Our homeland is like poetry—Bursa, the most beautiful city of all time. Throughout history, it has been a source of pride for Bithynia, Rome, and the Ottoman Empire. Even with the Republic, Bursa has maintained this distinction. A city where all four seasons can be felt, and whose name is synonymous with the color green. With its economy, agriculture, industry, and workforce, it has been a pride of the Republic as well. Our state officials frequently included Bursa in the itinerary when hosting foreign dignitaries. The reason travelers, sultans, kings, queens, presidents, prime ministers, princes, and princesses have often visited Bursa, toured its streets, and enjoyed its atmosphere during their trips to Türkiye is because it serves as an irreplaceable showcase of our natural, cultural, historical, and economic strength. The most beautiful city of all time—Bursa.

Eighty-two years ago, in an October, Swedish Crown Prince Gustaf Adolf visited Bursa with his wife, Princess Louise, and daughter, Princess Ingrid. They stayed for one night at the Cumhuriyet Köşkü and returned to Istanbul via Mudanya the next day. Even this brief visit was enough for the prince to express his admiration before leaving: "You have a land as beautiful as poetry."

The Vakit Gazette, dated October 6, 1934, reported the visit of the Crown Prince and his family: "Our guests stepped out of their cars in Kurşunlu Village, greeting the villagers who saluted them. The village girls presented flowers to the guests. The city was decorated with Turkish and Swedish flags. The Crown Prince disembarked from his car in Cumhuriyet Square, strolling among the crowd that welcomed him. Following this, they proceeded to Cumhuriyet Köşkü. The mayor presented each guest with a bouquet on behalf of the city. After dinner, they visited Yeşil Tomb and Mosque, the museum, and other monuments. Prince Gustaf Adolf showed great interest in the Yeşil Mosque, staying there for an hour."

The Crown Prince was especially fascinated by the Yeşil Mosque. According to the Hakimiyeti Milliye (Ulus) Gazette, dated October 7, 1934: "They listened attentively to the explanations given in the Yeşil Mosque, following along with the guidebook in their hands. The Crown Prince`s admiration for the beauty and craftsmanship of the mosque lasted a full hour and a half. He particularly focused on the intricate tile decorations and carved wooden details, taking numerous photographs of the mosque`s exterior. Following this, they toured Yeşil Tomb, continued their research at the museum, and visited Ulu Mosque and other mausoleums. As they walked through the city, the crowds gathered along the streets applauded them with warmth and respect."

Prince Gustaf Adolf and his family spent the night at Cumhuriyet Köşkü, but their schedule remained packed the next day. As reported in the Cumhuriyet Gazette on October 7, 1934: "Early in the morning (October 6, 1934), the Swedish Crown Prince, accompanied by his wife and daughter, as well as Bursa Governor Fazlı Bey and Mayor Muhittin Bey, ascended Uludağ. They were greeted at the Uludağ Hotel by the Mountain Club. The Crown Prince and his family warmly interacted with mountaineers, engaging in discussions about winter sports. The Prince admired the mesmerizing scenery of Uludağ, taking numerous photographs. The Mountain Club presented him with a beautiful album. After breakfast at the hotel, they returned to Bursa. The Crown Prince then visited the Silk Industry Institute, Muradiye Tombs, İpekiş Factory, Çekirge Thermal Springs, and Yıldırım Tomb before departing for Mudanya at 18:30. As a token of appreciation, the city presented the Prince with a bouquet and an album showcasing Bursa. He then set sail for Istanbul aboard the Ertuğrul Yacht."



Gustaf Adolf and his delegation left Bursa with very positive impressions. The Vakit Gazette on October 7, 1934, reported the Prince’s parting words about Bursa and its people:

"You have a land as beautiful as poetry. I will never forget the love and hospitality of your people."

 Source: Şehrengiz Magazine, Issue 55, October 2014 Copies of Hakimiyeti Milliye (Ulus), Vakit, Akşam, and Cumhuriyet newspapers featuring coverage of Prince Adolf`s visit.