EDİRNE
Area: 6.276 km²
Population: 40.599 (1990)
Traffic Code: 22
Edirne is located at the south of Tekirdağ,
the province between Turkey and Greece. The
city had been the second capital of Ottoman
Empire for years and in the 18th century had
become one of the seven biggest cities of
Europe.
As it was the capital city of the Ottoman
Empire 100 years ago, there are numerous
historical and architectural important
structures in the province. Edirne is a living
city - museum with its mosques, religious
complexes, bridges, old bazaar places,
caravanserais and palaces.
Districts : Enez, Havsa, İpsala, Keşan,
Lalapaşa, Meriç, Süloğlu and Uzunköprü.
How to Get
Edirne is connected to Istanbul and
consequently to Anatolia by both D - 100 road
and TEM highway and also the road of D - 100
connecting the city to Çanakkale province and
therefore Aegean Region. The city is connected
to Bulgaria and then to Europe by Kapıkule
Border Gate; not only by highway, but also by
railway. The city is connected to Greece by
Pazarkule and İpsala Border Gates by highway
and from Uzunköprü border gate by railway.
Edirne has a systematic transportation to
Anatolia over the provinces of Istanbul and
Çanakkale.
Coach Station Tel: (+90 - 284) 225 19 79
Railway Station Tel: (+90 - 284) 238 20 36 -
238 23 12 Harbour Tel: (+90 - 284) 811 60 27
Where to Visit
PLACES TO VISIT
Edirne Palace After the first palace
constructed by Sultan Murad I, the
construction of the Edirne Palace had started
during the reign of Sultan Murad Iat the west
of Tunca over a wide area in 1450. After the
death of Sultan Murad II in 1451, his son
Fatih Sultan Mehmed completed the construction
of the palace. Among the ruins are, Cihannüma
Kasrı (Worldwide Mansion), Kum Kasrı Hamamı
(Sand Mansion Bath), Babusseade, Matbahi Amire
and Adalet Kasrı (Justice Mansion).
Selimiye Mosque Selim II constructed the
mosque between the years 1569 - 1575. The
mosque is an unmatched creation with its stone
masonry, tiles and chisel artisanship.
Some of the other various mosques located in
Edirne province are, Üç Şerefeli Cami (Three -
Balcony Minaret Mosque), Eski Cami (Old
Mosque), Muradiye Mosque, Külliye of Beyezid
II and Beylerbeyi Mosque.
MOSGUES AND CHURCHES
The creation of Architect Sinan's mastery
period, Selimiye Mosque is the most important
work of Edirne and is one of the most
beautiful samples of Ottoman Architecture.
The other major mosques and churches of the
city could be counted as Üç Şerefeli Cami
(Three Minaret Balcony Mosque), Muradiye
Mosque, 2nd Bayezid Mosque and Külliye, Eski
Cami (Old Mosque), Yıldırım Bayezid Mosque,
Fatih Cami (Enez Hagia Sophia), Külliye of
Sokullu (Külliye of Kasım Paşa), Sweti George
Church and Yahudi Havrası (Jewish synagogue).
Edirne Mosques and Churches
Selimiye Mosque (Center): Monumental
structure, which is created by Mimar Sinan
during his 80 age, and mentioned as my "Master
piece" is one of the master pieces of Ottoman
Turkish art and World Architectural History.
Mosque, which is the symbol of Edirne and
Ottoman Empire, is within the city center.
Structure which draw attention from distant
lands via its four minarets, is also showing
that Mimar Sinan was a city planning expert at
the same time with the selection of
construction site of it.
Cut stone built mosque, covers an area of 2475
m2. Selimiye Mosque, which is mentioned as the
structure constructed on the widest place
within the history of architecture, is drawing
attention with its dome of 43,28 m high from
ground, and 31.30 m. diameter. Dome, which is
bigger than Hagia Sophia's dome, is sitting on
eight big positions, which are connecting to
each other with six meters wide arches.
