The Story of Arap Şükrü
A Family Tradition from Arap Şükrü to the Present Day
One of the symbols of Bursa's long-established culinary and entertainment culture, Arap Şükrü Street takes its name from Arap Şükrü Değişmez, who was born in Thessaloniki in 1893.
A father of five sons and three daughters, Arap Şükrü Değişmez fought during the Turkish War of Independence and became a veteran at the age of 35. After the war, he returned to Bursa and opened the first tavern on the street that would later bear his name, laying the foundations of a tradition that would grow into one of Bursa's most distinctive social and culinary destinations.
The establishment founded by Arap Şükrü became much more than simply a place to eat. It developed into a special gathering place where friends came together around the same table, where fresh fish and mezes were accompanied by conversation, and where Bursa's distinctive traditional tavern culture was kept alive.
When Arap Şükrü Değişmez passed away in 1960, he left behind not only an establishment but also an important family legacy that would be carried on by his children and future generations. As his children continued this tradition, the name Arap Şükrü gradually became identified with the area, which came to be known as Arap Şükrü Street.
The Tradition Continues at Arap Şükrü Aydın
Today, one of the representatives of this long-established family tradition is Arap Şükrü Aydın Restaurant.
The owner of Arap Şükrü Aydın, Aydın Türkeş, is a third-generation descendant of Arap Şükrü Değişmez. Carrying forward the legacy passed down through his family, Aydın Türkeş continues the dining and tavern culture that Arap Şükrü began many years ago.
Located on Bursa's historic Arap Şükrü Street, Arap Şükrü Aydın brings the long-standing Arap Şükrü tradition to its guests with fresh fish and seafood, carefully prepared mezes, and a traditional dining culture passed down through generations.
The aim is not only to serve delicious food, but also to preserve the family culture, hospitality, and tradition of gathering around the same table that have been passed down from Arap Şükrü Değişmez to his children, grandchildren, and subsequent generations.
Arap Şükrü Aydın, as part of this long-established family legacy, continues to preserve the spirit of Arap Şükrü Street and carry this tradition forward for future generations.
Bursa's Historic Arap Şükrü Street
Today, Arap Şükrü Street is one of Bursa's best-known gastronomic destinations, renowned for its fish restaurants, traditional mezes, music, and distinctive atmosphere. It remains one of the city's living cultural and culinary landmarks.
The foundations of this unique culture were laid many years ago with the first tavern opened by Arap Şükrü Değişmez.
Arap Şükrü Aydın Restaurant, operated by Aydın Türkeş, a third-generation descendant of Arap Şükrü Değişmez, continues to preserve and represent this historic family legacy on Bursa's Arap Şükrü Street.