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The Emir Sultan Mosque (Emir Sultan Camii) is an important mosque in Bursa, Turkey. It’s located in the Emirsultan neighborhood, which is a short walk from the Yeşil neighborhood.
History
The Emir Sultan Mosque was originally built in the 14th century by Şemseddin Mehmed Ali el-Hüseyin el Buhari, also known as Emir Sultan (1368-1429). He was a dervish from Bukhara as well as the son-in-law and advisor of Sultan Bayezid I.
The original mosque was damaged during an earthquake in 1766 and renovated shortly after. It was renovated again in 1805 by Sultan Selim III. The current mosque dates back to 1858, when it was rebuilt by Sultan Abdülaziz. The courtyard features a beautiful octagonal ablutions fountain (şadırvan).
Tomb of Emir Sultan
The Emir Sultan Mosque and tomb of Emir Sultan stand opposite each other across the narrow courtyard. While the mosque was closed for restoration during my last trip to Bursa, the tomb was open to visitors. The first room is a small antechamber where visitors can remove their shoes.
The stunningly beautiful domed tomb is decorated in the Baroque style. There’s plenty of space to walk around the tomb but it was so crowded I didn’t attempt it.
There are four burials alongside Emir Sultan. They include two daughters, one son, and his wife, Hundi Hatun.
Balcony
Next to the mosque is a gazebo and balcony with excellent views of Bursa. The most prominent landmark you can spot is the Bayezid I Mosque.
Emir Sultan Hamam
Across the street from the mosque is the Emir Sultan Hamam (Emir Sultan Hamamı), which was built in 1426 as an addition to the Emir Sultan Mosque complex. The hamam was commissioned by Hundi Hatun. It was restored in 2012 and now functions as the Emir Sultan Hamam Cultural Center (Emir Sultan Hamamı Kültür Merkezi).
Emirsultan Square
The hamam sits on Emirsultan Square (Emirsultan Meydanı). It’s a pleasant open space with benches surrounded by shops and cafés.
Emirsultan Park
Finally, on the slope leading up to the entrance of the Emir Sultan Mosque is Emirsultan Park (Emirsultan Parkı). It contains a small cemetery as well as a few Ottoman fountains. The oldest fountain dates back to 1743.
