Turkey: Ottoman-era silk bazaar draws visitors

By Ugur Ulu

BURSA, Turkey

The 15th-century Ottoman-era silk cocoon bazaar "Koza Han" in northwestern Bursa province is a major attraction point for both local and international tourists, including world-known figures.

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II is one of the important figures who had visited the historic place alongside Prince Philip in May 2008.

The market -- which was built by architect Abdul Ula Bin Pulat Sah by the order of Ottoman Sultan Bayezid II, in 1491 -- played a significant role in making Bursa a textile center.

The area is located within “Bursa and Cumalıkızık: The Birth Region of the Ottoman Empire,” which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2014.

The whole area has eight component sites, including commercial area of hans, kulliyah (a complex that includes mosques, religious schools, public baths and a kitchen for the poor), as well as the tomb of Orhan Ghazi, the founder of the Ottoman state, according to UNESCO’s website.

Once upon a time, it was a place, where silkworm cocoons were sold and wholesalers coming from different places of the world drove a hard bargain.

It is now a historic place, where silk fabrics obtained from cocoons are sold and visitors enjoyed their time by enjoying the cafes inside.

Koza Han, which was built in brick and stone, was renovated in 1630, 1671 and 1784, while its small mosque was repaired in 1946 and 2007.

The two-story place is located in a wide rectangular yard and has 95 rooms. The rooms inside are now used as storage areas.


Packed with visitors every season

Mustafa Gungor, Koza Han's chief manager says it is the most beautiful bazaar in Turkey.

"Britain’s Queen Elizabeth came here and visited," he said. "State officials are also coming from time to time. Tourists from everywhere around the world are coming."

"It is packed with visitors in both summer and winter."

*Nilay Kar Onum in Istanbul has contributed to this story