Selimiye Mosque

When Sultan Selim II commissioned the mosque from Mimar Sinan, Sinan was in his eighties. Construction began in 1568 and was completed in 1575. It is reported that it was completed with the labor of approximately 15,000 people. Sinan considered this work to be the pinnacle among his creations. He described Süleymaniye as his apprenticeship work and Selimiye as his masterpiece. His design of the dome diameter to surpass Hagia Sophia can also be seen as a kind of challenge.

Inside the mosque, on the ceiling directly opposite the mihrab, there is a tile motif: an inverted tulip. Who made it and why is debated, but most visitors try to find this when they enter. Standing under the dome and looking up is when the true impact of the structure is felt. Light filters in through the windows, and the angle of this light changes as the hours pass.

For those coming from Istanbul, it takes approximately 2-2.5 hours via the D-100 highway or motorway. After reaching Edirne bus station by bus, you can go to the mosque by minibus or on foot, as it is not far from the city center. Those coming from the Aegean region can use the D-550 highway, passing through Çanakkale. Since the mosque is on the highest hill in the city, you will notice the minarets from a distance as you enter Edirne.

The mosque is in a central location called Meydan. It is possible to reach other historical structures such as the Old Mosque and Üç Şerefeli Mosque on foot. The Selimiye Foundation Museum is located on Selimiye Camii Arkası street, 2 minutes from the mosque. The arasta section of the külliye is also in the same area, sufficient for a short stroll.

Visiting only the mosque takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours. If the museum and arasta within the külliye are added, half a day may be needed. A trip planned with other historical mosques of Edirne (Old Mosque, Üç Şerefeli) usually takes a full day.

Visits are temporarily suspended during prayer times, so you may need to wait during those hours. As the mosque is an active place of worship, appropriate attire (headscarf for women, clothing covering knees and shoulders) is important. A frequent warning in comments: be cautious of individuals inside who offer prayer beads and ask for money; this is a begging practice and not an official service. Due to ongoing restoration work, unfinished sections may be visible on the surrounding walls.

Most visitors make Selimiye their first stop on an Edirne tour, as it is a reference point visible from everywhere in the city. Visiting the mosque in the morning, then walking to the Old Mosque and Bedesten, and going to the Meriç River bank or Kırkpınar-related places in the afternoon is a logical sequence. As Edirne locals also state, it is recommended to visit the surroundings of Selimiye to not leave the city unexplored.