Dozens of businesses destroyed in fire at historical bazaar in Bursa

BURSA

AA Photo

Tens of businesses have been completely burned after a fire broke out in a historical bazaar in the northwestern province of Bursa early this morning.

The Beylik Hanı building, which contains around 20 businesses, including shops and restaurants, was engulfed by the blaze in mere minutes. Firefighters, meanwhile, only managed to bring the blaze under control after three hours.

Around 25 to 30 stores’ roofs and internal sections were burned, İnegöl Mayor Alinur Aktaş told Anadolu Agency, adding that there were also many businesses affected by the water used during the firefighting process.

Around 50 firefighters battled with the flames with around 30 fire trucks. Additional firefighting teams were dispatched to the site to help battle the flames after crews in İnegöl requested backup.
A shoemaker, silversmith, restaurant, jewelry and pharmacy in the 185-year wooden building were all destroyed by the major fire.

Aktaş said authorities were investigating the source of the fire and that arson had not been ruled out.


“As the fire didn’t break out in only one spot, there possibility of arson is being investigated. It might also have been caused by a short circuit. We are considering these two [possibilities],” he said.