Edirne, Turkey

Edirne, which is a border city, is the gate of Turkey that opens to Europe. The ancient name of Edirne, which was founded by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, is Hadrianopolis. The name of Edirne is derived from Hadrianapolis. The first settlements in and around Edirne date back to 4000 BC. There are no important works belonging to the Roman and Byzantine periods in the city. The city, which was conquered by the Ottomans in 1363, became the capital until the conquest of Istanbul. There are many works belonging to the Ottoman period in the city. We can list them as follows. New Palace and Fatih Bridge in Sarayiçi location where Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling is traditionally organised every year, Rustempaşa Hostel which was built by Sinan the Architect in 1561 inside the city and Ali Pasha Grand Bazaar which was built in 1569 and also Ahmet Pasha Hostel, Ottoman Bazaar, Tashan, Yıldırım Bayezit Mosque, Old Mosque, Gazi Mihal Mosque and Bridge, II. Bayezit Mosque and Hospital and Medical School within a social complex; Mosque with three minaret balconies built during the reign of II. Murat (1421-1451) are some of the important works located in the city.

Selimiye Mosque

However, the most important work in Edirne is Selimiye Mosque which is the symbol of the city and is located in a social complex and built by famous architect, Sinan the Architect between 1569-1575 for the name of Sultan II. Selim and is also called “this is a work of my mastership period” by Sinan the architect. The mosque has a wonderful appearance from a far away with its dome in diameter of 31.30m and with its four minarets. İznik tiles from the 16th century decorate the niche and Sultan’s mihrab of the mosque.