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Tens of thousands of people gathered in northwestern Türkiye on Friday, as the cast and crew of "Kurulus: Orhan" joined large-scale celebrations marking the 700th anniversary of Bursa’s conquest, a defining moment in early Ottoman history.
The commemorations were supported by both national and local institutions, reflecting a broad effort to highlight Bursa’s historical legacy.
Events were held as part of the 21st Osman Gazi Commemoration and Conquest Festival, which was inaugurated by Bursa Osmangazi Mayor Erkan Aydin at the Panorama 1326 Bursa Conquest Museum.
The museum, opened in 2019 by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, offers a fully panoramic depiction of Bursa’s conquest and its transformation into the first capital of the Ottoman Empire.
Alongside official ceremonies, exhibitions and academic discussions were organized to connect the city’s past with its present.
The “From Painting to Place” exhibition and the symposium titled “Seven Faces of Bursa: From Conquest to Republic” explored how Bursa evolved over seven centuries, both culturally and politically.
Mayor Aydin described the city as “a strong, deeply rooted civilization,” adding, “inspired by the past, we walk toward the future with more confident steps,” while emphasizing that year-long events aim to pass on Bursa’s heritage to future generations.
The anniversary events extended beyond formal programs, as large crowds took part in a symbolic “700th Anniversary Conquest March.”
The procession began at Balaban Bey Castle and moved through central streets before concluding at Tophane Square, turning the city into an open-air historical stage.
Guests from sister cities also attended, reinforcing cultural ties through shared history. These activities brought together residents, visitors and international participants, highlighting Bursa’s continuing relevance as a cultural hub.
The participation of the "Kurulus: Orhan" cast added a contemporary cultural dimension to the commemorations. The team joined the public celebrations and visited the Tomb of Osman Gazi, the founder of the Ottoman state, whose burial site in Bursa holds symbolic importance as the city was conquered by his son, Orhan Bey.
In a message shared on social media, the team stated, “It was indescribable to share this enthusiasm with tens of thousands of people. The excitement that began in the streets gained deeper meaning with the visit to the shrine of Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi.”
They added that their greatest joy came from meeting people while “walking in the footsteps of history,” and thanked local authorities and residents for their hospitality.
The 1326 conquest of Bursa by Orhan Bey transformed the Ottoman state from a frontier principality into a burgeoning regional power. Situated near the Sea of Marmara in northwestern Türkiye, Bursa was the first major city captured by the Ottomans and served as their inaugural capital.
The city’s fall also ended Byzantine influence across much of the southern Marmara region and brought key trade routes under Ottoman control, reinforcing its economic and strategic importance.
With exhibitions, symposiums, cultural walks and educational programs scheduled throughout 2026, organizers aim to ensure that Bursa’s Ottoman heritage continues to inform and inspire future generations.
The Panorama 1326 Bursa Conquest Museum, developed with input from academic experts, remains central to these efforts, attracting both history enthusiasts and tourists interested in the early Ottoman period.
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