Why Edirne's Grand Selimiye Mosque Is A Creative Masterpiece

Considered to be one of Mimar Sinan’s greatest works, the Selimiye Mosque is one of Edirne’s most spectacular edifices, which overlooks the city from its grand perch. So what are the specific elements that make this structure so magnificent? Let’s take a look.

Dominating the former capital of the Ottoman Empire, the Selimiye Mosque has a square shape with a single great dome and four minarets. Built by the most famous Ottoman architect of the 16th century, Mimar Sinan, the mosque was commissioned by Selim II and opened to the public in 1575. Much more than just a mosque, the Selimiye complex included madrasas (Islamic schools), a covered bazaar, a clock house, outer courtyard, and library. Selimiye also represented one of the most well constructed külliye (the buildings that surround and are interrelated to the mosque) in the empire, due to the harmonious interaction of all the various structures with one another. In the mosque’s interior, some of the most beautiful decorations from the peak period of Iznik tiles can be found, while the innovative design allowed for the use of many windows that let in an abundant amount of natural light and highlight the beauty of every detail.

Located in Kavak Meydanı or Sarıbayır, the mosque lies within a courtyard that is 190m by 130m. The mosque also had an arasta (shops) and darülkurra (recitation school), which were added later during the reign of Sultan Murad III. The nearly perfectly square prayer hall has a minaret that juts out of each of its corners with a length of 71 meters, while all minarets have three balconies that are accessible by three different staircases. The marble fountain in the center of the courtyard (where the devout bathe their hands and feet before the prayer) is an exceptionally ornate example. Of course, one of the most striking features of Selimiye is the ceiling of the prayer hall, a magnificent dome with a diameter of 31.28m and height of 42.25m, rests atop of eight 12-sided pillars.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.