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Information about Edirne, Turkey
A
private tour of Edirne is possible in one long day or two days.
Edirne, known formerly as Hadrianople was the second capital of the Ottoman Empire. Edirne can be toured in one long day from Istanbul or in two days with an overnight. Edirne is situated in Thrace, in westernmost Turkey on the border of Greece and is known for the Selimiye Mosque, built in the 16th century by the famous architect Sinan. The mosque's main structure comprises 18 small domes dominated by a huge central dome on 8 columns with 3 balconied minarets on 4 sides.
We suggest a visit to Selimiye Mosque, the Edirne archaeological and ethnographical museums and other incredible mosques such as the Yildirim Mosque, Eski Mosque, Muradiye Mosque, the Uc Serefeli Mosque and the Beyazit II Mosque. There are also impressive caravanserais such as the Rustem Pasa and Ekmekcioglu Ahmet Pasa and the lively restored Arasta and Bedesten bazaars. There are also palaces such as the Edirne Palace, built during the reign of Murat II and quite a few old Ottoman houses.
You may also see some beautiful Ottoman bridges in Edirne and around the area, such as Uzunkopru, which was also built by the architect Sinan. You may also visit the Health Museum, which is a very interesting complex outside of town.
Edirne Grease wrestling: Edirne is also famous for grease or oil wrestling, which is the national sport of Turkey. Championships are held here in late June or beginning of July each year on Kirkpinar Island, which is located between the Meric and Tunca rivers. There is a variety of entertainment such as folk or belly dancing, exhibitions and great food. The festivities last for one week.
Edirne is connected to Istanbul by both D100 road and TEM highway. The city is connected to Bulgaria and then to Europe by Kapikule Border Gate, not only by highway, but also by the railway. Pazarkule and Ipsala Border Gates connect the city to Greece by highway and from Uzunkopru border gate by railway.
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