region of Türkiye, within the borders of the Yıldırım district of the Bursa province. Situated on the northern foothills of Uludağ, this village, where the natural texture has been preserved, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014 thanks to its architectural and cultural heritage. Cumalıkızık is not only a historical village but also functions as a living open-air museum.
Cumalıkızık Documentary (TRT Haber)
Historical Background and Foundation Process
The foundation of Cumalıkızık dates back to the early 14th century, when the Ottoman Beylik began to expand around the Bursa region. The name “Kızık” comes from the Kızık tribe, one of the 24 clans of the Oghuz Turks. In historical documents, it is mentioned together with other Kızık villages in the region: Değirmenlikızık, Derekızık, Fidyekızık, Hamamlıkızık.
There are two main stories behind the origin of the name “Cumalıkızık.” According to the first, it was given this name because people from surrounding Kızık villages would gather here for Friday prayers. According to the second, Osman Gazi founded the village on a Friday, and thus this name was deemed appropriate.
Within the framework of the Ottoman settlement policies, Cumalıkızık took shape under the waqf (endowment) system and was particularly an extension of the rural settlement strategy of the Ottoman Empire. Before the conquest of cities, the surrounding rural areas were brought under control, ensuring both economic production and security. Cumalıkızık is one of the early examples of this policy.
Architectural Texture and Physical Features
Out of approximately 270 houses in Cumalıkızık, about 180 are still in use today, and most of them are under protection. Natural materials such as stone, adobe, and wood were used in their construction. Typically three stories high, these houses were designed with storage areas and stables on the ground floor, and living spaces on the upper floors. Bay windows, latticed windows, and colorful exterior paints complete the village’s general aesthetic appearance.
The village’s street layout follows the natural slope, with narrow, stone-paved roads. The streets are quite narrow, steep, and sometimes only wide enough for a single person to pass through. These streets also function as the village’s water drainage system. Gutters were built to prevent roof water from flowing directly onto the streets, thus protecting the roads from natural erosion.
Door knockers and handles are notable for their craftsmanship. Along the streets, various fountains, stone walls, and stairs provide a natural aesthetic. This architectural unity reflects all the nuances of Ottoman rural settlement patterns.
Cumalıkızık Village (Türkiye Kültür Portalı)
Social and Cultural Life
Throughout history, social life in Cumalıkızık has been shaped around the mosque, bathhouse, and fountains. Located in the village center, Cumalıkızık Mosque is a typical example of classical Ottoman village mosques. Thought to date back to the 17th century, the mosque stands out with its wooden architecture and original decorations. The Zekiye Hatun Fountain and the old bathhouse in the village are also part of this collective memory.
Among the traditional production activities in the village, raspberry cultivation holds a significant place. Each summer, the Raspberry Festival is organized, during which villagers promote and sell this traditional agricultural product. In addition, handwoven textiles, jams, village bread, gözleme, and other traditional foods are offered to both local and foreign visitors.
Cultural Preservation and UNESCO Recognition
Various preservation policies have been implemented to protect Cumalıkızık and pass it on to future generations. With the rise of preservation awareness in the 1980s, many houses in the village were restored. Projects carried out by the Bursa Site Management Presidency and the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism ensured that the village’s historical texture was opened to tourism without damage.
In 2014, UNESCO included Cumalıkızık in the World Heritage List under the title “Bursa and Cumalıkızık: The Birth of the Ottoman Empire.” Within this scope, Cumalıkızık draws attention for housing examples of early Ottoman settlement models and civil architecture.
Visitation and Tourist Interaction
Cumalıkızık attracts heavy interest from both local and foreign tourists, especially on weekends. Experiences offered include traditional village breakfasts, walking through historic streets, and shopping for cultural products. Cafes and restaurants in the village operate in restored houses that match the village’s architectural style. However, tourism pressure can sometimes threaten the authentic texture of the village, making sustainable tourism practices very important.
The village has also become well-known in visual media, as it is frequently featured in TV series and documentaries. Part of the TRT-produced series “Kınalı Kar” was filmed here, further increasing the village’s recognition.
Cumalıkızık, with its historical structure rooted in the Ottoman era, preserved architecture, vibrant cultural life, and natural beauty, holds great potential for both academic research and cultural tourism. Reflecting the Ottoman rural settlement system, civil architecture, and waqf tradition, this village also stands today as a living cultural treasure.
