Ulucami Landscape Design and Façade Rehabilitation Project
Restoration of the Original Drainage System, Courtyard Renovation, and Stone Façade Cleaning at Bursa Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), One of Bursa’s Iconic Landmarks
Project Information
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Project: Bursa Grand Mosque Landscaping and Exterior Façade Improvement Project
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Location: Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), Bursa, Türkiye
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Implementing Authority: Bursa Metropolitan Municipality
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Approval: Project approved by the Regional Conservation Council
About the Project
Bursa Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) is one of the city's most significant historical landmarks. Following the completion of restoration works in the mosque’s interior, landscaping and exterior façade improvement works were initiated.
The primary objective of the project is to restore the structure to its original architectural condition and correct inappropriate interventions made over time.
Scope of the Project
Restoration of the Original Drainage System
The original drainage channels, designed to allow rainwater flowing from the mosque’s domes to drain away efficiently, had been closed approximately 15 years earlier. This inappropriate intervention had caused moisture accumulation and dampness in the mosque’s walls. The drainage channels were reopened to restore their original function and eliminate moisture-related problems.
Courtyard Ground Improvements
In accordance with the project approved by the Regional Conservation Council, natural stone materials were used for the courtyard paving.
Between 0.5 and 1 metre of soil was removed from the courtyard to bring the ground level in line with the Emir Han entrance.
The newly installed stone paving provides a suitable and comfortable outdoor prayer area for worshippers, particularly during the summer months when the congregation extends beyond the mosque’s interior.
Funeral Prayer Area and Ablution Facilities
The landscaping around the musalla stone (funeral prayer platform) was renewed, and the area designated for funeral prayers was expanded.
The outdoor ablution facilities were covered with a wooden canopy structure, allowing worshippers to perform their ablutions without being exposed to rain.
Reconstruction of the Courtyard Fountains
In the courtyard along the northern façade, two wooden fountain domes that had been destroyed during the Grand Bazaar fire were reconstructed.
The fountains themselves were also rebuilt in a manner reflecting the original architectural style of the period, contributing to the restoration of the mosque’s historical character.
Cleaning and Restoration of the Stone Façade
The mosque’s exterior façade, constructed from küfeki (limestone), had darkened over the years due to prolonged exposure to air pollution and environmental factors.
The project aimed to restore the stone surfaces to their original appearance using a specialized cleaning method recognized and accepted internationally, while preserving the historical and architectural integrity of the structure.
