Bursa, with its deep-rooted history, cultural richness, and natural beauty, is one of the most special cities in Turkey. As the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, this city offers visitors a unique experience that appeals to both sight and taste through its heritage of craftsmanship, delicious cuisine, and high-quality handicrafts that have endured through the ages. When returning from Bursa, it is possible to bring meaningful gifts to your loved ones that carry traces of this richness.
The city’s inns, bazaars, local markets, and boutique shops offer a wide variety of gift products suitable for every taste and budget. These items, ranging from silk and candied chestnuts to handmade ceramics and Ottoman motif jewelry, are special pieces that reflect Bursa’s historical texture and cultural identity. Gifts purchased from Bursa are more than just souvenirs—they are meaningful and unique symbols that will always remind one of this beautiful city.
1. Silk Shawls and Scarves – Traditional and elegant textile products made with Bursa silk.
Throughout history, Bursa has been known as the “capital of silk,” and sericulture has been one of the city’s most important crafts. During the Ottoman period, Bursa silk was a favorite in palaces due to its fine texture, natural sheen, and elegance, and it continues to attract great interest today. Even now, especially in Koza Han and many other inns and bazaars in the city, it is possible to find silk shawls and scarves produced using traditional methods. These products are considered highly valuable gifts due to both their aesthetic appearance and historical background.
Shawls and scarves made from Bursa silk appeal to both traditional and modern tastes, thanks to classic motifs blended with contemporary patterns. With their soft texture and lightweight structure, they are preferred for both daily wear and special occasions. These meticulously crafted textile products are a perfect choice for offering your loved ones an elegant and meaningful gift. They are also among the most prestigious and culturally rich souvenirs one can bring from Bursa.
2. Hacivat-Karagöz Figures – Handmade decorative figures symbolizing shadow plays.
Hacivat and Karagöz are the most well-known characters of the traditional Turkish shadow play that has survived from the Ottoman period to the present day. These two figures hold an important place in folk culture with their humorous dialogues and contrasting personalities. While Hacivat represents a more educated, polite, and orderly character, Karagöz stands out with his straightforwardness, common touch, and witty nature. The figures representing these characters are handmade decorative items crafted with fine workmanship, mostly from leather or wood materials.
Bursa, as the city where this cultural heritage was born and preserved, offers the most authentic examples of Hacivat-Karagöz figures. These items are popular both as collectibles and as decorative objects. Designed to be displayed in colorful glass showcases, these pieces hold nostalgic value for those interested in shadow plays. Hacivat-Karagöz figures, one of the most meaningful souvenirs that can be bought from Bursa, are a symbolic representation of traditional Turkish theater.
3. İznik Tiles – Handmade ceramic and tile products famous for their colorful patterns.
İznik tiles are considered one of the most elegant examples of Ottoman art and were widely used in palace architecture and mosque decorations, especially during the 15th and 16th centuries. Produced in the district of İznik, located near Bursa, these tiles are known for their vibrant patterns adorned with shades of red, blue, green, and turquoise. Motifs such as tulips, carnations, roses, and curved branches add aesthetic elegance to the tiles, and since each piece is handcrafted, it is unique.
Today, İznik tiles are among the valuable souvenirs preferred for both decorative and functional purposes. Offered in many forms such as plates, vases, panels, and tile wall ornaments, these products are an ideal choice for those who wish to add a traditional touch to their home decor. Found in Bursa’s bazaars and specialized workshops, these tiles are meaningful keepsakes that carry artistic value and reflect cultural heritage.
4. Candied Chestnuts – One of the most famous desserts of Bursa.
Candied chestnuts are one of the most well-known desserts associated with Bursa and are among the city’s signature flavors. Made by carefully boiling high-quality chestnuts grown on the slopes of Uludağ and combining them with sugar, this dessert is both visually appealing and has a memorable taste. Prepared using traditional methods, candied chestnuts are appreciated by dessert lovers for their soft texture and natural chestnut aroma.
Offered in various forms at many patisseries and souvenir shops in Bursa, candied chestnuts come in plain, chocolate-coated, or syrup-soaked varieties to appeal to different tastes. Thanks to their long shelf life, they are an ideal gift option to take to loved ones after a trip. This special dessert, which has become one of the symbols of the city, not only promotes Bursa’s gastronomic heritage but also keeps the traditional Turkish dessert culture alive.
