Bursa is tiny town along the old Spice Trade route about two hours south by bus from Istanbul. Keep in mind this is not a tourist town at all. This being the case, travelers are offered an unadulterated cultural experience. Like in Istanbul, you will live each day with the five calls to prayer, but here in Bursa you’ll feel something more.

Bursa is famous for Ipek silk, which is available at the main bazaar. The main bazaar is located in the center of town next to a giant mosque- the pride of the city. The people of this town are very friendly and extremely helpful. Unlike in Istanbul, most people here do not speak English, but this does not stifle their ability to give advice and make you feel at home.

Bursa features similar food options to Istanbul- kabobs. In Bursa, (as in almost all Turkish towns) they boast a specific type of kabob-, which you must try. Ask anyone in the hotels or on the street and they will direct you to their uncle’s kabob restaurant. While you are here, also try a drink called Ayran (pronounced ay-dan), which is a slightly sour milk drink that is very popular.

While you only need about two days to see all of Bursa, try to get a small bus taxi to drive you up into the mountains. There are sweet little villages to meander through that seem untouched since the last century.

However, the best part of my visit in Bursa was seeing a true Whirling Dervish show. My group was very fortunate to meet the Vice Principal of a Dervish training school and the congregation welcomed us with open arms. Seeing first hand the true traditions (not the tourist shows) was priceless...and free! The deep chanting moves your physical being as the dervishes whirl into a religious trance. The women and kids are seated in the upper balcony clicking a little prayer mechanism- and I'm not sure what the men do below- probably something similar.
To find this type of opportunity just ask around town and at the hotels. These schools are also interested in meeting young English teachers so you can use that to get your foot in the door.