Bursa Grand Mosque; It is a grand mosque built by the Ottoman sultan Bayezid I (Yıldırım Beyazıt) between 1396 and 1400. This mosque, which is a unique work of art, has made a name for itself for hundreds of years with its secrets. The city of Şehzadeler is one of the most important historical symbols of Bursa. It is also accepted as the 5th most important place of worship and 5th authority of the Islamic world. The first of these five maqams is Mecca – Kaaba, the second Medina – Masjid an-Nabawi, the third Jerusalem – Masjid al-Aqsa, the fourth Damascus – Umayyad Ulu Mosque and the fifth Bursa Ulu Mosque.
Bursa Ulu Mosque, which has 20 domes, is the mosque with the largest internal congregation place in Turkey. It is thought that the architect of the mosque was Ali Neccar or Hacı İvaz. The minbar of the mosque; It is considered one of the most important examples of the transition from the Seljuk art of carving to the art of Ottoman wood carving. The pulpit is a valuable work of art made with the kündekari technique. The planets of the solar system were engraved on this wooden pulpit, made by a man named Mehmet, son of Hacı Abdülaziz. There are 192 calligraphy plates and graffiti written by different calligraphers on the walls of the mosque.
One of the mystics of the period, Somuncu Baba, read the first sermon at the opening of the mosque that Yıldırım Beyazıt had built upon his return from the Niğbolu expedition. The fountain, located under an open dome in the interior of the mosque, is one of the most important features of the great mosque. The mosque, which was of great importance in its period, was largely destroyed in the Timurid invasion after Yıldırım Beyazıt was captured.
Bursa Ulu Mosque was reopened for worship in 1421 after the Interregnum. in 1517 Yavuz Sultan Selim’After the conquest of Egypt, the caliphate passed to the Ottomans. In this period, the door cover of the Kaaba was presented to the mosque by the sultan. The mosque, which was damaged in the great earthquake in 1855, later underwent an important repair. During the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid, famous calligraphers were sent from Istanbul, and the writings in the mosque were largely overhauled.
Secrets of the Minbar of Bursa Ulu Mosque
There are 6,666 pieces corresponding to the number of verses in the Qur’an on the pulpit, which is made with the kündekari technique, which is an interlocking technique. This pulpit, made of hard walnut wood, was made without the use of nails and glue. The reliefs on the mihrab side of the pulpit are thought to symbolize the solar system. The reliefs, which are placed in accordance with the solar system in terms of exact size and distance, were identified by retired teacher Fevzi Ülgen in 1980. Those were the times when the European world even denied that the world was round. Therefore, the symbolization of the solar system on the pulpit shows how high the scientific level of the Ottoman Empire was at that time.
The Mystery of the Somuncu Baba Who Leads the First Prayer
Somuncu Baba, who delivered the first sermon and led the first Friday prayer in the mosque, is known as an ordinary person who makes a living by selling loaf in Bursa. He comes to the construction of the mosque and distributes nuts to the workers for his benefit. When the first Friday prayer comes to the agenda in the mosque, the people ask Emir Sultan to lead it. Emir Sultan, on the other hand, wants Somuncu Baba to lead the first sermon and the first Friday prayer. According to what is told, Somuncu Baba interprets Surah Fatiha in 7 different ways in his sermon. Accordingly, everyone understands the first interpretation, scholars understand the second interpretation, angels understand the third effect, and no one understands the last interpretation. After the end of the prayer, everyone waits at the exit door of the mosque to kiss Somuncu Baba’s hand. It is said that Somuncu Baba came out of the 3 doors of the great mosque at the same time. Everyone who waits at different doors says that they have seen Somuncu Baba. Nobody sees the person known as Somuncu Baba later.
The Reason Why Bursa Ulu Mosque Has 20 Domes
Sultan Yildirim Beyazit; Before going to the Battle of Nicopolis, he says that if he wins the war, he will build 20 mosques. Returning victorious from the war, Yıldırım Beyazıt wants to keep his promise. His son-in-law Emir Sultan states that it would be more appropriate for him to have a large mosque with 20 domes built instead of 20 mosques. Upon this, the construction of the great mosque with 20 domes begins. The minaret in the west of the mosque, which has 2 minarets, was built by Yıldırım Beyazıt, and the minaret in the east was built during the reign of Çelebi Sultan Mehmet.
Khidr Aleyhisselam’s Prayer Every Day In The Mosque
There has been a rumor for many years about the letter “Vav” in the mosque. According to the rumor, Hızır Aleyhisselam comes every day to pray in front of the letter Vav in the mosque. While Somuncu Baba was distributing loaves to the workers while the mosque was being built, he noticed that Hızır Aleyhisselam was there and said, “You are Khidr, I understand. If you do not promise to come to the mosque to pray every day, I will tell everyone here that you are Khidr.” Khidr, who promised to come every day, keeps secret when he will come. Therefore, it is believed that at an unknown time, Hızır Aleyhisselam prayed in this mosque every day.
On the walls of the mosque, there are 4 letters Vav, which are shaped differently. These Vavs are decorated with the art of illumination and a tulip motif is embroidered on the tip. Tulip symbolizes God in the art of decoration. The letter Vav expresses the unity of Allah in terms of containing the Unity of Unity. This letter sometimes resembles a human being in prostration, and sometimes a fetus in its mother’s womb. An expression called ‘İttaku’l-vâvât’ was written secretly inside the letters Vav. This important warning, which is referred to as a hadith; It means “withdraw from wows”. In other words, those who do the jobs that start with the letter Vav and demand responsibility are warned that they should give their rights and responsibilities.
The Story of the Fountain in Bursa Ulu Mosque
Inside the mosque, there is an interesting story of the fountain, which is under the open dome. According to the legend; While the mosque is being built, an old woman does not want to give up the land where the fountain is located. As a result of insistence, she gives to this land, albeit unwillingly. However, according to Islamic law, it is not right to pray in a place taken without consent. This area was left empty at first, and then it was decided to build a pool and a fountain in the most appropriate way. The dome above the fountain is covered with glass today.
