Bursa Green Mosque

An Early Ottoman Tile Masterpiece. Built in the 15th century by Sultan Murad II, considered the second founder of the Ottoman Empire, the Green Mosque and its complex are one of Bursa's most valuable historical legacies. The mosque's interior is adorned with world-famous Iznik tiles, with the mihrab and Hünkar Mahfili sections, in particular, considered unique works of art. This virtual tour offers you the opportunity to closely examine every detail of the structure, its courtyard, and its elegant decorations through 8 different scenes. Experience the splendor and history of Bursa's Green Mosque with a digital tour.

The Mysterious Green Mosque

The Green Mosque of Bursa, a silent witness to centuries, continues to attract attention for centuries, not only for its unique architecture but also for the unsolved mysteries and enigmatic stories of the past hidden within its walls and in every corner.

A Curse or an Enigma?

The inscription, known as an intricate writing, located just above the mihrab (approximately 3 meters) in the upper left of the mihrab in the historical Green Mosque of Bursa, has attracted the attention of some researchers for many years. One interpretation of the meaning of the writing is that it carries the nature of a curse or reproach.

The meaning of the writing, close to modern Turkish, is expressed as follows:

“The person who did this evil, wickedness, and injustice to me thought he did it to me. However, this evil passed over me; but the burden of guilt remained on the neck of the one who did it.”

It is claimed that these words are associated with Hacı İvaz Pasha, the architect and founder of the mosque. According to the legend, Hacı İvaz Pasha served under Sultan Abdul Hamid II. During Murad's reign, he fell out of favor and, instead of being executed, was blinded and sent back to his hometown. Some researchers believe that the craftsmen he brought from Tabriz inscribed this inscription on the mosque as a sign of their respect and loyalty to him.

However, to this day, no historian or researcher has been able to provide a definitive and satisfactory explanation for why this inscription was placed in the mosque. Therefore, the inscription remains an unsolved enigma (like the Da Vinci Code), both in terms of its meaning and its purpose.

Journalist and historical researcher Murat Bardakçı is one of the most important figures today who emphasizes that the story behind this inscription has not been definitively clarified.