Bursa, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire, holds a unique place in history as a center for silk production and trade. During the 14th to 16th centuries, the city witnessed the construction of numerous commercial structures, including hans (caravanserais) and bazaars, forming a bustling hub of economic activity. Among these historic buildings stands Koza Han, a testament to Bursa’s silk trade legacy.

In February or March of 1490, Sultan Bayezid II commissioned the construction of Koza Han, situated next to the old Orhan Gazi Mosque. The talented architect, Abdul Ula Bin Pulad Shah, oversaw the project, and the han opened its doors to the world in September 1491. The han’s revenues, through the waqf system, were dedicated to the maintenance of Bayezid’s mosque complex in Istanbul.

Koza Han served as a caravanserai, offering lodging to foreign merchants, storage for their goods, workshops for craftsmen, and offices for business dealings. In the early 16th century, it was even the office of the Medicis of Florence‘s commercial agent. The han remained a central hub for silk trade, including the production and sale of silk cocoons, from its inception to the modern era.

Koza Han showcases alternating layers of brick and stone, creating a visually striking exterior. Its rectangular layout features a large central courtyard surrounded by a two-story gallery leading to small vaulted rooms. The han comprises 50 rooms on the ground floor and 54 on the upper floor. At the center of the courtyard, a raised octagonal stone mosque was designed to keep it clean from pack animals on the ground floor.

Over the years, Koza Han has undergone multiple restorations, maintaining its historical significance. Today, visitors can explore its rich heritage, appreciate the blend of brick and stone architecture, and enjoy a cup of tea in the cafés and tea gardens within the han’s confines.

Koza Han is more than just a historic building; it’s a living testament to Bursa’s silk trade legacy, offering a journey back in time for history enthusiasts and tourists alike