Mosque, is very important with its adornment
characteristics, such as rock, marble, tile,
wooden, nacre besides the uniqueness of
architectural characteristics. Its niche and
balcony are the master pieces of arts of
marble labor. Tile adornments of the structure
have an important place within Ottoman and
World art. Most beautiful samples of the XVIth
century tile making, these tiles, are made
with 'sıraltı' technique, and constructed in
İznik.
There are four elegant envelope minarets with
3,80 m diameter and 70,89 m height of Selimiye
mosque. The minarets, which are at both sides
of the public gate, have three roadpaths each,
and each balcony can be climbed by separate
stairs. Other two minarets have one passage.
There are Darüssıbyan, Darülkur'a and
Darülhadis structures at outer courtyard of
the structure, which is constructed as a
kulliye.
Üç Şerefeli Mosque (Center): It is constructed
between 1443 and 1447, by IInd Murat. Mosque
is among the early and classical periods of
Osmanlı art. Here, you can face with a firstly
applied plan. 24 meters diameter having big
central dome, is based on six supports,
composed of two grade, and four wall grades.
There smaller two domes and covered square
divisions at sides. Structure, as an
innovation, has breadthways rectangular plan.
This plan is applied by Mimar Sinan, to
Istanbul mosques with more advanced form. Also
courtyard with revak is firstly applied to
this mosque in Ottoman architecture. Minarets
are placed at four ends of the courtyard. Üç
şerefeli mosque is a monumental structure
which is leading to the latter mosques with
these characteristics.
Monumental minaret with three balconies, which
named the mosque, is 67,62 meters high.
Separate passages are used to climb to the
balconies. Adornments of the mosque are also
interesting. Unique chisel adornments at revak
domes, are some of the oldest samples on the
Osmanlı mosques.
Muradiye Mosque (Center): It is constructed on
a Sarayiçi reigning hill at Muradiye district
by IInd Murat. There is no dating on its
inscription. It is the most beautiful sample
of the side spaced (with zaviye) mosques.
In spite of simplicity of external appearance,
mosque is one of the most drawing attention
structures of XVth century Ottoman art
according to internal adornment. Niche and
walls covering tiles, are the most beautiful
samples of the Turkish tile art.
II. Bayezit Mosque and Kulliye (Center):
Kulliye, which at the coasts of Tunca River,
and two kilometers away from city center, is
one of the most important structures of Edirne.
It is lying on a huge are with its mosque,
medical theology school, imaret, darüşşifa,
hamam, kitchen, provisions warehouses and
other divisions. Architect of the kulliye,
which is constructed by Bayezit II between
1484 and 1488, is Hayreddin. Kulliye, which
has a very impressive appearance, is covered
with nearly hundred small and large domes.
Most interesting one of the structures is the
monumental mosque with two minarets, and 20,55
meters diameter. There are Tabhanes
(publishing houses) with nine domes at both
sides of the space with main dome. These
divisions are directly opening to outside.
Dome passage is supplied with pandatives.
Marble niche and pulpit have simple
appearance. It is the first example in Edirne
with very elegant sovereign gallery, made up
of porphyry marble. Late period baroque
adornments are disturbing the simple beauty of
the mosque.
Eski Mosque (Center): It is the oldest
monumental structure, remained from Ottomans
in Edirne. Its construction is commenced on
1403 by Emir Süleyman, and completed on 1414
during Çelebi Sultan Mehmet. Its architect, is
one of the pupils of Konyalı Hacı Alaaddin,
Ömer ibn İbrahim.
Yıldırım Bayezid Mosque (Center): It is the
oldest mosque of Edirne, which remained from
XIV century, and three kilometers away from
the city center. Both its plan and its column
heads are showing that structure is a crucifix
planned Byzantium church. While it was
transformed into a mosque in the name of
Yıldırım Bayazıd (1400), it is reconstructed
other than base. But as the direction of Mecca
is not complying with the axis of the
structure, niche, had been put to one of the
edges of the crucifix branches, and gained an
inclined appearance. The current view of the
mosque is composed of four arches, a dome and
a single minaret.
