EDIRNE: Home of Oil Wrestling
Edirne is a gateway of Turkey opening to western world, the first stopover for newcomers from Europe by road. Situated on the Greek border, this beautiful city is famed for its many mosques, the elegant domes and minarets which dominate the panoramic appearance of the province.
One of the most important monuments in this ancient province is the Selimiye Mosque, built in the 16th century by Turkey’s greatest architect, Mimar Sinan. Carrying the name of the then reigning Sultan, this mosque magnificently represents Turkish marble handicrafts and is covered with valuable tiles and fine paintings. The Yildirim Mosque and the Eski Mosque, dating back to the 14th- and 15th-centuries respectively, are other spectacular sights while the Muradiye Mosque and the Üç Şerefeli Mosque are also among the oldest and most impressive buildings in Edirne. Last to be mentioned is the Beyazit II Mosque, a great monument with its complex construction comprising many facilities used in those times.
From magnificent mosques to ancient bazaars
Besides the fascinating mosques, there are different sites to be visited in Edirne, all reflecting its rich past. There are attractive palaces, the most prominent one being the Edirne Palace, which was the ‘Palace of the Empire built during the reign of Murat II. There are the amazing caravanserais, like the Rüstem Paşa and Ekmekçioğlu Ahmed Paşa Caravanserais, which were designed to host travelers, in the 16th century.
The lively bazaars of Bedesten and Arasta make the province colorful bringing back the ancient times. Several bridges exist which have stood for centuries, adorning the land with their old but fine appearances.
A specialty of Edirne is as a center for grease-wrestling, which is the national sport of Turkey. Lively championships are held here every July, on Kirkpinar Island, a forested area between the Meriç and Tunca rivers. These traditional occasions comprise many entertaining activities, and the province is filled with spectators.