Cumalıkızık Village Travel Guide: Streets, Houses and Village Breakfast

Cumalıkızık is a village east of Bursa, on the foothills of Uludağ, that has largely preserved its fabric from the founding period of the Ottoman Empire. It is known for its narrow cobbled streets, its bay-windowed houses built of stone, timber and adobe, and its village-style spread breakfast. You can explore the village on foot in an hour or two; both TatiliYakala's Cumalıkızık, Bursa and Gölyazı tour and its Uludağ tour start the day here with breakfast.

The story of Cumalıkızık

Cumalıkızık is known as one of the foundation (waqf) villages established around Bursa in the early years of the Ottoman Empire. The word "Cuma" (Friday) in the village's name is widely said to mean the village where Friday prayers were held. There are other villages nearby with "Kızık" in their names; the name is believed to come from an Oghuz tribe that settled in the region.

Together with Bursa's historic sites, the village is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire". This makes Cumalıkızık not just a breakfast stop but a living example of early Ottoman rural life.

What to see in the village

Streets and houses

The real charm of Cumalıkızık is walking its streets. A water channel runs down the middle of the narrow, winding lanes, lined on both sides by houses with stone ground floors and upper storeys of timber and adobe. Many houses have bay windows jutting out over the street and colourfully painted façades. The walls painted yellow, purple, green and blue are the village's best-known face in photographs.

Courtyard doors and knockers

The wooden courtyard doors and their knockers are striking. Traditionally, the doors are said to have had two knockers that made different sounds, one for male visitors and one for female visitors. This detail is one of the most frequently asked questions about traditional life in the village.

The village mosque and hamam

At the heart of the village are the mosque and the old village hamam. These were the social centres of the foundation village. When visiting, be mindful of prayer times and dress codes.

The square under the plane tree

The village's small square and the seating in the shade of the plane tree are the resting point of the visit. Here you may come across stalls where local women sell homemade products.

Village breakfast

Cumalıkızık is famous for its village-style spread breakfast. The tables are laid with all kinds of cheese, olives, honey, clotted cream, homemade jams, eggs fried in butter, hot gözleme and a pot of tea. The village's raspberries are also well known; they arrive fresh in season and as jam the rest of the year.

TatiliYakala's Cumalıkızık, Bursa and Gölyazı tour and Uludağ tour both include a village-style spread breakfast in Cumalıkızık followed by free time.

Photo spots

• Colourful façades: The painted house walls look especially vivid in the morning light.
• Streets with water channels: Stand at the top of the street to capture the water channel running down the middle and the houses on both sides in one shot.
• Courtyard doors: The old wooden doors and knockers are good for close-ups.
• The upper part of the village: Climb a little uphill and you can find shots looking out over the plain between the rooftops.

People still live in the village. Do not photograph inside the houses or the elderly without asking, and do not enter courtyards uninvited.

When to go

Cumalıkızık can be visited in any season. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable times for walking and photography. In summer, the early hours are cool and quiet. In winter it stands out as a warm breakfast stop on the way to Uludağ; on a snowy morning the village rooftops take on a special beauty. Bear in mind that weekends can be crowded.

Things to keep in mind while sightseeing

• Shoes: Because of the cobblestones and slopes, wear comfortable shoes with thick soles. The stones get slippery in the rain.
• Respect: This is a living village, not a museum. Keep your voice down and do not enter private areas.
• Shopping: Village stalls sell products such as homemade jam, erişte (noodles), tarhana and handicrafts. Buying from local producers supports the village economy.
• Time: A few hours is enough for breakfast and a short walk.

Combining Cumalıkızık with Bursa and Gölyazı

Cumalıkızık is the natural starting point of a trip to Bursa. After the village you can visit the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami), the Covered Bazaar, the Green Mosque and Tomb, and the tombs at Tophane in the city centre. In the afternoon, Gölyazı on the shore of Lake Uluabat ends the day with a peaceful lake view. For these stops, see our guide to Bursa's historic sites and our Gölyazı guide.

For school groups, the fact that Cumalıkızık is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site is a good topic for discussion. For other school programmes, take a look at our school trips page.

How to get to the village

Cumalıkızık is close to Bursa city centre and can be reached quickly by road. Independent visitors with their own cars use the car parks at the village entrance; as the village is made up of narrow lanes, it is not suitable for driving around. On group tours, the coach pulls up at the village entrance and the visit is made on foot. Tours from Istanbul leave early in the morning, reach Bursa via the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge, or the Eskihisar–Topçular ferry or the Osmangazi Bridge, and arrive in the village in time for breakfast.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Cumalıkızık?

Cumalıkızık is a historic village east of Bursa, on the foothills of Uludağ. It is close to the city centre.

How long does it take to visit Cumalıkızık?

A few hours is enough for breakfast and a short walk through the streets. On the tour, free time is given after breakfast.

Is Cumalıkızık on the UNESCO list?

Yes. Cumalıkızık is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Bursa and Cumalıkızık: the Birth of the Ottoman Empire".

What to eat in Cumalıkızık?

The village-style spread breakfast is the village's best-known treat. Gözleme, homemade jams and, in season, raspberries are also popular.