VISIT EDIRNE, PLACES TO SEE AND THINGS TO DO

---

Located near the borders of Greece and Bulgaria in northwestern Turkey, Edirne is a city of grand mosques, historical bridges, and imperial charm. Once the capital of the Ottoman Empire before Istanbul, Edirne has preserved its majestic architecture, multicultural heritage, and ceremonial traditions. Far from the crowds of coastal or central Turkey, Edirne offers a peaceful yet enriching experience for travelers who appreciate history, art, and local culture.

Top Places to Visit in Edirne

Selimiye Mosque: Designed by the legendary Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, Selimiye is one of the most magnificent mosques in the Islamic world. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its soaring minarets, vast dome, and finely detailed interior reflect the height of classical Ottoman design.

Old Mosque (Eski Cami): Built earlier than Selimiye, this mosque features bold calligraphic murals and a serene ambiance. It’s a quiet contrast to its more famous neighbor, yet deeply spiritual and atmospheric.

Üç Şerefeli Mosque: Known for its unique architecture, including a minaret with three balconies and striped arches in the courtyard, this mosque marks an important transition in Ottoman design.

Edirne Palace (Saray-ı Cedid): Though much of it is in ruins, this former Ottoman palace complex once rivaled Topkapı in scale. You can still visit the Justice Tower and remnants of the kitchen and bath areas. Archaeological efforts continue to uncover more of its past glory.

Balkan War Museum & Karaağaç Train Station: These sites commemorate the region’s role in the Balkan Wars. The beautifully preserved train station in Karaağaç, once part of the Orient Express route, now houses Trakya University’s Fine Arts Faculty and a war memorial.

Macedonian Tower (Saatli Medrese): One of the remaining towers from the city’s ancient Roman and Byzantine walls, offering insight into Edirne’s layered history.

Top Things to Do in Edirne

Walk Across the Historical Bridges: The Meriç (Maritsa) and Tunca Rivers are spanned by elegant Ottoman stone bridges that connect Edirne’s landmarks and offer peaceful riverside walks—especially at sunset.

Attend the Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival: Held annually in July, this is the world’s oldest continuously running sporting event. The centuries-old tradition of yağlı güreş (oil wrestling) is both a sport and a cultural spectacle.

Explore the Markets and Bazaars: Visit Ali Paşa Bazaar, designed by Mimar Sinan, for a local shopping experience. Browse for traditional soaps, Edirne cheese, hand-embroidered textiles, and sweets like almond paste (badem ezmesi).

Try Local Cuisine: Edirne is known for liver (ciğer tava), served crispy with green peppers, as well as regional desserts like deva-i misk. Enjoy them at traditional lokantas around the city center.

Visit the Health Museum (Beyazid II Complex): This former Ottoman hospital and medical school is now a museum showcasing 15th-century psychiatric treatment methods, music therapy, and holistic healing—well ahead of its time.