Edirne Travel Notes - Don't Return Without Doing in Edirne
For centuries, Edirne served as the capital of the Ottoman Empire and today it stands as a city intertwined with historical and touristic elements that form borders with Bulgaria and Greece. It boasts numerous mosques, historical artifacts, and bridges from its historical roles to the present day.
The famous Selimiye Mosque, which the renowned architect Mimar Sinan called his "masterpiece," is just one of the many remarkable sights in Edirne. The Meriç River and the ancient city of Ainos are among the other notable places worth visiting.
Throughout the year, Edirne hosts tourists for various purposes such as tourism, culture, history, and business. Whether in the city center or beyond, you can find many hotels of various sizes to accommodate every type of traveler. Whatever your purpose of stay, you will experience a delightful trip in Edirne and have the opportunity to taste the delights of Edirne Cuisine.
What to Do in Edirne, the Former Capital of the Ottoman Empire?
When you visit this city steeped in history, you should take walks in the streets and historical bazaars of Edirne. You can explore many bridges, fountains, and small bazaars where you can take plenty of photographs.
You can visit the historical and wooden houses of Edirne. You can shop at the famous and historical Ali Paşa Covered Bazaar in Edirne.
You can visit the famous work of Mimar Sinan, the Selimiye Mosque, and many other mosques dating back to the Ottoman period in the city. You can also visit churches and synagogues. You can visit the museums located in the center of Edirne. You can see the ancient city of Enez and Dolmens. You can visit the Gala Lake Nature Park, which is under protection.
You can take a walk, ride a bicycle, and take photographs along the Meriç River. You can watch the world-famous Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling, which was recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 2010 and held every last week of June.
You can participate in the Kakava Festivals held in May. Hıdırellez is celebrated in Thrace with these festivals. You can observe birds in the Meriç Delta. You can camp in the forests of Edirne.
Where to Stay in Edirne?
For recommendations on Edirne hotels, you can click on this link: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/edirne-hotels
Places to Visit in Edirne
Having served as the capital of the Ottoman Empire for years and once being one of the largest cities in Europe, Edirne boasts many places that you should see and explore. First and foremost, you should wander through the streets and historic bazaars of Edirne. The mystical atmosphere of Edirne's streets, steeped in history, will enchant you.
From the courtyard to the tiles inside, the atmosphere and structure of the Selimiye Mosque, which Mimar Sinan described as his "masterpiece," are quite mesmerizing. The mosque's architecture holds various hidden messages. While the single-domed mosque symbolizes the unity of Allah, the five-tiered windows represent the five pillars of Islam, and the four sermon pulpits symbolize the four different sects in Islam.
Apart from the Selimiye Mosque, there are many other mosques in Edirne that you can visit, such as Üç Şerefeli Mosque, Muradiye Mosque, Eski Mosque, II. Beyazıt Mosque and Complex, Sokullu Mosque, and Fatih Mosque.
You can also visit the Church of St. George and the Jewish Synagogue. Explore the historic caravanserais, bridges, and bazaars of Edirne.
You can visit Gala Lake Nature Park, which is under protection in Edirne. You can also go to the beaches of Edirne, located on the Aegean Sea.
You can visit the Edirne Palace, built by Murat I. You can also visit the Edirne Museum, the Museum of Turkish Islamic Works of Art, and the Edirne Archaeology and Ethnography Museum. Explore the wooden and historic Edirne Houses that you can see in almost every street in the center of Edirne. You can also see the Meriç River, one of the largest rivers in the Balkans.
Şükrü Paşa Monument and Balkan Wars Museum
During the Balkan Wars, Şükrü Paşa defended Edirne against Bulgarian and Serbian attacks for more than 5 months, showing outstanding resistance. Şükrü Paşa Monument is where the body of Mehmet Şükrü Paşa is located, but it is more of a monument. Behind it is Kıyık Tabya. These structures, which witnessed the defense, are now used as the Balkan Wars Museum.
