Anyone interested in Ottoman architecture needs to add Edirne to their Turkey itinerary.
Once the Roman city of Adrianople, Edirne became capital of the Ottoman Empire in 1363, and it was from here that Mehmet the Conqueror launched his victorious military campaign to capture Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). Even after Constantinople stole Edirne s crown, successive sultans continued anointing the city with grand architectural works.
The main tourist attraction people come to see is the
Selimiye Mosque, agreed by most historians to represent the epitome of Ottoman architectural design. There is plenty more finery to explore and things to do beyond this major landmark, though.
Mar 8, 2021
Turkey is home to some of the most historically important and beautiful mosques in the world. For travelers interested in art, architecture, culture, or heritage, visiting a few mosques should be high on the things to do list during your Turkey travels.
Istanbul offers some of the most famous imperial mosques of the Ottoman era, but there are historic mosques across the country. Some of the best surviving examples of the earlier Seljuk era are snaffled away in more out-of-the-way locations and are well worth seeking out.
Mosques are open for non-Muslim visitors as long as you visit outside of prayer times. There is no entrance fee at mosques.