Formely known as Hadrianopolis, Edirne is located
in Thrace, which is a border province of Greece
and Bulgaria. Founded in the 3rd century, it is
now an important border city situated at the confluence
of the Tunca and Meriç rivers
(Maritza).
Capital of the Ottoman Empire
during the first half of the 15th century and place
of birth of the Conqueror, it remained a place of
residence much appreciated by the sultans after
the conquest of Constantinople.
The Selimiye Mosque, Sinan's
masterpiece, was built between 1566 and 1575 for
Selim II. This mosque is the culmination of Sinan's
centralized-domed plans, and he himself considered
this mosque to be his masterwork. The courtyard
is surrounded by porticos decorated with floral
designs and topped with 22 domes supported by 18
columns. The 20 windows around the courtyard are
covered with glazed tile panels. The shutters of
the doors are fine examples of engraving and mother
of pearl relief. The great central dome which height
from the ground to the keystone is 43,28 m /142
ft, has a diameter of 31,30 m / 102.7 ft. It is
supported by eight massive piers in between which
are impressive arcades. Except for the dome, the
walls and arches are very plainly decorated. The
red colour marks the contours of the basic architectural
forms. The dome is framed and balanced by the four
loftiest minarets in Turkey, which are 70,89 m high.
The Grand Hammam, also by the same architect, is
still in use. The Edirne Palace built during the
reign of Murat II, the Bazaar, the Ottoman wooden
houses, the Caravanserais, the Rüstem Pasha Mosque,
the numerous old bridges are among the curiosities.
Ottoman bridge over the Meriç river
Dome of the Selimiye mosque
In Kırkpınar, oil-wrestling
events take place every year in June/July.
For 600 years a special ceremonial have fixed
up the order of these sportive events to the
rhythm of drums, big drums and clarinets.