Short Break to the Turkey's Western Gate, Edirne

Overview

The Greek mythology associates the founding of the city with Orestes, son of king Agamemnon of Homer’s Iliad. The city was (re)founded in an eponymous way by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, hence the origin of its name today. Strategically located, Edirne has been in the middle of no less than 16 wars or sieges throughout its history, before it was conquered by the Ottoman Sultan Murad I in mid-thirteenth century.

What's included

• ✓Knowledgable & Professional Tour Guide
• ✓Transportation from/to your base-location in Istanbul.

• ✕Meals & Drinks.
• ✕Gratuities

What you'll do

1. 1

   Dominating the skyline of Edirne, former capital of the Ottoman Empire, the Selimiye Mosque Complex commissioned by Selim II is the ultimate architectural expression by the architect Sinan of the Ottoman külliye. The imposing mosque stepping up to its single great dome with four soaring slender minarets, spectacular decorated interior space, manuscript library, meticulous craftsmanship, brilliant Iznik tiles and marble courtyard together with its associated educational institutions, outer courtyard and covered bazaar, represent the apogee of an art form and the pious benefaction of 16th century imperial Islam. The architectural composition of the Selimiye Mosque Complex in its dominant location represents the culmination of the great body of work by Sinan, the most outstanding architect of the Ottoman Empire.

   ⏱ 1 hour
2. 2

   The Üç Şerefeli Mosque was commissioned by Ottoman sultan Murad II (1421–1444,1446– 1451), and built between 1438 and 1447. It is located in the historical center of the city, close to the Selimiye Mosque and Old Mosque. The name refers to unusual minaret with three balconies. The architect of the mosque is not known. It is built of Burgaz limestone with a main dome that is 24 m in diameter. When first built the dome was the largest in any Ottoman building. The mosque was severely damaged by fire in 1732 and by an earthquake in 1748 but was repaired on the order of Mahmut I. The two blue and turquoise underglaze-painted tile panels in the tympana of the windows were probably produced by the same group of tilemakers who had decorated the Yeşil Mosque (1419–21) in Bursa where the tiles are signed as "the work of the masters of Tabriz" (ʿamal-i ustadan-i Tabriz). The running pattern of the Chinese influenced floral border tiles is similar to those in the small Muradiye Mosque in Edirne.

   ⏱ 1 hour
3. 3

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   ⏱ 2 hours

Availability & pricing

Pick your exact date & check live availability on the booking page.

Good to know

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.