Edirne
The second Ottoman capital and Sinan's masterpiece: the Selimiye Mosque.
About Edirne
Edirne, known in antiquity as Adrianople, was the second capital of the Ottoman Empire for almost a century (1365–1453), before the conquest of Constantinople. This city on Türkiye's European border is home to what many consider the absolute masterpiece of Ottoman architecture: the Selimiye Mosque.
Designed by the legendary architect Mimar Sinan when he was 80 years old, it was the building Sinan himself considered his finest work, surpassing even the Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul. Its 31.5-metre dome is slightly wider than that of Hagia Sophia, and its luminous interior, with 999 windows and perfect acoustics, is a spiritual experience even for non-believers.
Edirne offers much more: the Mosque of the Three Balconies (Üç Şerefeli), the Complex of Bayezid II with its psychiatric hospital where patients were treated with music and water (a revolutionary idea for the 15th century), and the famous Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival, considered the oldest sporting event in the world still held (since 1362).
What to See in Edirne
Selimiye Mosque
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the crowning work of Mimar Sinan, the greatest Ottoman architect. Built between 1568 and 1575 for Sultan Selim II, its dome, 31.5 m in diameter and 43 m high, rests on eight pillars, creating an interior of breathtaking spaciousness. Its 999 windows flood the interior with light.
Complex of Bayezid II
A 15th-century complex comprising a mosque, a madrasa, a soup kitchen and a hospital where psychiatric patients were treated with music therapy, the sound of running water and aromatherapy. Today it's the Museum of Health, showing Ottoman medical practices that were surprisingly advanced for their time.
Historic Bazaars
The Edirne Bedesten (covered market) and the Arasta Bazaar are 15th-century Ottoman markets where you can buy Edirne's famous handmade soaps, Thracian white cheese, rose oil and leather goods. Far calmer and more authentic than Istanbul's Grand Bazaar.
Meriç Bridge
A 16th-century Ottoman stone bridge over the Meriç (Maritsa) river, which marks the border with Greece. At sunset, the view from the bridge with the minarets of the Selimiye behind is spectacular. The riverside comes alive with families and anglers.
Kırkpınar Festival
Held every July since 1362, it is the oldest oil-wrestling tournament in the world and is inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The pehlivans (wrestlers) compete covered in olive oil, in a tradition that has continued for more than 660 years.
Must-See Places
Food in Edirne
Edirne is known as the food capital of Thrace. Its star dish is ciğer tava: calf's liver fried in thin, crisp slices, served with hot peppers and onion. It's so popular that there's a whole street of liver restaurants (Ciğerciler Caddesi).
Other essentials: Edirne white cheese (beyaz peynir), considered the best in Türkiye; almond sweets (badem ezmesi) shaped like decorative fruit; and rose jam. The historic confectioners on the main street sell handmade helva and rose lokum, which make perfect gifts.
Practical Tips
- Edirne is a perfect day trip from Istanbul (2.5 hours by car). It combines well with Troy and Gallipoli on a 2–3-day tour.
- Visit the Selimiye in mid-morning, when the light streams through the eastern windows: the effect is stunning.
- Don't leave without trying ciğer tava on the street of liver restaurants: you won't find it made quite like this anywhere else in Türkiye.
- If you travel in July, time your visit with the Kırkpınar Festival: oil wrestling is a unique spectacle.
- Edirne's handmade soaps and Thracian white cheese are the best souvenirs of the visit.
Getting There
Edirne lies 230 km north-west of Istanbul, on the border with Greece and Bulgaria. By car or private transport it takes about 2.5 hours on the motorway. There are frequent buses from Istanbul's bus station (3–3.5 hours).
Edirne is also a regular stop for travellers arriving overland from Europe (Bulgaria or Greece). On private tours, Edirne can be combined with Gallipoli and Troy on a 2–3-day tour of Thrace and the Dardanelles.
Frequently Asked Questions about Edirne
How many days do I need to visit Edirne?
I recommend spending at least 1 day in Edirne so you can see the main sights at a relaxed pace. If you have more time, you can combine it with nearby destinations to make the most of your trip.
When is the best time to visit Edirne?
The best time to visit Edirne is April to June, September to November. That said, every season has its charm, and Türkiye is a destination you can enjoy all year round.
Can I visit Edirne with an English-speaking guide?
Yes. As a licensed, English-speaking tour guide in Türkiye, I organise private tours and day tours in Edirne. Every itinerary can be tailored to your interests.
How do I get to Edirne from Istanbul?
Depending on the destination, you can get there by domestic flight (1–1.5 h), by coach or by private car. On the tours I organise, transport is included and planned to make the most of your sightseeing time.
Can I include Edirne in a longer tour of Türkiye?
Of course. Edirne combines easily with other destinations in Türkiye. I design tailor-made itineraries of 7, 10, 12 or 15 days that include this and other fascinating places.
Want to visit Edirne with a licensed, English-speaking guide? Book your private guide in Türkiye and we'll plan the itinerary together.
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