The Ulu Camii has a central cupola that lets in lots of light, giving the whole building a sense of openness and space. Under it is an ablations fountain which in a way is awkward (sometimes I have the feeling this is a religious bathhouse), but on the other hand makes the building very special and joyful.

Its decoration dates from the restorations after the 1855 Bursa earthquake, that pulled down 18 of the mosque’s twenty domes. It displays a style inspired on the 19th century ‘Turkish Baroque’, which was influenced by European Neo-Classicism (and more specifically here by the French ‘Nouvel Empire’ style).

Note: The term ‘Turkish Baroque’ is a general one; if necessary, more specific terms are used: ‘Barok’ (= Neo-Baroque), ‘Rokoko’ (= Neo-Rococo) or ‘Ampir’ (= ‘Nouvel Empire’).

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Source: ‘Vakıf Abideler ve eski Eserler III’ - Vakıflar Genel Müdürlüğü, Ankara 1983 .