Bursa Province

Bursa is a lovely city in northwestern Turkeyand the seat of Bursa Province. With a population of 2,550,645 (2009), it is Turkey's fourth largest city, as well as one of the most industrialized and culturally charged metropolitan centers in the country.Bursa was the first major and second overall capital of theOttoman Statebetween 1335 and 1363. The city was referred to as ''Hüdavendigar''(meaning "God's gift") during theOttomanperiod, while a more recent nickname is ''Yeşil Bursa''(meaning "Green Bursa") in reference to the parks and gardens located across its urban fabric, as well as to the vast and richly varied forests of the surrounding region. Theski resortofMount Uludağtowers over it.