Panorama 1326 Bursa Conquest Museum to Meet Again Its Visitors

The Panorama 1326 Bursa Conquest Museum illustrates the conquest of western Bursa province. It is, in the meantime, the Ottoman Empire’s first capital before Istanbul. Moreover, the city’s journey consists of a period of principalities to a world state. So, it is preparing to reopen as part of Turkey’s normalization process from its fight against COVID-19.

Fingerprints of World-renown Turkish Historian Halil İnalcık

World-renown historian and professor Halil İnalcık supervised the museum. He designed the museum in the concept of a green building and died in July 2016, which fascinates visitors. The museum, therefore, portrays a realistic view of the city’s geography. It becomes possible with 360-degree panoramic photos taken around Hacı İvazpaşa Mosque. It locates in the historical bazaar and inns in the region, and topography maps. The museum features 16 paintings. All those artworks describe the major events during the founding process of the Ottoman Empire. Furthermore, they also contain the six Ottoman sultans buried in Bursa and social life during their time.

The Attraction of 1326 Bursa Conquest Museum

The museum has already become the center of attention for local and foreign tourists in a very short time since its initial launch. So, the museum is counting the days to its second opening after its closure due to the outbreak. In an interview with Anadolu Agency (AA), Osmangazi Mayor Mustafa Dündar said the museum was opened to visitors on Nov. 1, 2018. And President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan officially inaugurated it on Feb. 15, 2019.

The Largest Fully Panoramic Museum in The World

Indicating that over 800,000 visitors from 109 counties have visited the museum since its inception. Dündar noted, “This is the result of the fact that the museum is the largest fully panoramic museum in the world with its different concepts and different approaches.” He pointed out that the globe-shaped museum depicts April 6, 1326. It is the time of the conquest of Bursa with a realistic illustration. “So, you get a different experience due to the museum’s own technical characteristics when you enter here. You will be surprised and go back to a different world of 694 years ago,” he said. He further advised that one should visit the museum personally, rather than hearing it from others, to enjoy this experience.

The Particular Characteristic of 1326 Bursa Conquest Museum

The Board of Directors of the World Panorama Museums Union, the mayors, and museum directors of the cities made up the union. They have all recently visited Panorama 1326 Bursa Conquest Museum. They excitedly said that the museum has surpassed all others of this kind in the world as it takes a step further with cutting-edge characteristics. “Also, while such museums all over the world portray war, Panorama 1326 Bursa Conquest Museum depicts peace. It was important for us to hear this message we wanted to convey from our foreign guests,” he added. 

The Victory After a 23-Year-Long Siege

The Ottomans took over the power in Bursa without violence after 23 years of siege. The Ottomans got the keys to the city by reaching a compromise with the Byzantines. And thus, 40% of the Byzantines who lived in the city back then preferred to stay in Bursa.

The museum has been close for two months due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Due to the progress in efforts to combat the virus, the museums will say hi to the visitors as of June 1. So, in order for the reopening, they are cleaning the museum, in addition to social distancing rules.

The Strict Social Distancing Rules Will Be Followed

According to Dündar, the museum staff will ensure guests observing social distancing rules, while also keeping a minimum distance between themselves and visitors. The number of guests, on the other hand, will be restricted. This is going to happen in line with the number of square meters in the globe section. What’s more, visitors will be escorted in groups with limited numbers. Dündar lastly said that they will also offer virtual tour opportunities via the internet.