Ottoman historical route traces path to Bursa conquest

Historical sites along the route leading to the conquest of Bursa provide insight into the military, political, and social evolution of the early Ottoman Empire. The historical corridor spans the Bilecik, Söğüt, Yenişehir, and İnegöl regions, preserving the legacy of the transition from a principality to a state.

In Söğüt, the Tomb of Ertuğrul Gazi—father of Osman Gazi—serves as a key landmark. Originally established as an open grave by Osman Gazi in the late 13th century, it was later converted into a formal tomb during the reign of Mehmed I. Nearby, the Kuyulu Mosque is traditionally believed to be the site where Ertuğrul Gazi’s tribe first pitched their tents, and it was rebuilt on its original foundations during the era of Abdulhamid II.

Bilecik hosts the Tomb of Sheikh Edebali, a prominent scholar and father-in-law to Osman Gazi, which is believed to have been constructed during the reign of Orhan Gazi. The region also features various mosques, baths, and defensive structures that reflect the religious and social life of the early Ottoman period.