Ancient Ottoman capital on the Tundzha River. Home to the Grand Bazaar and Selimiye Mosque. Known for exquisite local cuisine and rich history spanning centuries.
Edirne, a city in northwestern Turkey near the borders of Greece and Bulgaria, was once the capital of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the UNESCO-listed Selimiye Mosque, explore bazaars selling local goods, and taste culinary specialties like tava ciğer (fried liver). Experience the centuries-old tradition of the annual Kırkpınar oil wrestling festival, held each summer in Edirne.
Ottoman Architectural Marvels
Edirne has several impressive mosques. The Selimiye Mosque, built in 1575 and designed by Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, features a massive central dome and four slender minarets. Inside, you'll see intricate tile work and calligraphy. The older Üç Şerefeli Mosque, completed in 1447, has four minarets, each with a unique design. The Old Mosque, dating back to 1414, has an interior covered with large calligraphic inscriptions on its walls.
Local Culinary Scene
Tava ciğer, a dish of crispy fried cubes of calf's liver served with sliced onions and peppers, is a popular meal in Edirne. Head to Ciğerci Niyazi Usta in the city center to taste this local specialty. Restaurants throughout the city serve other Turkish dishes, often prepared with fresh ingredients from the surrounding agricultural region.
Markets
Ali Pasha Bazaar, built in 1569, is Edirne's main covered market. Browse through stalls selling carpets, copper and brass items, local cheeses, and fruit-shaped soaps, a specialty of Edirne. The bazaar's stone arches and domed roof create a unique shopping setting. For a more modern shopping experience, walk along Saraçlar Caddesi, the main pedestrian street lined with shops and cafes.
Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival
Every summer, usually in late June or early July, Edirne hosts the Kırkpınar oil wrestling tournament. This tradition dates back to 1346, making it one of the world's oldest continuously running sporting events. Wrestlers, known as pehlivan, cover themselves in olive oil and compete on grass fields. The winner receives a golden belt and the title of "Başpehlivan" or chief wrestler. Beyond the wrestling matches, you'll find parades, music performances, and food stalls selling local specialties.
Getting to Edirne
Edirne is about 220 km northwest of Istanbul. Buses run every hour from Istanbul's main bus terminal, with the journey taking around 3 hours. Train connections are available but less frequent, with one or two daily services from Istanbul's Halkali station. If you're driving, take the O-3 motorway connecting Istanbul to Edirne.
Weather and Best Time to Visit
Edirne experiences hot summers and cold winters. July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). Winters can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) have milder temperatures and can be good times to visit. If you want to experience the Kırkpınar festival, plan your trip for late June or early July.
