6/7(Sat) Edirne, Turkey
Edirne is a historic city in the northwestern part of Turkey, near the borders with Greece and Bulgaria.
It was formerly known as Adrianople and has played a significant role in both Byzantine and Ottoman history.
Quick Facts about Edirne:
Feature Description
Country Turkey
Region Eastern Thrace (European part of Turkey)
Old Name Adrianople (from Roman Emperor Hadrian)
Population ~180,000 (modern city)
Founded Originally by Thracians, rebuilt by Romans
Strategic Role Gateway between Europe and Asia
Famous For Ottoman architecture, Selimiye Mosque, oil wrestling
Historical Significance
Roman & Byzantine Period
• Originally founded as a Thracian settlement, later developed by Roman Emperor Hadrian around 2nd century CE.
Was an important city in the Byzantine Empire and the site of several major battles.
Ottoman Era
Captured by the Ottomans in 1361 by Sultan Murad I.
Became the Ottoman capital before Constantinople (Istanbul) was taken in 1453.
Served as a key administrative, cultural, and military center for nearly 90 years.
Major Landmarks
1. Selimiye Mosque (UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Designed by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan
• Considered his masterpiece
• Built during the reign of Sultan Selim II in the 16th century
2. Eski Cami (Old Mosque) and Üç Şerefeli Mosque
Earlier examples of Ottoman mosque architecture
3. Edirne Palace (Saray-ı Cedide-i Amire)
Ottoman palace, partially in ruins, once rivaled Topkapi Palace in grandeur
4. Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival
The world’s oldest ongoing sports competition (since 14th century)
• Held annually in Edirne, features traditional Turkish oil wrestling (yağlı güreş)
Geography
• Located near the Tundzha, Meriç (Maritsa), and Arda rivers
• Just 8 km from the Greek border and 20 km from the Bulgarian border
• Important historical trade and military route between Europe and Asia
Modern Relevance
• Though no longer a capital, Edirne is rich in historical tourism
• It remains a symbol of Ottoman legacy, and a living museum of classical Ottoman architecture and Balkan influence
• A cultural crossroads between East and West
Would you like:
• A travel guide-style summary of what to see/do in Edirne?
• A look into battles that occurred there (e.g., Battle of Adrianople)?
• Or its role in Ottoman diplomacy or military history?
Let me know how deep you’d like to go!
