Overview of Bursa’s Economy

Bursa is one of the few cities in the world that has successfully achieved harmony between natural beauty, industry, and technology. Located on the historic Silk Road, Bursa has always been an important commercial center thanks to its strategic position. At the same time, it is a cradle of civilizations and a historic city that preserves the spatial and architectural characteristics of the Byzantine, Ottoman, and Republican periods to the present day.

Population (2024) 3,238,618
Surface Area 11,043 km²
Rank by Surface Area 27
Population Density (2024) 312
Imports (Thousand USD, 2024) 8,926,076
Exports (Thousand USD, 2024) 18,187,072
Foreign Trade Volume (Thousand USD) 27,113,148
Number of Organized Industrial Zones 17


Bursa represents an active and guiding force in the development of the Turkish economy and in providing new momentum for its growth. Through its contributions to the development of the national and regional economy, the generation of foreign exchange revenues through exports, and the strengthening of industrial infrastructure, Bursa demonstrates remarkable economic dynamism.

Bursa’s geographical location is also a significant advantage for its industry. Due to its strategic position, Bursa serves as the gateway from the Anatolian Peninsula to the West and from the West to Anatolia.

With the establishment of foreign-owned silk factories in the 19th century, Bursa continued to play an important role in the development of the national economy during the Republican Era from 1923 onward, both through public investments such as the Merinos Factory and through industrial enterprises established by the private sector. Sectors such as textiles, automotive, machinery and metal manufacturing, agro-based industries and food production, and furniture manufacturing stand out and generate significant value in Bursa. In addition to these leading industries, Bursa continues to produce high-tech products in emerging sectors such as rail systems, aviation, and defense.

Thanks to its advanced manufacturing industry and trade network, Bursa has become a global center of attraction. It plays a significant role in Türkiye’s economic growth and its position as one of the leading emerging economies.

Bursa continues to lead health and wellness tourism through its thermal facilities. In addition to its fertile plains and water resources, Bursa is also distinguished by its mountain ranges stretching along the east-west axis. The most prominent among them is Uludağ, the highest mountain in the Marmara Region with an elevation of 2,543 meters and the leading center of winter tourism in Türkiye.

Having maintained its status as an important urban center throughout history, Bursa reflects the natural and cultural richness of Türkiye through its religious and civil architecture from the Eastern Roman and Ottoman periods, sacred sites of Islam and Christianity, lush natural environment, abundant thermal springs, natural lakes, waterfalls, authentic venues, and Uludağ, a renowned winter tourism destination. The city offers a wide variety of alternative tourism opportunities throughout all four seasons. With its rich history, natural beauty, vibrant social life, and dynamic economy, Bursa continues to embody and sustain its unique urban identity as the “City Where Cultures Meet.”

Last Updated: 07.07.2025