10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Edirne

As the former capital of the Ottoman Empire, Edirne is full of historic architecture that continues to exude its former glory. Known as one of Mimar Sinan’s greatest works, Edirne’s Selimiye Mosque is a truly stunning sight and was built between 1569 and 1575. The Üç Şerefeli Mosque is also another amazing example, really dominating the city center, and was built between 1437 and 1447.

Selimiye Mosque: Meydan Mahallesi, Mimar Sinan Cd., 22020 Edirne Merkez, Edirne

Üç Şerefeli Mosque: Sabuni Mahallesi, Hükümet Cad., 22100 Merkez, Edirne Merkez

Apart from its historic mosques, Edirne’s beautiful Kaleiçi neighborhood is where you’ll find historic timber houses from the 18-20th centuries. In the city’s other historic quarter of Sarayiçi, past the historic bridge, you’ll find the remnants of the Old Palace built by Sultan Muran II as well as the restored Ottoman kitchens where the Imperial cuisine began.

Kaleiçi: Mithat Paşa, 22020 Edirne Merkez

Sarayiçi: Fatih Cephanelik Köprüsü, 22000, Edirne

In Kaleiçi, a small museum with a tea garden exhibits old photographs and newspaper clippings of a festival that has been held since 1346. We’re talking about Edirne’s famous Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival, where wrestlers from all over the country arrive to battle it out for the golden belt and the title of başpehlivan (champion).

Located outside of Edirne, you’ll find the boutique vineyards of Turkey’s historic Thrace region, which are considered some of the best. Drop by Arcadia Vineyards to see how wine is produced according to a philosophy of sustainable viticulture. Excellent red wines are also produced at Barbare Vineyards in Tekirdağ’s beautiful rural landscape.

Arcadia Vineyards: Hamitabat Köyü, 39750 Çeşmekolu Köyü, Lüleburgaz-Kırklareli

Barbare Vineyards: Karaağaçlık Mevkii,, 59000 Merkez, Süleymanpaşa-Tekirdağ

From delicious meze at Gazi Baba, the city’s oldest meyhane (tavern) to the classic and perfectly grilled köfte at Köfteci Osman, Edirne has plenty of delicious food for you to try out. Don’t forget to taste the famous fried liver at Ciğerci Niyazi Usta.

Gazi Baba: Talatpaşa Mahallesi, Zindan Altı Sk., 22100 Edirne Merkez, Edirne +90 284 214 50 50

Köfteci Osman: Meydan Mh, 22000 Edirne Merkez, Edirne +90 284 212 77 25

Ciğerci Niyazı Usta: Mithat Paşa, Ortakapı Cd. No:9, 22020 Edirne Merkez, Edirne +90 284 213 33 72

Apart from the small oil-wrestling museum, Edirne has plenty of other great exhibitions that take visitors back in time. Visit the Museum of Health to discover the medical techniques and advances of the Ottoman era or the Edirne Turkish and Islamic Art Museum to see some stunning examples of Ottoman era calligraphy, weapons, costumes, and jewelry.

Museum of Health: Yeniimaret Mahallesi, 22000 Edirne Merkez, Edirne

Edirne Turkish and & Islamic Art Museum: Meydan Mahallesi, Zehrimar Cami Sok., 22020 Edirne Merkez, Edirne

Speaking of dessert, Edirne has many more sweet delights than Ottoman Deva-i Misk. Go to Keçecizade or Arslanzade to pick up badem ezmesi (almond paste), Kavala Kurabiyesi (almond cookies covered in powdered sugar), lokum (Turkish Delight), and Kallavi (chewy cookie with Antep pistachios).

Keçecizade: Sarıcapaşa Mahallesi, Talat Paşa Cad. Kipa Alışveriş Merkezi No:23, 22030 Edirne

Arslanzade: Meydan Mahallesi, Belediye dükkanları No:2 Arslanzade, Talat Paşa Cd., 22100 Edirne

There are plenty of opportunities to go shopping in Edirne especially at one of the historic bazaars where you’ll find the best of the local goods. Wander around the historic Bedesten Çarşısı (Bedesten Bazaar) inside the Old Mosque, the Selimiye Arastası (Selimiye Arcade) below the Selimiye Mosque, or the Ali Paşa Covered Bazaar designed by Mimar Sinan in 1569.

Bedesten Çarşısı: Sabuni Mahallesi, Kuyumcular Sk., 22100 Edirne

Selimiye Arastası: Meydan Mahallesi, 22000 Edirne Merkez

Ali Paşa: Mithat Paşa, Alipaşa Çarşısı İç Yolu, 22020 Edirne Merkez