Meric Bridge

The city's role for almost 100 years as capital of the Ottoman Empire accounts for its many historically and architecturally important buildings. With its mosques, religious complexes, bridges, old bazaars, caravanserais and palaces, Edirne is a living museum.

The Selimiye Mosque is the city's focal poþnt occupying the top of a hill. Sinan's design reflects the classical Ottoman style. Build on the orders of Sulta Selim ll (1569 - 1575) it attests to the techonological abilities of the day and the genius of the master Ottoman architect.  The Eski Mosque is the oldest Ottoman structure in Edirne, built between 1403 and 1414 by Mehmet l. The white marble of its portal contrasts with the building's cut stone and brick masonry. Calligraphic inscriptions of Koranic verses decorate the interior.

Selimiye Mosque

The Uc erefeli Mosque, built between 1438 and 1447 by Murat l, presages the great period of mosque architecture under Sinan and embodies a new freedom from restraints as well as advaces in engineering. The northwest minaret has three galleries, giving the mosque its name. It was the highest minaret until those of the Selimiye Mosque in Istanbul eclipsed it.

Towards the end of the 15th century, Beyazit ll commissioned the architect Hayrettin to build him a complex in Edirne to include a mosque, Darussifa (hospital), medrese, kitchen and store rooms. The mosque is square and is covered with a high dome. Over 100 domes cover the remainder of the complex. The most important of the other buildings is the Darussifa which stood out in its time as a modern hospital with a unique and humane architectural design.

Little has changed in the Kaleici section of Edirne since the Middle Ages. Narrow streets lined with houses wind through the area. The number of small restaurants and cafes reflect the district's renaissance.

Sinan built several of the famous baths in Edirne including the Sokullu, Tahtakale, Mezit Bey, Beylerbeyi and Gazi Mihal Hamams. His work is also seen in the Ahmet Pasa Caravanserai and the Rustem Pasa Caravanserai of 1561. The later has been renovated and serves as a charming hotel. The old bedesten of the early 15th century still functions as Edirne's main market. As you drive around the area you will notice many lovely Ottoman Bridges gracing the Tunca and Meric Rivers.

Edirne has retained many of its colorful traditios and customs. Every summer, where the Tunca River divides, an emerald green meadow, called the Sarayici, is the site of the Kirkpinar Greased Wrestling Contests. Shiny, slippery bodies grapple with each other to determine who will emerge as champion.
 

As you walk through the city and peer into the corners of the grocery stores, you see blocks of white feta cheese, a local speciality. Hardaliye, another of the city's delicacies, is a grape drink mixed with mustard and marpizan. Scented soaps, earthenware pots and straw baskets from Edirne make good souvenirs. You will also find it difficult to resist the beautiful embroidery work of the local women.

Edirne Saray Justine Pavilion

The Archeology and Etnography Museum traces the history of the area from prehistoric to Byzantine times and exhibits clothing from the late Ottoman period. As the Turkish Islamic Art Museum examples of Ottoman architectural details, calligraphy, manuscripts, Korans, weapons, glass, along with an imperial tent used on military campaigns are on display.

On the way to the Saroz Gulf in the Aegean Sea, you ca stop at Uzunkopru to see an interesting bridge built by Murat ll in 1444 spanning the Ergene River. Its 174 arches, the highest of which is 12.28 meters, make up its 1354 meter length. The mild climate and beautiful surroundings of the  Saroz Gulf invite holiday makers for a relaxing break. On the northern edge of the gulf are the lovely Ibrice and Erikli beaches where hotel and guest-house facilities are plentiful and reasonably priced.
 

Kirkpinar Grease Wrestling

Enez (Ains) was an important port in ancient times but today it lies 3.5km inland. Its origins can be traced to the 12th century B.C. It was an important settlement during the Hellenic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. It was first built by the Kyme people and was known as a colony of the western Anatolian civilization. Currently, it remains an open-air museum. enez Castle has been restored several times throughout history and is well worth a visit.

There is also a church dating from the 6th century, some carved tombs and a beach with clear water. The people here are quite hospitable, making Enez an interesting stopover.