18 Must-Visit Attractions In Edirne

Once the capital of the Ottoman Empire, Edirne is full of stunning structures that speak of its rich past as the main seat of a once powerful empire. From mosques to museums, the famed vineyards of Thrace to the city’s famous oil wrestling festival, here are all the sights you have to visit whilst in Edirne.

Selimiye Mosque

Mosque

One of the greatest works of the famed architect Mimar Sinan, the beautiful Selimiye Mosque is one of Edirne’s most important historic attractions and was built between 1569 and 1575.

Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival

Mosque

Wrestlers are meticulously preparing for oil wrestling traditionally held in Muğlas Kavaklıdere district.

Held annually since 1346, wrestlers from all over Turkey train all year to take part in the major Kırkpınar tournament that lasts for three days and declares the başpehlivan (champion) with a golden belt.

Sarayiçi

Bridge, Stadium

Tower of Justice in Sarayici Arena of Edirne City

View Tour

Past the historic bridge, this area was once the location of Sultan Murat II’s Old Palace, which was built in the 15th century, Sarayiçi is now the home of the Kırkpınar stadium as well as the rebuilt kitchens where Ottoman palace cuisine began.

Arcadia Vineyards

Turkey’s historic Thrace area is now home to some of its best boutique vineyards and Arcadia is one of the major standouts, abiding to sustainable viticulture with low intervention.

Grand Synagogue of Edirne

Synagogue

Edirne was once home to more than 20,000 Sephardic Jews and this synagogue, built in 1906 and reopened after a five-year restoration project, is a truly stunning reminder.

Kaleiçi

Hotel

View Tour

Edirne’s old city, Kaleiçi is full of beautiful timber houses dating back to the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, some of which have been restored, such as the beautiful Mihram Hanım Konağı.

Museum of Health

Mosque, Museum

Set within the Sultan Beyazıt Mosque, the former Ottoman hospital now features a museum displaying the history of Islamic medicine including the story of innovative treatments via mannequins in traditional Ottoman era doctor’s garb.

Üç Şerefeli Mosque

Mosque

Quite the majestic sight in Edirne’s town center, Üç Şerefeli was commissioned by Sultan Murat II between 1437 and 1447 and gets its name from the three balconies within the tallest minaret.

Old Mosque

Mosque

One of the lesser-known historic structures in Edirne, the Old Mosque was built between 1403 and 1414 and is one of the city’s oldest imperial mosques with beautiful calligraphy in the interior.

Sultan Beyazıt II Mosque

Museum

Built between 1484 and 1488, the Sultan Beyazid II Mosque was commissioned by none other than Sultan Beyazid II himself and stands a little way outside the city right by the Tunca River, with a beautiful courtyard complete with a fountain.

Mimar Sinan Statue

Statue of Master Ottoman Architect Sinan and his finest mosque Selimiye

The chief architect and civil engineer of the Ottoman Empire, Mimar Sinan built 300 major structures and this statue in Edirne is a homage to a man whose apprentices would later help design the Taj Mahal.

Selimiye Foundation Museum

Mosque, Museum

Another attraction within the huge Selimiye Mosque complex, this museum has a collection of art and artifacts from mosques in and around Edirne.

Barbare Vineyard

An essential visit for wine enthusiasts, Barbare has excellent red wines and its rural atmosphere is a welcome break from city life.

Kırkpınar Evi

Museum

If you had the chance to attend the Kırkpınar Festival, then you should definitely check out this small museum which displays the story of the historic tournament including press clippings and photographs.

Edirne Turkish and Islamic Art Museum

Mosque, Museum

Located within the Selimiye Mosque’s courtyard, this small house displays a beautiful collection of Ottoman era calligraphy, weapons, ceramics, glass, costumes, woodwork, and jewelry.

Edirne Archeology and Ethnography Museum

Mosque, Museum

Behind the Selimiye Mosque you’ll find this museum, exhibition highlights include wooden objects that showcase the Ottoman era Edirnekâri lacquering technique, carpets, textiles, calligraphy, and jewelry.

Janissary Gravestones

Cemetery, Mosque

Also located within the Selimiye Mosque complex, this special cemetery has the graves of many members of the elite Ottoman Janissary.

Muradiye Mosque

Mosque

Built between 1426 and 1436, the Muradiye Mosque stands out with its orante Iznik tiles and unusual cupola as well as the fact that it used to have a Sufi lodge.