5. Bursa Knife – Historically and decoratively crafted knives made by hand.
The Bursa knife is a handcrafted item with a deep-rooted tradition of craftsmanship, dating back to the Ottoman era. Shaped by skilled hands, these knives stand out not only as cutting tools but also as decorative objects with artistic value. Typically made from carbon steel, Bursa knives are notable for their elegant handle ornaments, embroidered sheaths, and aesthetic designs. Since each one is handmade, they feature unique and distinctive details.
Today, Bursa knives are produced in various forms such as hunting knives, pocket knives, and fruit knives, and they attract interest from collectors as well. These products can be found in the knife makers’ bazaar in the city center or in traditional handicraft workshops. With both functional features and aesthetic qualities, the Bursa knife is a meaningful and lasting gift to bring from the city. It is an ideal choice especially for those seeking a unique gift for men.
6. Bursa Towel – Traditional cotton towels known for their high-quality weaving.
Bursa towels, as products of a weaving tradition that has continued for centuries, have become symbols of quality and elegance both in Turkey and abroad. Made from the natural cotton of Bursa, these towels are known for their soft texture, high absorbency, and durability. Especially the models produced on traditional looms and adorned with lace, embroidery, or needlework attract great interest for both daily use and as gifts.
These towels have a wide range of uses, from bathrooms to kitchens, bridal trousseau sets to spa centers. With a rich variety of colors, patterns, and weaving techniques, Bursa towels are preferred for their stylish and functional design. Standing out as both a nostalgic and practical souvenir for those visiting Bursa, these products can be easily found in local markets, textile shops, and handcrafted stalls.
7. Misket Cologne – A pleasantly scented traditional cologne unique to Bursa.
Misket cologne is a refreshing and nostalgic scent unique to Bursa, holding a special place among the city’s traditional fragrances. Named after the muscat grape, this cologne is favored by both women and men for its fruity and slightly floral notes. Evoking the cool plateaus and green nature of Bursa, this unique scent offers a soft yet lasting experience distinct from classic lemon cologne.
Available in various sizes and packaging at local herbalists, cologne producers, and souvenir shops in Bursa, misket cologne is ideal for daily use and also serves as an elegant gift for special occasions. Versions sold in glass bottles and decorated with traditional motifs are especially appealing in terms of aesthetics. This pleasantly scented product, symbolizing Bursa, is a meaningful and practical souvenir that visitors can buy for themselves or their loved ones.
8. Silk Fabrics – Authentic fabric varieties available at Koza Han.
Silk fabrics stand out as one of the most elegant examples of Bursa’s historical weaving tradition. Especially Koza Han, one of the city’s iconic landmarks, is among the best places to shop for these valuable textiles. During the Ottoman period, Bursa was one of the most important stops on the Silk Road and has long been a symbol of quality and craftsmanship in silk production. Known for its fine, shiny, and lightweight texture, Bursa silk is transformed into unique fabrics using both traditional motifs and modern designs.
Silk fabrics sold in the shops and stalls of Koza Han vary in use, from scarves and shawls to tablecloths, curtains, and garments. Each piece is handwoven and, with its elegance and quality, represents one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your loved ones. At the same time, silk fabrics purchased from Koza Han, with its historical atmosphere, serve as valuable mementos reflecting Bursa’s cultural richness.
9. Grape Molasses – A healthy and natural local delicacy.
Grape molasses is one of Anatolia’s ancient culinary heritages and remains a natural food product traditionally produced in Bursa and its surroundings. Made by boiling ripe black grapes into a thick syrup, this delicacy stands out for containing no additives. With its energy-boosting properties and rich iron content, grape molasses is especially favored at breakfast and during the winter months, and has been consumed for centuries as a source of healing.
Offered in glass jars or traditional clay pots by local producers in Bursa, grape molasses stands out as a natural and healthy gift alternative. Contributing to daily nutrition while also representing a cultural legacy, this product can be easily found in local markets and organic shops. As one of the authentic and beneficial souvenirs from Bursa, grape molasses appeals to both taste and health.
10. Bursa Tarhana – A traditional soup mix known for its distinctive flavor.
Bursa tarhana is a regional variation of tarhana, a significant element of Anatolia’s rich culinary tradition. This mixture, made by fermenting and drying yogurt, flour, tomatoes, onions, and various herbs, is both nutritious and filling. Bursa tarhana stands out from other regional types with its unique aroma, fine texture, and the rich flavor it releases when cooked. A staple of winter tables, this soup mix is also known for its immune-boosting properties.
Easily found in local markets and natural product shops, Bursa tarhana is traditionally presented in sacks or cloth pouches. Prepared without compromising its natural quality, this product is an ideal gift option, especially for those who enjoy homemade flavors. With its practical use and cultural value, Bursa tarhana is a great choice for those who want to give their loved ones a healthy and meaningful gift.
