Short History
Carrying the traces of the city of Prusa of the Bithynia Kingdom in ancient times and of Kite [Ürünlü], the first administrative centre of the Ottomans in the region, Nilüfer has historical importance with its natural riches, cultural heritage and archeological artifacts, even though it is the most modern settlement of Bursa today.
The city was incorporated as a local government in 1987 and took its name after “Nilüfer Hatun”, the wife of the second ruler of the Ottoman Empire, Orhan Bey, who conquered Bursa and made it its capital. The history of the city can be traced back to 8,500 years ago, starting with the earliest known village societies advancing to sedentary life. Bearing a rich heritage, Nilüfer was home to various beliefs and cultures such as; the ancient Anatolian people of the Mysians, the ancient settlement of “Anatolia ad Rhyndacum (Gölyazı)” dating back to the 5th century BC and founded in the name of the Greek god Apollo, as well as Byzantine settlements, local and regional rulerships.
From prehistoric to Ottoman times and from centuries-old villages to the modern city, Nilüfer district has always manifested vitality and variability. Today, accomplishing economic development based on the protection of cultural and natural heritage via rural, cultural and nature-based tourism, founded on Mysia Ways as well as on Nilüfer Municipality’s museum, historical space and heritage area projects, is one among the challenges of expanding modern urban centres investing on maintenance of historical identity and respect of their past.