Kadı Bedrettin Camii, Edirne'de İstanbul yönünden şehre girerken karşılaşılan ilk tarihi cami olup, 1529-30'da Kadı Mevlana Bedrettin Mahmut Efendi tarafından yaptırılmış, 1751 depreminde kubbesi yıkılıp ahşap çatıyla onarılmıştır.
Located in the Aysekadin district on Eski Istanbul Street, this mosque is the first historic structure encountered when approaching Edirne center from Istanbul. It takes its name from Mevlana Bedrettin Mahmut Efendi, who served as judge of both Aleppo and Edirne. He passed away in 1530 while serving as judge of Edirne. The structure was constructed in 1529-30 (Hijri 936).
The mosque stands on flat terrain within a spacious courtyard. To its north lies a cemetery, and at the north corner of the courtyard wall stands a fountain. The body of the structure, roughly rectangular in plan, takes an L-shape with the masonry of the last congregation area. The side and qibla facades are constructed with rough-hewn stone and laid in horizontal rows with a distinctive ashlar pattern. Three facades are lined with five windows each in three rows. In the 1751-52 earthquake, the original dome collapsed and was subsequently covered with a wooden roof. The dome visible today is a remnant of that repair.
In visitor reviews, the mosque's simple yet warm atmosphere inside the bazaar stands out. There are also notes about the imam being knowledgeable and friendly. Compared to Selimiye or Uc Serefeli, it is a much quieter stop, suitable for a brief rest.
Guide's Note
Who is Kadi Bedrettin Camii, What Kind of Structure is it?
Mevlana Bedrettin Mahmut Efendi, who bears the name of this mosque, was the father of Sheyhulislam Semseddin Ahmet Efendi. After teaching for a period, he was appointed successively to the judgeships of Aleppo and Edirne, and passed away in 1530 while serving as judge of Edirne. The mosque was built by him during the same period, in 1529-30 (Hijri 936). The structure has a roughly rectangular plan and resembles an L-shape with the masonry of the last congregation area. The side and qibla facades are constructed with rough-hewn stone arranged in horizontal rows in an ashlar pattern.
Suitable Time for Visiting
It is not appropriate to enter during prayer times; prefer the quiet hours in between. Early morning, before the bazaar becomes crowded, offers a comfortable time period for both the mosque and the surrounding streets.
How to Get There?
The mosque is located in Edirne center, in the Aysekadin district on Eski Istanbul Street. Those coming from Istanbul will notice it as the first historic mosque encountered when entering the city. Nearby are the Ekmekzizade Caravanserai, Defterdar Mosque, and Aysekadin Mosque. These three form a cluster within 100-200 meters that can be visited on foot.
Other Nearby Stops
Starting from Kadi Bedrettin Mosque and walking, it is possible to visit the Ekmekzizade Caravanserai, Defterdar Mosque, Aysekadin Mosque, and a bit further ahead, Nazir Fountain. Selimiye Mosque is approximately 1 kilometer away; you can incorporate this route into a single walking tour.
How Much Time to Allocate?
The mosque is small and simple. 30-45 minutes is sufficient to enter, see the courtyard, cemetery, and fountain. It can easily be added to a half-day walking route visiting Edirne's other historic mosques.
Things to Keep in Mind
The mosque is an active place of worship. Dress modestly and postpone your visit during prayer times. Since the original dome collapsed in the 1751-52 earthquake, the roof visible today is a wooden structure added later. Knowing that the structure differs from its early period form makes a difference in how you view it.
Good Photography Spots
The historic fountain at the courtyard corner and the ashlar stone-masonry facade are interesting for close-up detail shots. The three rows of windows arranged on the facade are also suitable for wide shots that show the structure's proportions.
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