11. Olive and Olive Oil Products – High-quality products made from Gemlik olives.
Olive and olive oil products, especially associated with Bursa’s Gemlik district, are valuable delicacies highly appreciated by both locals and visitors. Gemlik olives are considered among the finest table olives in Turkey due to their thin skins, small pits, and intense aroma. Processed using traditional methods, these olives are offered in various forms such as black, cracked, dry-cured, or brined, and are a staple of breakfast tables.
Alongside olives, cold-pressed natural olive oil is one of the region’s most important gastronomic products. Known for its health benefits, mildly fruity taste, and clear texture, Gemlik olive oil is used both in cooking and for wellness purposes. Offered in glass bottles or gift packaging, these products stand out as healthy and culturally significant souvenirs that you can bring to your loved ones from Bursa.
12. Aromatherapy Soaps – Handmade soaps made from natural ingredients.
Aromatherapy soaps are among the handmade and healthy options that reflect Bursa’s tradition of natural and herbal products. Made with natural ingredients such as olive oil, lavender, rose, rosemary, thyme, laurel, and goat milk, these soaps are preferred both for skincare and their relaxing effects in daily life. Free from additives, they are suitable for sensitive skin and stimulate the senses with their pleasant scents, allowing you to benefit from the calming effects of aromatherapy.
Offered in various colors, scents, and shapes in Bursa’s natural product stores, herbalists, or local producer stalls, these soaps are ideal gift options with their elegant packaging and long-lasting use. Standing out with their decorative appearance that adds charm to bathrooms, aromatherapy soaps are a healthy and graceful keepsake from Bursa, whether for yourself or your loved ones.
13. Peach Jam – Homemade jam made from Bursa’s famous peaches.
Peach jam is a delightful breakfast treat made from Bursa’s famous peaches, known for their rich aroma. Grown in the city’s fertile lands, these juicy and sweet peaches are cooked using traditional methods to create a natural jam. Prepared without any additives, this jam is a staple of breakfast tables with its intense fruit flavor and pleasant consistency. Thanks to its mildly tangy and sweet taste, it can be enjoyed not only on bread but also in desserts or paired with cheese.
Presented in glass jars at local markets or shops selling homemade goods in Bursa, peach jam stands out with its natural content and nostalgic flavor. Being handmade and carefully prepared makes it not just a food product, but also a cultural gift. Peach jam, one of the tastiest and most meaningful souvenirs to buy during a trip to Bursa, offers your loved ones a sweet taste of this special city.
14. Turkish Delight with Clotted Cream – Especially known for its plain and cream-filled varieties.
Turkish delight with clotted cream is one of the most beloved and classic flavors of Turkish dessert culture. Holding an important place among Bursa’s local tastes, this delight has a soft, lightly sugared exterior and is enriched with a dense and creamy clotted cream filling. Especially the plain and cream-filled varieties offer an ideal balance for those who prefer desserts that are neither too heavy nor too light. The melt-in-the-mouth texture of the delight, combined with the creamy filling, leaves a lasting flavor on the palate.
Carefully prepared in Bursa’s confectioneries and sweet shops, clotted cream Turkish delight is produced using traditional methods without additives. Typically presented in elegant boxes, these products are also preferred as gifts for special occasions. As one of the sweetest and most refined souvenirs to buy from Bursa, Turkish delight with clotted cream is a gift that will delight your loved ones with both its visual appeal and taste.
15. Ottoman Motif Jewelry – Historically themed necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
Ottoman motif jewelry are aesthetic accessories that carry the splendor of the past into modern times through their elegant craftsmanship and historical symbols. Designs unique to the Ottoman era—such as calligraphy, the tughra, crescent, floral motifs, and geometric patterns—are frequently used in these pieces. Necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings made from various materials such as silver, bronze, and gold-plated metals offer highly appealing options for those who seek a classic and authentic style. Especially the pieces adorned with eye-catching details for women resemble small fragments of history, each carrying artistic meaning.
These handcrafted jewelry pieces, produced in Bursa’s bazaars and boutique shops, also attract great interest as gifts. Ottoman motif jewelry, meaningful presents for those interested in history and art, are suitable for both daily wear and special occasions. Among the culturally rich souvenirs that can be bought from Bursa, these accessories stand out for their aesthetic appearance and symbolic value.
