Maritsa River in Edirne to become a “Water Sports Center”

Projects are being developed to utilize the Maritsa River, known for its floods in Edirne, for both energy and tourism purposes. One of the world’s largest projects in its category, the construction of an “Archimedean screw hydropower plant”, is set to begin electricity production soon. The river is also being used for sports and entertainment.

Last month, Governor’s Office (in Edirne) launched tourist tours with “Kancabaş” (authentic Ottoman style) type boats on the river to make better use of the waterways. These electric motorboats, named “Mecidiye,” “Meriç,” and “Arda,” are 8 meters long and have a capacity of 14 people. They offer tours from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and weekends. Passengers can enjoy a 30-minute tour on the river.

 Maritsa River recognized as a “Natural Course” for rowing sports

Three years ago, TED Edirne College established a rowing club and organized rowing festivals on the river, attracting the attention of the international rowing community. Supported by the Turkish Rowing Federation, the course has become recognized internationally and has been shortlisted as a potential rowing center.

During the competitions in the Czech Republic last year, a vote awarded Turkey the right to host the course races, surpassing Germany and Italy. The River will host its first international event in September with the European Championship and will subsequently host the Balkan Rowing Festival.

Speedboats to be used on the River, as well

Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer announced that jet ski and speedboat tours would be introduced on the Maritsa River. He emphasized that several projects were being implemented to make the most of the river.

He said, “We are constructing flood-resistant glass walls on both banks of the river from the Meriç Bridge to the Mehmet Müezzinoğlu Bridge. This area will serve as a natural dock where people can moor their boats. Speedboats and jet skis are coming soon. We want this area to support all types of water sports. We aim for it to be a place where watercraft are used for entertainment and visual purposes, and eventually, we envision it as an area with excursion boats.”