Edirne
From Turkey Travel Guide
Edirne is a city in the Marmara Region of Turkey.
Contents |
[edit] History
This border city has existed since the time of the Greek Empire. According to legend, it was founded by King Agamemnon's son Orestes as Orestias. Roman Emperor Hadrian developed the city and renamed it Hadrianopolis, making it the capital of the Thracian province. It was the site of many battles, being won in 813 by the Bulgarian Khan Krum. The Crusaders were defeated here in 1205. Edirne then became the capital of the Ottoman Empire under Sultan Murad I, until the 1453 conquest of Istanbul. Because of its location on the border, it was captured in many wars by the Russians, Bulgars, and Greeks.
The famous architect Sinan lived here from 1490 to 1588. He designed many of the buildings here, including the Ali Pasa Bazaar, Selimiye Mosque, and a couple of stone bridges. Bahullah, the founder of the Ba'hai faith, was banished here between 1863-68.
[edit]
The town centers around Hürriyet Meydani (Independence Square), with the Macedonian Tower. To the north is Hükümet Caddesi, Saraçlar Caddesi to the south, Mimar Sinan Caddesi to the east, and Talat Pasa Caddesi to the west.
The southwest corner is called Kaleici (in the fortress) and is a historic quarter that has been home to the Jewish and Bulgarian residents of the city.
[edit] Getting there
[edit] By plane
[edit] By train
There are two trains daily from Istanbul's Sirkeci Train Station to Edirne. The trip takes about four hours.
From Istanbul:
Departures: 8:30, 15:50
From Edirne:
Departure: 7:20, 15:58
There are also trains to and from European cities, especially from Sophia and Thessaloniki.
[edit] By car
The city is easily reached by car on the E-80 highway.
[edit] By bus
There are frequent departures from Istanbul's main bus station. The trip lasts 2-2 1/2 hours and costs about 20 lira. Buses also arrive from European cities like Sophia and Thessaloniki
[edit] By boat
[edit] Getting around
[edit] By car
[edit] By public transport
There are many dolmuses and taxis are cheap for visit sites outside of the city center.
[edit] By foot
Most of the city can be reached easily on foot, which is also a great way to explore the historic districts.
[edit] By bike
[edit] Weather
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(inches)
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[edit] See
[edit] Macedonian Tower
This tower, located in the town square, dates from the Roman period. Excavations around it are uncovering the remains of a Roman castle.
[edit] Kaleici
This historic neighborhood is still based on the medieval grid layout and has ornate wooden houses of the Ottoman Edirnekari style.
[edit] The Great Synagogue
In the southern part of this area on Maarif Caddesi is the old Great Synagogue.
[edit] Ali Pasa Bazaar
Just south of the town square is the covered marker off Saraçlar Caddesi was built by the famous architect Sinan in 1569.
[edit] Üçserefeli Camii
The Three-Level Mosque is named for the three balconies on one of its four different anachronistic minarets. It was built between 1440-47 in a transitional style between the Seljuk and Ottoman styles. It is located a block north of Hürriyet Meydani, but is best approached from the west.
[edit] Eski Camii
The Old Mosque, an example of early Ottoman architecture, is located east of the square, just past the still functioning Bedesten Bazaar. They were both built in 1414.
[edit] Selimiye Camii
The greatest work of architect Sinan was built from 1569-75 and is northeast of the Eski Camii.
[edit] Edirne Museum
admission 1.50 lira open 8-12 and 13-17, closed Mondays This museum has both archeological and ethnographic displays.
[edit] Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
admission 2 lira open 8-12 and 13-17, closed Mondays In an old medrese, this museum includes artifacts from the Balkan Wars, dervish artifacts, and local crafts.
[edit] Museum of Health
admission 2 lira open 9-18 daily The medical museum was a progressive mental institution in Ottoman times, using innovative techniques like music and gardens on patients.
[edit] Bridges
South of the center on Saraçlar Caddesi are two stone bridges designed by architect Sinan.
[edit] II Beyazit Külliyesi
North of the city on Imaret Caddesi is a mosque built not by Sinan, but rather Hayrettin, in a style somewhere between that of the Selimiye Camii and Üçserefeli Camii
[edit] Eski Saray
The ruins of the Old Palace are a kilometer northeast from II Beyazit Külliyesi. Built in 1450, there is little remaining today.
[edit] Sarayiçi
The former hunting reserve today serves as the site of the annual oil wrestling festival. It's one km north of Eski Saray. The tower of justice still stands with two stones in front, the Stone of Respect, where petitions to the sultan were placed, and the Stone of Warning, where the heads of executed court officials were set.
[edit] Do
[edit] Wrestling Competition
Every spring the city plays host to a traditional oil wrestling contest. Athletes compete in the national sport for the title Baspehlivan, head of all wrestlers.
[edit] Baths
The Sokollu Mehmet Pasa Hamam, just north of the town square, is also worth a visit.
[edit] Shopping
Shopping in the Ali Pasa Bazaar is also popular, as it offers a less touristy experience than Istanbul's Grand Bazaar. This city is known throughout Turkey for its fruit shaped soaps. Other popular souvenirs include textiles, handicrafts, and sweets.
[edit] Eat
There are many cafes and restaurants in the Kaleici area.
Melek Anne offers reasonably priced traditional Turkish cuisine. It is also popular for breakfast. It is on Maarif Caddesi, about two blocks south of the town square.
The city is famous for its spicy fried liver. Many restaurants behind the Eski Mosque serve this dish, called ciger.
Cigerci Kemal, on Alipaşa Orta Kapı Caddesi is one, with prices from 5 lira.
Tava Ciger is another, more expensive example, on Ortakapi Caddesi
Almonds are also common in this region, and are baked into to cookies and a marzipan-like paste, badem ezmesi. Stop in any pastane, bakery, to sample these local delights.
Sera Cafe in front of Selimiye Mosque is a nice place for coffee or tea with a view.
Near the riverfront there are several nice but pricier meat and fish restaurants, with prices ranging from 25-50 lira.
[edit] Drink
Edirne has relatively many bars and restaurants that serve alcohol.
Some of the nicest bars are along the river near the Ottoman Stone Bridges.
[edit] Sleep
[edit] Budget
Since the city is an underrated tourist destination, there are few budget options.
Fifi Mocamp offers tent and caravan sites about 9 km east of town.
Hotel Aksaray, behind the bazaar, has minimalist rooms for about 12 lira and 22 lira for one or two people. English may not be spoken.
Park Hotel includes televisions, breakfast, and in-room showers for 30-45 lira for 1-2 people.
[edit] Mid-Range
Efe Hotel has air conditioning, TVs, and balconies for 150-200 lira for 1-2 people.
Sultan Hotel, west of the town square, includes televisions and breakfast for 45-60 lira.
[edit] Upscale
Antik Hotel Edirne, just south of the town square, is one nicer hotels in Edirne.
[edit] Work
There may be opportunities from native speaker language teachers in this regional capitol.
[edit] Learn
- Trakya University is linked with Loerrach through the [Erasmus programme] of the EU Website Trakya University Edirne
- University of Cooperative Education Loerrach
[edit] Keep connected
[edit] Internet
Many hotels offer free wireless, and there are many internet cafes in the town center.
[edit] Phone
Phone calls can be made from the post office.
[edit] Post
The post office is located just south of Hurriyet Square on Saraclar Caddesi.
[edit] Safety
The city is generally safe, but be careful around the rivers in wintertime as they are subject to flooding.
[edit] Stay Healthy
There is a state hospital (Devlet Hastanesi) southeast of the town square on Talat Pasa Caddesi
[edit] External links
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