16. Traditional Handicrafts – Wood carving, marbling art, and filigree work.
Traditional handicrafts are among the most authentic reflections of Bursa’s rich cultural heritage and fine craftsmanship tradition. In the city, particularly wood carving, marbling art (ebru), and filigree embroidery (tel kırma) stand out as labor-intensive art forms. Wood carving is used in decorative boxes, frames, and gift items typically made from durable woods like walnut and chestnut; marbling art creates unique visuals by transferring delicate patterns formed by special paints on water onto paper. Filigree embroidery involves processing fine wire threads onto fabric and is traditionally seen in jewelry, bags, and accessory decorations.
The most authentic examples of these handicrafts can be found in cultural centers, art workshops, and bazaars throughout Bursa. Each item, crafted by master artisans, holds decorative value and sheds light on the city’s history and aesthetic sensibility. These crafts stand out as collectibles and meaningful gifts for loved ones. For those wishing to leave with a cultural impression from Bursa, traditional handicrafts make a unique choice.
17. Cocoon Art Products – Decorative items and paintings made from silk cocoons.
Cocoon art products are an artistic reflection of Bursa’s deep-rooted silk production tradition. These special items are created by painting and shaping silkworm cocoons without altering their natural structure. Often adorned with floral patterns, nature themes, or Ottoman motifs, the decorative pieces and paintings offer an elegant appearance with their lightweight and graceful design. Each one is handcrafted, making them unique and appealing to art enthusiasts for their natural charm.
Produced in workshops around Koza Han, these items are among the most original and artistic souvenirs that can be purchased from Bursa. Whether used as wall decorations or tabletop ornaments, these pieces reflect Bursa’s sericulture heritage while also adding aesthetic value as stylish decorative elements. Lightweight and durable, cocoon art products are elegant gifts that combine artistry and nature.
18. Bursa Rag Dolls – Handmade cloth toys dressed in traditional costumes.
Bursa rag dolls are among the charming and meaningful souvenirs that reflect the city’s traditional culture and handicraft heritage. Usually sewn by hand from cotton fabrics, these toys are dressed in traditional costumes unique to Bursa, showcasing the region’s folkloric character. Female dolls are typically adorned with garments like triple skirts, baggy trousers, and headscarves, while male dolls feature details such as vests, waist sashes, and fezzes. Each doll is handmade and carries unique characteristics, which makes them one of a kind.
These dolls can be found in Bursa’s handicraft markets, souvenir shops, and certain cooperatives. In addition to serving as decorative items, they are valuable as natural and healthy toy options for children. Preserving their traditional essence, Bursa rag dolls carry a nostalgic feel and convey cultural awareness. As one of the most original and meaningful souvenirs that can be brought from Bursa, they attract the interest of both local and international tourists.
19. Ayran Aşı Soup Ingredients – A mixture of ingredients for the region’s traditional soup.
Ayran aşı soup is a traditional Anatolian soup known for its refreshing and nutritious qualities, especially during the summer months. It holds an important place in Bursa’s cuisine and is made with ingredients such as yogurt, wheat (typically whole wheat used in aşure), chickpeas, mint, and optionally dill. Served cold, ayran aşı soup offers both a cooling beverage and a satisfying meal alternative. It is widely preferred among the public, particularly in warm climates, for being a light and healthy option.
In Bursa, dried and pre-mixed ayran aşı soup ingredients can be found in local markets or natural product stores. Thanks to their practical use, these mixtures can be quickly prepared by simply combining them with yogurt and water. Handmade and free of additives, these mixes are ideal for those who prioritize healthy eating. As a regional and natural flavor to bring back from Bursa, ayran aşı soup mix is a special souvenir option that appeals to both taste and well-being.
20. Ottoman Sherbets – Traditional beverages such as tamarind, rose, and pomegranate sherbet.
Ottoman sherbets are among the most elegant and healthy beverages of Turkish cuisine, preserved through centuries of tradition. Bursa is one of the key cities where this sherbet culture continues to thrive. Prepared with natural ingredients such as tamarind, rose, pomegranate, jujube, basil, and lavender, these drinks are known both for their refreshing effects and their healing properties. Especially during the hot summer months, sherbets served cold were among the main beverages offered to guests in Ottoman palaces.
Ottoman sherbets, presented in glass bottles at herbalists and traditional product shops in Bursa, attract considerable interest as gifts thanks to their nostalgic packaging and distinctive flavors. Free of additives and made using natural methods, these drinks are an excellent choice for those who care about healthy nutrition and wish to keep cultural heritage alive. As one of the most traditional and authentic tastes to bring back from Bursa, Ottoman sherbets leave a lasting impression on the palate and offer a sweet journey into the past.