Summary
Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and known as Prousa during Byzantine rule, exhibits a complex urban fabric where Ottoman identity emerged alongside enduring Byzantine influences. This study reveals that early 14th-century Bursa was less uniform than previously thought, with Byzantine architectural elements persisting and shaping Ottoman construction practices. By analyzing pre-1855 earthquake drawings and textual evidence, the research challenges Ottoman-centric narratives, demonstrating how Byzantine substrata informed the city's development despite significant remodelling due to fires and earthquakes.
Citation
Çağaptay, S. (2011). Prousa/Bursa, a city within the city: chorography, conversion and choreography. Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies, 35(1), 45–69. https://doi.org/10.1179/030701311x12906801091593