Edirne is certainly the cultural and historical capital of Thrace region with its caravanserais, flamboyant mosques that shed light on the Ottoman era and historical baths not to forget its friendly resident. It offers visitors a variety of attractions and places to explore. Here are some must-visit sites in Edirne:
SELIMIYE MOSQUE: A masterpiece of Ottoman architecture designed by Mimar Sinan, the Selimiye Mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its grand dome and minarets make it one of the most iconic landmarks in Edirne.
Known for its unique blend of Islamic and Byzantine architectural styles, the Eski Camii is an impressive mosque with beautiful calligraphy and decorative elements.
EDIRNE PALACE RUINS: Explore the remains of the Edirne Palace, which served as the Ottoman imperial residence. Although much of it is in ruins, the site provides a glimpse into the city’s historical significance.
KARAAGAC TRAIN STATION MUSEUM: Housed in a historic train station building, this museum showcases the history of railways in Edirne and the surrounding region. It includes vintage train cars and equipment.
MUSEUM OF TURKISH AND ISLAMIC ART: Located in a historic building, the museum displays a diverse collection of Turkish and Islamic art, including manuscripts, ceramics, and ethnographic artifacts.
BEYAZIT II HEALTH MUSEUM: Explore the history of medicine in the Ottoman Empire through the exhibits of medical instruments, manuscripts, and documents in this museum.
EDIRNE BEDESTEN (COVERED BAZAAR): Wander through the covered bazaar, where you can find traditional crafts, textiles, carpets, and souvenirs. It’s a great place to experience the local atmosphere and shop for unique items.
KIRKPINAR OIL WRESTLING ARENA: Attend the annual Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival, one of the oldest sports events in the world. The festival includes traditional wrestling competitions and cultural activities.
EDIRNE SYNAGOGUE: Visit the restored Edirne Synagogue, which is one of the oldest synagogues in Turkey. The interior features beautiful decorations and architectural details.
MOSQUE WITH 3 MINARETTES: This mosque is known for its unique minarets with three balconies. Climb to the top for panoramic views of Edirne.
EDIRNE ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM: Learn about the archaeological history and ethnography of Edirne through the exhibits in this museum.
EDIRNE GRAND BAZAAR: Explore the bustling Grand Bazaar, where you can find a wide range of goods, including textiles, spices, and local products.
MERİÇ BRIDGE: Admire the Meriç Bridge, an Ottoman-era bridge with stunning architectural features. It offers beautiful views of the river and surrounding areas.
The Edirne Castle Macedonia Clock Tower is one of the towers located at the four corners of the walls surrounding Hadrianopolis, founded by Roman Emperor Hadrian. After Edirne Governor Hacı İzzet Paşa added wooden floors and clocks to the tower (1866-1867), it became known as the Clock Tower. The clock on this tower was also referred to as the People’s Clock for a long time. The Macedonia Tower and its surroundings, the only structure that has survived from the towers of the walls surrounding the city, have been opened as the ‘Urban Archaeology Park’ after excavation work.
EDİRNE CITY WALLS: Walk along the well-preserved city walls of Edirne, which date back to various periods, including Roman and Ottoman times.
EDİRNE MURADİYE COMPLEX: Visit the Muradiye Complex, which includes a mosque, a theological school, and a tomb. It is an excellent example of Ottoman architectural design.
EDİRNE OLD MOSQUE (ESKİ CAMİİ): These attractions showcase the historical, cultural, and architectural richness of Edirne, making it a rewarding destination for travelers interested in exploring Turkey’s heritage.
Some other places worth seeing are: Elmagac Railway Station (built during the reign of Abdulhamit, serves as the Rector’s building of the University of Thrace today), Selimiye Arastası (Ottoman Bazaar, built to provide income to Selimiye Mosque), Kasri of justice (the only part of Edirne Palace left from the Ottomans to the present day), Edirne Urban Forest (located on the banks of the Meriç River and is one of the Yesil green areas of Thrace), Edirne Saraclar Street (considered to be the heart of Edirne and was closed to vehicular traffic in 2008 with many shops, cafes and confectionery shops)
