Osman Gazi Tomb, Osmangazi, Bursa, Turkey
The present tombs of the original founders of the Ottoman state, Osman and Orhan, are structures erected in recent times. They were brought to a state beyond repair by the earthquake that leveled Bursa in 1855; following which time they were constructed in their present form after the complete removal of the original buildings. The original tomb buildings are known to have been, essentially, a centuries-old utilization of one or several very ancient Byzantine structures dating to the period prior to the conquest of Bursa.
The gathering of the scattered knowledge we possess concerning these tombs, which belong to one of the most exceptional phases in the history of the Turkish civilization, will make the thorough acquaintance with the character and original form of these historical tombs possible. This brief study was intended to collect and analyze, so far as possible, the sources containing information on the tombs of Osman and Orhan Gazi. An article containing a more comprehensive treatment of all the sources utilized can be found in an earlier publication.
Epic Turkey Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound