Mosque
Eski Cami
The Old Mosque, completed in 1414, is one of the city's early Ottoman mosques. It is known for its monumental calligraphy on the interior walls. It is located in the city center, just a few minutes from the Selimiye.
Turkey
Edirne
CityCultureUNESCO
Edirne is located in Turkey's far northwest, in the European part of Thrace, about two and a half hours' drive from Istanbul.
by Felix Gillen
Edirne is located in Turkey's far northwest, in the European part of Thrace, about two and a half hours' drive from Istanbul. The former Ottoman capital boasts the Selimiye Mosque, master architect Sinan's masterpiece, and an old town brimming with mosques and bazaars. You can reach the sights in the city center on foot; Kırkpınar Square is situated on the river island of Sarayiçi.
Sights in Edirne
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Mosque
Selimiye Mosque
Mimar Sinan built the mosque for Sultan Selim II between 1568/69 and 1574/75, considering it his masterpiece. The dome measures approximately 31 meters in diameter, and its four minarets are nearly 71 meters high. Together with its foundation complex, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011. Following approximately four years of restoration, it will be fully reopened from February 2026.
Attraction
Kırkpınar Wrestling Site
In Sarayiçi Square, the Kırkpınar oil wrestling, one of Turkey's oldest traditional wrestling tournaments, takes place. Sarayiçi is located north of the Old Town, on the Tunca River.
Museum
Archaeology and Ethnography Museum
The museum right next to the Selimiye Mosque dates back to a collection from the 1920s, with the current building opening in 1971. It is divided into an archaeological and an ethnographic section. Larger pieces are displayed in the garden, including Roman sarcophagi, dolmens, and menhirs.
Museum
Health Museum in the Bayezid II Complex
Sultan Bayezid II had the complex built on the banks of the Tundzha, and its medical school opened in 1488. The associated hospital also treated psychiatric patients, using music and the sound of water, among other methods. Since 1997, it has housed a museum of Trakya University, which received the Council of Europe Museum Prize in 2004. Figural scenes illustrate the treatments and teaching of that period.
Üç Şerefeli Mosque
Sultan Murad II. had the mosque built in the old town near Selimiye Mosque and Eski Cami by 1447. It takes its name from a minaret with three balconies (üç şerefeli); each of its minarets features a different design. The main dome, with a diameter of around 24 meters, was larger than any previous Ottoman dome. After a fire in 1732 and an earthquake in 1752, it was restored under Mahmud I.
Restaurants in Edirne
Since 1998 in the Tahmis Çarşısı and one of the top spots for Tava Ciğer. Besides the liver, there are Edirne-Köfte and desserts. During peak times, expect a wait.
A father and son have run this eatery on Osmaniye Caddesi in Balıkpazarı since 1964. The Tava Ciğer is prepared following a recipe unchanged for decades. It's long been popular with locals.
The eatery dates back to a 1973 Köfte kitchen, occupying its own premises since 1983. Tava Ciğer is the main draw, though the menu includes Köfte and Edirne Sucuk. For dessert, try the semolina pudding with ice cream.
Food & Drinks
In Turkey, Edirne is primarily known for its liver. Other specialties from Thrace include white cheese and almond pastries.
Tava Ciğer
Thinly sliced, pan-fried liver. The dish for which the city is known throughout Turkey.
Ciğer Sarma
A second liver specialty of the city, which you find in Ciğer eateries alongside Tava Ciğer.
Edirne Beyaz Peyniri
White cheese from the Edirne region, often part of breakfast.
Badem Ezmesi
Almond paste from Edirne. The city's almond cookies pair well with it.
Culture & History
Ottoman Imperial CityBefore Istanbul, Edirne was the capital of the Ottoman Empire and lay on the main route between Istanbul and the Balkans. Selim II served as governor here and chose the city for his imperial mosque. The Eski Cami (1414) and the Üç Şerefeli Cami (1447) demonstrate the development of early Ottoman architecture.Selimiye World Heritage SiteThe Selimiye Mosque, with its foundation complex, has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2011. After approximately four years of restoration, it has been fully reopened since February 2026, and its completion was officially celebrated in June 2026.KırkpınarOn Kırkpınar Square in Sarayiçi, one of Turkey's oldest traditional wrestling tournaments, the Ölringen (oil wrestling), takes place.
Getting There & Around
Getting ThereCar: From Istanbul, it’s about 235 kilometers, a drive of two to two and a half hours.Bus: Intercity buses run from Istanbul Bus Station (Otogar) to Edirne, taking about three and a half hours.Train: Since October 2026, a high-speed train runs from Edirne to Çerkezköy in under an hour, where you change for a regional train to Halkalı. The total journey is about three hours, while the direct regional train takes over five hours.On-siteSelimiye, Eski Cami, Üç Şerefeli Cami, and the bazaars are all close together in the center. For the Health Museum and Sarayiçi across the Tunca, it’s best to take a taxi or walk over the old stone bridges.TipPlan a full day or an overnight stay. As a day trip from Istanbul, little time remains on site due to travel time.
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