# Edirne

Edirne, in Thrace, 2 h 30 by road from Istanbul, was the Ottoman capital before the conquest of Constantinople. Its Selimiye Mosque, the masterpiece of the architect Sinan and on the World Heritage List since 2011, reopened for worship in February 2026 after five years of restoration. In early July the city hosts the Kırkpınar oil-wrestling tournament.

Source : https://sabaro-travel.com/en/turkey/edirne/

Edirne is the main city of Turkish Thrace, the European part of the country, close to the Greek and Bulgarian borders. Before the conquest of Constantinople it was the capital of the Ottoman Empire, and the sultans went on building there. Go for one night, or a long day from Istanbul, 2 h 30 away by road: above all for the Selimiye, and for a provincial city that lives at its own pace.

## The Selimiye Mosque

The Selimiye is the work of Sinan, the great Ottoman architect, who regarded it as his masterpiece. Together with its complex, it has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2011. It was restored from November 2021 to 2026 by the General Directorate of Foundations, reopened for worship on 18 February 2026 and was officially inaugurated on 12 June 2026. About two million people visited it in the months after it reopened.

Entry is free outside prayer times. Modest dress is expected, and women cover their hair.

## Other monuments

- The **Old Mosque** (Eski Cami) and the **Üç Şerefeli Mosque**, in the centre, predate the Selimiye.
- The **Rüstem Pasha Caravanserai**, by Sinan, is now a hotel.
- The **Complex of Bayezid II**, on the Tunca, once housed an Ottoman hospital; it is now Trakya University's Health Museum.
- The **stone bridges** over the Tunca and the Meriç lead towards Karaağaç.
- **Sarayiçi** hosts the Kırkpınar. Reconstruction of Edirne Palace there has been announced for 2027.

## Kırkpınar

The Kırkpınar oil-wrestling tournament is held every year in early July at Sarayiçi: wrestlers coated in olive oil compete over three days. The 2026 edition took place from 3 to 5 July; the 2027 dates have not yet been published.

On 5 and 6 May, the Kakava and Hıdrellez spring festival of the Roma communities also enlivens the city.

## The hotel in the selection

[Edirne Osmanlı Evleri](/en/hotels/edirne-osmanli-evleri/) occupies two mansions about a century old, once the homes of the Albert Safrati and Jack Assa families, restored over four years in the Kaleiçi quarter. Its 12 rooms are each named after a town in the province and furnished with antiques. No price was shown online for early June 2027: the rate is available on request.

## When to go

Edirne has the most continental climate in the region: the average high reaches 32.7 °C in July and 33.1 °C in August, and the average low falls to -0.4 °C in January. May, June, September and October are the most pleasant months, with highs of 21 to 30 °C; early July for the Kırkpınar, despite the heat.

## Getting to Edirne

Edirne has no airport. It is 2 h 30 by road from Sultanahmet and 2 h 40 from Istanbul Airport, excluding traffic. Bursa, the other former Ottoman capital, has [its own page](/en/turkey/bursa-uludag/).

## Safety

None of the European foreign ministries followed by Sabaro advises against Edirne. Several European ministries call for heightened vigilance across the country and ask travellers to avoid gatherings. The "Travel advice" table on this page gives the advice of your country.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I visit Edirne as a day trip from Istanbul?

Yes, with 2 h 30 on the road each way without traffic. A night there lets you see the Selimiye quietly, in the evening or early morning.

### Is the Selimiye Mosque open to visitors?

Yes. Restored from 2021 to 2026, it reopened for worship on 18 February 2026. Entry is free outside prayer times.

### When is the Kırkpınar?

In early July every year. The 2026 edition was held from 3 to 5 July; the 2027 dates have not yet been published.

### What is the best season for Edirne?

May-June and September-October, with highs of 21 to 30 °C. July and August average more than 32 °C in the afternoon.

### Where should I stay in Edirne?

At [Edirne Osmanlı Evleri](/en/hotels/edirne-osmanli-evleri/), two restored century-old mansions in Kaleiçi.