Fatih Mosque (Enez Hagia Sophia, Enez):
Structure, which remained from Byzantium
period, is very huge. It is from edge walled,
crucifix planned churches group.
Structure, is transformed into a mosque with
placing niche and balcony to the south branch
during Ottoman period. It is interesting in
connection with showing late Byzantium period
characteristics with external surface tile
adornments as well as middle Byzantium period
with lengthwise progressed crucifix plan. The
mosque has been currently in ruined position.
Sokullu Kulliye (Kasım Paşa Kulliye, Havsa):
It is in Havsa province, on Edirne road. It is
constructed to Mimar Sinan in the name of
Kasım Pasha, son of Sokullu Mehmet Pasha on
1576 - 1577. Kulliye; was composed of two
caravansaries, mosque, theology school,
imaret, double hamam, dervish convent, bridge
and guilds. Today only mosque, hamam, mosque
courtyard based and an unpredictable wall with
oven - niche, pray dome, binding mosque and
caravansary in the middle of the guilds and
fountain added afterwards to kulliye, can be
seen.
Sweti George Church (Center): It is
constructed in 1880 at Kıyık district of
Edirne. Writings at the church, decorated in
1889, are written with Slav Bulgarian
Language. There are some pictures remaining
from the former church which was at the same
place before.
Today the structure has still been well-kept.
Jewish Synagogue (Center): It is at Kaleiçi
district of Edirne, and constructed on 1902 -
1903. Today it was not available for worship.
BRIDGES
One of the major structure types of Edirne is
the bridges. No other capital or city had
attained the beauty of the bridges constructed
inside and outside Edirne, which were
constructed in the period of Sinan.
The oldest bridge constructed in the city was
from the period of Byzantine Emperor Michael
Palaiologos (1261-1282). As the bridge was
later reconstructed by Gazi Mihal Bey, it was
called with his name (1420). In 1640, Kemankeş
Kara Mustafa Paşa had added the sharp arched
History Mansion to this twenty seven sectioned
bridge. The Şahabettin Paşa (Saraçhane) Bridge
that was constructed in 1451 has twelve arches
and eleven pillars.
The major bridges of Edirne Province are the
Fatih Bridge constructed in 1452 during the
period of Fatih Sultan Mehmet; Bayezid Bridge
constructed by Architect Hayrettin in1488; the
Saray (Kanuni) Bridge, which was among the
creations of Architect Sinan in 1560; the
Ekmekçizade Ahmed Paşa Bridge constructed by
Sedefkar Mehmed Ağa between the years
1608-1615; the Meriç Bridge (New
Bridge)constructed at the junction of Meriç
and Arda rivers between 1842 - 1847.
CARAVANSERAIS
The Rüstem Paşa Caravanserai, which has a line
of shops among the street and is one of the
most interesting examples of classical Ottoman
architecture was constructed by Architect
Sinan in the name of the famous grand vizier
of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, Rüstem Paşa.
The Ekmekçioğlu Ahmed Paşa Caravanserai was
constructed by Defterdar (head of the
financial department) Ekmekçioğlu Ahmet Paşa
by the order of Sultan 1st Ahmed in 1609.
HOUSES OF EDİRNE
The houses were constructed by the wooden
framework darned by stone walls and plasters.
These houses displayed a wonderful symmetry
with the roof, which is connected to the
higher fringes by dual curved elements, and
the central entrance that was located deep in
the main entrance cubicle.
There was sections called "hayat" (life),
among the houses located in the Balkan
Peninsula. This section was found either in
the smallest or in the imposing house. This
section was the space where all the chamber
doors are opening to and was directed towards
the garden of the house and was on the columns
of 1,5 - 2 meters. At the end of this section,
another separate part one step higher was
covered with wooden divans.
