Bayezid I Mosque 🇹🇷

When you visit Bursa, Turkey, you will find the historic Bayezid I Mosque, also known as Yıldırım Camii, standing as a remarkable landmark in the Yıldırım district. Commissioned between 1391 and 1395 by Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I—famously called Bayezid the Thunderbolt—this mosque forms part of a larger historical külliye complex. Although it underwent extensive renovations after the devastating 1855 Bursa earthquake, it retains its original structural grandeur.

As you explore, you will discover that this was the very first building to feature the iconic "Bursa Arch," a distinctive flattened arch positioned between the central hall and the south eyvan that connects and supports two massive domes. You can admire its unique layout, where the three eyvans are raised three steps higher than the central hall, alongside high domed ceilings in the entrance hall and a semi-open last prayer section featuring five individually domed subsections. Take time to inspect its four specialized side rooms with fireplaces, cupboards, and niches, as well as its twin side minarets.

Unlike other local mosques built in its era, you will notice that this entire historic masterpiece was crafted exclusively using solid dimension stones without relying on bricks.

What to see at Bayezid I Mosque

• The pioneering 'Bursa Arch' connecting and supporting two large domes
• Constructed entirely from dimension stones with no brickwork
• Three elevated eyvans set three steps higher than the central hall
• Semi-open last prayer section topped with five individual domes
• Four specialized side rooms equipped with fireplaces, cupboards, and niches

Visiting tips

Look closely at the masonry during your visit, as this mosque was uniquely constructed entirely out of dimension stones without using any bricks.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Bayezid I Mosque is easy to reach on Bursa’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Bursa Grand Mosque and Bursa Green Mosque. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Bursa travel guide.