You can reach the IV. Mehmet Av Köşkü, built in the 17th century, by entering from the park behind the oil wrestling area. The Av Köşkü has a resting room. Inside, there are sedirs (low sofas) that we also know from the Topkapı Palace. It's a place where the Sultan rested on hunting days. Nowadays, its surroundings are mostly used as a tea garden and for various events. The pavilion stands there, surrounded by mostly tea gardens and areas used for various events.
Meriç Bridge
The Meriç Bridge is one of the historically significant bridges that connects Karaağaç with Edirne over the Meriç River. In the evenings, you can watch the sunset over the river from the bridge. There is also a seating area in the middle of the bridge, which was built for the sultan to watch the sunset.
Bulgarian Church
Established in 1880, Sv. Georgi is a small Orthodox church located in the Kıyık neighborhood of Edirne. Since its establishment, members of the same family have been serving as priests. Restored by the governorship, the church is open for both worship and visits.
Great Synagogue
Throughout history, Edirne has been a city where people of different religions lived together with tolerance for centuries. Like Muslims, Christians and Jews also built their own religious structures, some of which have survived to the present day despite various losses and restorations. The Edirne Great Synagogue, the largest synagogue in Europe and the third largest in the world, is the most magnificent of these structures. Since there is not enough congregation in the city, the Edirne Great Synagogue is used for worship on special occasions by people coming from larger cities like Istanbul. Open to the public, the synagogue occasionally hosts cultural and artistic activities.
Tunca Bridge
Compared to the Meriç Bridge, the Tunca Bridge, located on the Edirne side, spans the Tunca River. The cobblestones on the bridge were laid during the visit of Sultan Reşat to Edirne, and they are the original stones.
Karaağaç
Karaağaç is a neighborhood located about 5 kilometers southwest of Edirne's city center. Reached after crossing the Tunca and Meriç Bridges, Karaağaç has a unique architecture, nature, and human texture due to its relatively remote location from the city. In this sense, Karaağaç is seen by the people of Edirne as a retreat and an escape point, offering a village-like atmosphere. Trakya University students are also frequently encountered in this area.
Karaağaç Train Station
The train station located in the Karaağaç town was built during the reign of Abdulhamid II. Restored to its original form under the leadership of Trakya University, Karaağaç Train Station has been serving as the Rectorate Building since 1998. The station, open to visitors, attracts the attention of both adults and children who enjoy exploring and taking photos between the trains and rails.
Where to Eat in Edirne?
Edirne reflects its rich culture in its cuisine, which it has carried from history to the present. Nowadays, Edirne cuisine is a blend of various cultures from the Ottoman Empire, Greece, and Bulgaria, resulting in a delicious culinary experience.
One of the most famous dishes of Edirne cuisine is liver fried in a pan, also known as "Edirne leaf liver". You can taste the most delicious liver fried in a pan in Edirne. Another must-try dish is "elbasan tava". In addition to these two wonderful flavors, some of the local specialties of Edirne include "tarhana", "almond paste", "liver wrap", "akıtma", "hardaliye", "saddle kebab", "meatball stuffed lettuce", "katmerli chard pie", "chickpea bread", "meat-filled candle dumplings", "Rumelian delight", "Rumelian tripe soup", "mamzana", "heroes halva", "belmuş", "cheese dessert", "starch halva", and "bulgur pastry". If you have the opportunity, we recommend trying most of them.
In addition to local delicacies, you can also find freshwater and sea fish in Edirne. You can enjoy seasonal fish in a nice fish restaurant if you wish.
In the center of Edirne, you can also find fast food restaurants, cafes, grilled meat products, pide, kebab, lahmacun, and other dishes.
Edirne Liver Fried in a Pan: Of course, the answer to what is famous in Edirne. Liver fried in a pan has many fans. It is reasonable to eat it with the spicy sauce, spices, and onion salad that come with it. If you ask where to eat liver fried in a pan in Edirne, the most famous and touristic one is Aydın Liver Fried in a Pan, which always has a queue in front of it. The second most famous is considered to be Livercchi Niyazi Master, which is quite satisfying with its generous portion and service. Lastly, we recommend Livercchi Kazım.
Mutancana and Zirva: These dishes, which date back to the Ottoman era, bring together meat and fruits, and are important products of the Palace kitchen.