There was a marble fountain located at an
appropriate part of the gardens, which were
accessed by large doors from harem and
selamlıklar (Greeting halls for men and
women). In some houses, there were small ponds
at the central regions of the gardens covered
by pergolas on which vines grow. There was a
small door between the Harem ve selamlık
(Greeting halls for men and women), which was
accessed through the courtyard.
BAZAARS
In order to cover the requirements of an
increasing economy and commerce density of the
city located on the transition ways and obtain
income for the mosques and charitable
establishments in the development period,
numerous inns, bedestens and bazaars were
constructed.
Between the years 1417 - 1418, a bedesten was
constructed by Architect Alaeddin by the order
of Çelebi Sultan Mehmed I as a charitable
establishment for the Old Mosque.
The Ali Paşa Bazaar which was constructed by
Architect Sinan in 1569 by the order of
Hersekli Semiz Ali Paşa was composed of a
hundred and thirty shops. The bazaar was three
hundred meters long and with six doors. The
arasta (the part of the bazaar for some
artisans) which was 73 arched, 255 meters long
and containing 124 shops was constructed by
Davut Ağa by the order of Murad III (1574 -
1595) as a charitable establishment for
Selimiye Mosque.
The Enez Ancient City Although Enez ( Ainos )
was a major port during historical times, the
city is now 3.5 km inland from the coastal
line. The Enez Castle that was restored many
times during history is worth seeing. Also
there is a church whose history extends to B.C
6th century, some tombs carved from stones and
a beach with clear waters.
Dolmens (Menhir, Stone Tombs) There are
'Dolmens' (Menhir, stone tombs) at the
Lalapaşa district which are dated to the ends
of B.C 2000 and the beginning of B.C 1000.
During the excavations carried on, some
remnants and tools were found inside these
tombs (Tear drop bottle, metal jewelry) and
these findings are exhibited at the Edirne
Archeology and Ethnography Museum.
BEACHES
Edirne has border with the Aegean Sea (Saros
Gulf) at the south part of the province and
the shores and the beaches have rich tourism
potential.
NATIONAL AND NATURAL PARKS
Gala Lake Natural Protection Area
Edirne - Gala Lake Nature Reserve
Location: The lake is 10km from the district
of Enez, which is in the far southwest corner
of Thrace, and near the villages of Karpuzlu
and Koyun.
Transportation: The lake can be reached via
the Eceabat-Kesan-Enez highway.
Highlights: The nature reserve covers an area
of 2369 hectares, and houses 111 species of
birds, many of which are extremely rare and
under threat of extinction. The area was
specifically set up to protect the wildlife,
increase the awareness of conservation and
also enable scientific research to take place.
The ecosystem of the lake, its salinity,
plankton and temperature changes, are also of
great scientific interest.
ORNITHOLOGY AREAS
Meriç Delta
City: Edirne
Provinces: Enez, İpsala
Surface Area: 700 ha
Altitude: Sea level
Protection: Yes
Main Characteristics: Sweet water lakes,
coastal lagoons
Bird Species: It is an important reproduction
area for küçük balaban (50 pairs), gece
balıkçılı (200 pairs), alaca balıkçıl (300
pairs), erguvani balıkçıl (100 pairs),
çeltikçi (100 pairs), kaşıkçı (40 pairs),
bataklık kırlangıcı (200 pairs), küçük sumru
(200 pairs) and bıyıklı sumru (500 pairs). A
huge number of water bird (max. 48.440)
including küçük karabatak (max. 1450), tepeli
pelikan (max. 291), kuğu (max. 2030), ötücü
kuğu (max. 214) and elmabaş patka (max.
15.528) are spending winter here.
SPORTIVE ACTIVITIES
Edirne Forest Camps
Gökçetepe Forest Camp
Location: Gökçetepe, Kesan
Open: 1 June-31 October
Tel: (0284) 767 72 35
Danişment Forest Camp
Location: Danisment, Kesan
Facilities: Bathrooms, toilets, showers, food
stand, water and electricity.
