Edirne – Mosques, Palace History and Traditions

Discover Edirne from different perspectives through its architectural history, city walks and regional traditions. You can combine these themes when planning your trip or focus on individual aspects, from historic mosques and the palace to a museum about the history of medical education.

Mosques and Palace History

The Selimiye Mosque was built by order of Sultan Selim II between 1569 and 1575 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its dome has a diameter of 31.30 metres. The commission, construction period and dome measurement offer concrete reference points for placing the building in its historical and architectural context.

The Eski Mosque, also known as Eski Cami, was built between 1403 and 1414. Its construction therefore predates the Selimiye Mosque, built in the 16th century, by a considerable margin. Edirne Palace also offers a glimpse into an earlier period of construction: work began in 1450 under Murad II and was completed by Mehmed II in 1475. The palace lies north of the city on the River Tunca; its grounds cover approximately 300,000 to 355,000 square metres. The different dates help distinguish the buildings mentioned here chronologically.

A Museum of Medical History

At the Sultan Bayezid II Complex Health Museum, visitors are taken on a journey through the history of medical education. It also offers a vivid experience of an Ottoman darüşşifa, or hospital. The museum thus complements the architectural history of the mosques and palace with a different focus: the historical presentation of medical education.

Historic Walks Through the Cityscape

In the Kaleiçi district, cobblestone streets and old houses provide the setting for a historic walk. A stroll along Saraçlar Street offers another way to experience Edirne’s historic atmosphere. In the city centre and at Edirne Square, you can visit historic sights and important religious sites. These different perspectives give your city exploration a variety of focuses, without limiting you to a single building.

Traditions and Dates

The Kakava and Hıdrellez celebrations take place every year in Edirne on 5 and 6 May. In Sarayiçi, young women walk with willow branches during the festivities. The Kırkpınar oil-wrestling matches are also associated with Sarayiçi: they have been held there since the proclamation of the Republic. For your trip planning, the annual Kakava and Hıdrellez celebrations on 5 and 6 May provide a fixed date to work around; Kırkpınar is historically linked to Sarayiçi as its venue.

Discover Local Specialties

You can buy Kavala cookies and almond paste in shops around the historic bazaars. Another regional specialty is Hardaliye, a traditional non-alcoholic grape drink from Thrace that you can try in Edirne. It is made with mustard seeds and cherry leaves. The culinary experience therefore ranges from pastries and almond paste to a drink with its own ingredients and regional origins.

Plan Your Hotel Search Around Your Interests

When looking for a hotel, you can start by considering which themes are most important for your stay: mosques and palace history, walks through historic districts, the health museum or regional traditions. If you would like to experience the Kakava and Hıdrellez celebrations, you can plan your travel dates around 5 and 6 May.

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