The Selimiye Mosque
It is not possible to visit Edirne without seeing Mimar Sinan’s masterwork. As well as being the peak of Ottoman architecture, it is one of the most remarkable buildings in Islamic architecture. Its six minarets are visible from many points in the city.
The Kırkpınar wrestling field
Oil wrestling is held all over Türkiye — but the champions’ league is in Edirne. Around the field stand many historic buildings, including the Justice Tower.
The Old Mosque (Ulu Mosque)
A mosque whose walls carry some of the most magnificent examples of calligraphy. The Selimiye can be seen from its courtyard.
Saraçlar Street
This old pedestrian street is the liveliest part of the city. Most answers to the question “what should I eat in Edirne?” are found here, and it is also the centre of the city’s nightlife.
The Great Synagogue of Edirne
One of the largest synagogues in Türkiye and one of the few major ones in Europe. Closed for many years, it serves today as a museum.
The Sarayiçi Balkan War Memorial
Built in memory of the three hundred thousand soldiers who defended their homeland in the Balkan War of 1912–13, and the twenty thousand who died at Sarayiçi. The Balkan Martyrs’ Monument was raised in 1939.
The Lausanne Monument and Museum
In the garden of the Trakya University rectorate, opened to the public in 1998. The girl at the centre of the three columns holds a dove in one hand and the Treaty of Lausanne in the other.
The Uzunköprü (Ergene Bridge)
At 1,392 metres, one of the longest bridges in the world — and still in active use. Construction began in 1427 and was completed in 1443.
The Clock Madrasa
One of the first madrasas built by the Ottomans, raised between 1437 and 1447 at the request of Murad II. The Üç Şerefeli Mosque and the Peykler Madrasa stand right beside it.
The Meriç river
One of the largest rivers in the Balkans. It rises in Bulgaria, enters Edirne and flows on to the Aegean. Its banks bloom in spring, and locals gather here in the evenings for the sunset.
Gökçetepe Nature Park
In the Keşan district, one of the pearls of the Gulf of Saros. With its endless bays and thousands of square metres of pine forest, it works almost as an oxygen tank. Campgrounds, beaches and diving make it a favourite route for nature lovers.