Hayrabolu Dessert: Nowadays, this simple yet delicious dessert, garnished with tahini, can be considered the larger version of the Kemalpaşa dessert from Izmir.
Karaağaç Breakfast Places: Edirne's most famous breakfast places are lined up in Karaağaç. In the area where the Lozan Monument and the historic train are located, there are many breakfast places lined up. Ayçiçeği is open 24 hours.
Balkan Restaurant: This artisanal restaurant on Saraçlar Street is really bursting with flavor! The fried chicken and yogurt are highly recommended, and if you come across "ciğer sarma" (liver wrap), be sure to try it.
Köfteci Osman: Friendly and fast service! There's no need to talk about the food. After all, it's the master of köfte for years, and it's possible to cook not only köfte but also the liver, which is the emblem of Edirne, with the best cooking technique. I highly recommend it.
Vargo Restaurant: Edirne's luxurious venue with a panoramic view. Vargo, offering products from world cuisine, is prominently featured in Edirne guides. It's great to have such a place in Edirne. The view, menu, and service are quite successful. A must-visit...
Tatlıcı Keçecizade: The Kavala and almond paste were magnificent... Keçecizade is one of the leading sweet shops and pastry shops in Edirne, also famous for its products sold at roadside stops. Of course, we shouldn't forget "Hardaliye" (a local beverage made with grape juice and mustard).
Arslanzade: When it comes to Edirne, the almond paste and famous "deva-i misk" halva unique to our city come to mind alongside the Selimiye Mosque. When asking who the master of this is in Edirne, Arslanzade 4th BRANCH SHOULD BE PREFERRED :)
What to Buy from Edirne? The Historical Ali Paşa Covered Bazaar in Edirne is one of the most suitable places for shopping. Here, you can find all kinds of musk soaps. From musk soap from the Selimiye Arasta to Edirne cheese, cheese dessert, and almond paste, you can buy many different flavors. You can also buy cheese sugar.
You can find handmade products, decorative items, souvenirs, and jewelry, as well as Edirne-specific figurines in the market and stores. You can buy clothes, textile products, and embroidered lace covers.
Hang Out on Saraçlar Street: Saraçlar, Edirne's must-visit street, has truly brought a western, magnificent promenade to the city. It's great for strolling, shopping, and a little eating and drinking.
NIGHTLIFE IN EDIRNE
Zindanaltı Tavern: F-A-S-I-L, no need to say anything else! All requests are played instantly, and Turkish coffee can be enjoyed smoky and strong after the meal, along with a "shakkk" mint liqueur :) and the portrait of our Father...
In the Ayşe Kadın Area (close to students and Trakya University), Edirne Leman Kültür is one of the busiest student venues in the city. Places like Benzin Cafe Edirne, Pena are also leading venues. Also, Edirne has a serious tavern culture.
Edirne Festivals
Historical Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival Kakava Hıdırellez Festivals celebrated every year on May 5-6. Concerts, music entertainment, dance shows, competitions are organized on Saraçlar Street in Edirne, while other activities are organized in the Er Meydanı area where the Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival is also held. The lighting of the Kakava Fire, which will increase abundance and share the joy of sharing, and the rice offering are held on May 5th in the Er Meydanı area. The "Entry to Spring" ritual, aimed at welcoming the awakening of nature and personal purification, takes place on May 6th at 06:00 on the banks of the Tunca River.
Edirne Clarinet Festival
Organized by the Edirne Municipality in memory of the famous Edirne clarinet master Deli Selim, the clarinet festival is, of course, a first in the world in this field. Providing music and dance excitement with local and foreign clarinet masters, the festival is a young initiative that has been organized since 2012.
Edirne Band and Liver Festival
The famous Edirne Fried Liver Festival, where about 1 ton of liver is distributed free of charge to the public in the fairground set up on Saraçlar Street in Edirne, while bands from Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria, and Greece, such as the Edirne Municipal Band, play folkloric pieces all day long, offering endless music and fried liver to the people of Edirne and guests. The festival, organized by the Edirne Municipality, changes its historical date every year depending on weather conditions.