Open: 1 June-31October
Tel: 0-284-737 46 46 / 714 45 43
Geography
The city is under the dominance of terrestrial
climate. The summer seasons pass hot and dry
while the spring season is precipitant. The
hottest months are June, July and August while
the coldest months are December and January.
The average temperature at the summer season
is 23,4 0C.
History
The province was founded by Odris tribe
originated from Trak race in B.C 5th century
as a city and was called with different names
during history by different nations. The name
Edirne was given by the Ottoman Monarch Murat
I. Edirne had entered under the dominance of
Alexander the Great and Roman civilization in
history. The province was conquered by Murat I
in 1361. Because of its strategic location,
Edirne had been the second capital of the
Ottoman Empire for 92 years until the conquest
of Istanbul in 1453.
What to Buy
While walking in the city, you will see the
white cheese blocks heaped at the sides of the
shops, which is a local property. Hardaliye,
which is a mixture of mustard and hot almond
with the grape juice is another delicious food
and beverage variety of the city. Fragrant
soaps, earthen pottery and wickerwork baskets
are among the souvenir varieties of Edirne.
The handiworks of the local ladies is
extremely beautiful.
Don't Leave Without
- Visiting the Edirne Museum, Turkish Islam
Works Museum and Health Museum,
- Visiting Alipaşa Shopping Mall, Selimiye
Mosque and Külliye of Bayezid II,
- Having meal among the shores of Meriç and
tasting the famous fried liver meal of Edirne,
- Buying badem ezmesi ( almond paste), deva-i
misk candy, mis soap (fragrant soap) and white
cheese,
- Enjoying the week of Kırkpınar Wrestling and
Cultural Activities organized each year in the
last week of June,
Sites
Registered Immobile Cultural and Natural
Heritages in Edirne
Sites
Archaeological Sites: 21
Urban Sites: -
Natural Sites: 23
Historical Sites: 1
Other Sites
Historical and Natural Sites: 1
Historical and Urban: 2
Total: 48
Cultural (at Single Construction Scale) and
Natural
Heritages: 1000
TOTAL: 1048
Contact Information
Camps
Fifi Mocamp Demirkapı Mev./Edirne Tel: (284)
235 79 08
National Parks And Forest Campsites
Göktepe Mecidiyeköyü, Keşan / Edirne Tel:
(284) 212 43 07
Danişment Danişment, Keşan / Edirne Tel: (284)
212 43 07
Provincial Cultural Directorate
Tel: (284) 213 02 32
Fax: (284) 213 02 32
Edirne State Turkish Music Ensemble
Directorate
Address: Edirne Kültür Müdürlüğü Edirne
Topluluk
Tel: (0 284) 213 02 32
State Fine Arts Gallery Directorate
Eski Vali Konağı EDİRNE
Tel: (0 284) 225 20 39
Fax: (0 284) 223 02 32
Museum
Edirne Museum Address: Selimiye Camii Yanı -
Edirne
Tel: (284) 225 11 20
Governorship : (+90-284) 213 04 88
Municipality : (+90-284) 213 01 40 - 213 01 41
- 213 01 42 - 213 01 43 - 213 01 44 - 213 01
45
Hospital : (+90-284) 225 46 03
Police : (+90-284) 213 92 40 - 213 92 41 - 213
92 42 - 213 92 43
Gendarme : (+90-284) 213 42 70 - 213 42 71
Provincial Directorate : (+90-284) 212 14 90 -
225 52 60
Edirne Tourism Information Office : (+90-284)
213 92 08
Kapıkule Tourism Information Office :
(+90-284) 238 20 19
İpsala Tourism Information Office : (+90-284)
616 15 77
Provincial Culture Directorate : (+90-284) 213
02 32
Links
Edirne Municipality http://www.edirne-bld.gov.tr/
Edirne Exchange of Commerce http://www.etb.org.tr/
