Explora la cultura de Edirne: Tradición viva
Sumérgete en la rica historia y cultura de Edirne a través de sus museos y monumentos.
Edirne, the majestic second capital of the Ottoman Empire, is a treasure of Islamic architecture and Turkish history on the country's western border. Dominated by the silhouette of the Selimiye Mosque, the absolute masterpiece of architect Mimar Sinan, the city is a living museum. Its elegant stone bridges cross the Tunca and Meriç rivers, connecting a legacy of imperial mosques, caravanserais and bazaars with the vibrant culture of Turkish Thrace, famous for its cuisine and the ancient Kırkpınar oil wrestling festival.
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Culture & Heritage
Discover the rich history, art and traditions of Edirne
The culture here is synonymous with Ottoman history and deep-rooted local traditions, such as Kırkpınar.
Best of local culture
Museums & Galleries
Bayezid II Complex (Health Museum)
An impressive Ottoman social complex (külliye) that includes a mosque, a hospice and, most importantly, a former mental hospital ('darüşşifa') that today is a fascinating Health Museum, pioneering its therapeutic methods.
Üç Şerefeli Mosque
A unique mosque that marked a turning point in Ottoman architecture. It is famous for its central courtyard and its four completely different minarets, one of them with three balconies ('üç şerefeli').
Eski Cami (Old Mosque)
The oldest imperial mosque in Edirne. Built in a multi-domed style, it is famous for the enormous calligraphy that decorates its interior walls.
Edirne Great Synagogue
The largest synagogue in Türkiye and the third largest in Europe, recently restored. It is a testimony of the important Jewish community that the city had.
Festivals & Events
Kırkpınar
June/JulyThe legendary oil wrestling festival, a unique cultural and sporting event in the world.
Kakava Festival
May 5-6The colorful spring festival of the gypsy community, full of music and tradition.
International Band Festival and 'Ciğer'
MayA festival that unites the city's two passions: music bands and its star dish, fried liver.
History
Origins
Founded by the Roman Emperor Hadrian on an earlier Thracian settlement, it was named 'Hadrianopolis' in the 2nd century AD. Due to its strategic location, it served as an important military fortress and administrative center in the Roman province of Thrace.
Development
Its golden age began in 1369, when it was conquered by Sultan Murad I and became the capital of the incipient Ottoman Empire, a status it maintained for almost a century until the conquest of Constantinople. During this period, the sultans beautified it with magnificent mosques, bridges, palaces and social complexes, culminating in the 16th century with the construction of the Selimiye Mosque, considered the pinnacle of Ottoman architecture.
Modern era
Although it lost its status as the capital, Edirne remained an important city in the Balkans. It suffered several occupations during the wars of the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, it is the capital of its province and a dynamic border city, acting as Turkey's gateway to Europe and attracting visitors from all over the world for its immense architectural and cultural heritage.
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Culture
The culture here is synonymous with Ottoman history and deep-rooted local traditions, such as Kırkpınar.
Heritage
Fundamental. It was the capital of the Ottoman Empire during its crucial expansion into Europe and the laboratory where the architecture that would define Istanbul was perfected.
Architecture
A sanctuary of classic Ottoman architecture. The Selimiye Mosque is one of the most perfect architectural works in the Islamic world.
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Find the Perfect Perspective of Selimiye
Don't just see it up close. Zoom out and look for it from different points in the city, such as from the Üç Şerefeli Mosque or from the other bank of the river, to appreciate its dominance over the landscape.
Visit the Health Museum in detail
Don't limit yourself to a quick glance. The Bayezid II Complex and its museum are unique in the world and fascinatingly explain how mental illnesses were treated with music, water and aromas in the Ottoman Empire.
Visit Mosques with Respect
Remember to take off your shoes when entering. Women must cover their heads (you can bring your own scarf or use the ones provided at the entrance). Avoid visiting during prayer hours.
The Rhythm of Thrace
Life here is slower than in Istanbul. Enjoy the tranquility, sit down with tea and watch life go by.
Drinking water
It is recommended to drink bottled water, which is cheap and easy to find.
Safe City
Edirne is very safe. Walk calmly and enjoy its relaxed atmosphere.
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