Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, was also its center of silk production and trade. Particularly in the 14th to 16th centuries, a large number of commercial structures such as hans (caravanserais), bazaars (covered markets), and a bedesten were built in the city center, forming a major zone of economic activity. (At least 13 of these structures have survived today despite numerous earthquakes).
As a caravanserai, the han provided lodging for foreign merchants, storage for their animals and goods, housing for the workshops of craftsmen, and/or offices for conducting business. The Koza Han was one of the largest and most important examples in Bursa. In the early 16th century the commercial agent of the Medicis of Florence had his office in this building. It continued to be a center of silk trade throughout its history, with expensive silk shops still present in the building today, although the industry is no longer as prominent as it once was.
Silk is the strong point in many shops. Silk was Bursa’s prime cloth trade for centuries, and although much of the silk now on sale comes from elsewhere, the variety and selection are still impressive.
Jewellery shops are also occupy the majory in Bazaar.
