A day that begins at the Selimiye, Mimar Sinan's masterpiece, passes the Old Mosque and the Arasta, and ends at the stone bridges over the Meriç and the Kırkpınar wrestling ground at Sarayiçi. In early July you can watch the Kırkpınar oil wrestling.
Things to experience at least once in Türkiye: the Eastern Express and the train to Lake Van, sunrise on Mount Nemrut, the Lycian Way, a Blue Cruise, the sunken city of Kekova, the Hittite capital, Selimiye and Kırkpınar, and skiing on Erciyes and Palandöken. We don't sell train, boat or ski tickets; each route links to the official sales channel. Places where seasons and hours may change carry a "check before you go" notice.
Getting there / tickets: Edirne Municipality · Biletix · Kırkpınar tickets
AnatoliaPass does not sell these tickets; we send you to the official sales channel. Check prices and departure days there before you go.
Start: central Edirne · stay 75 min
The mosque Mimar Sinan called 'my masterpiece' (1575); with its huge dome and four slender minarets, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
≈ 5 min on foot · stay 45 min
The Old Mosque with its giant calligraphy on the walls, and the arasta where Edirne's fruit soaps and almond paste are sold.
Location approximate.
≈ 25 min on foot or a short taxi ride · stay 40 min
An Ottoman stone bridge over the Meriç river at sunset; fried liver restaurants nearby.
Location approximate.
≈ 10 min by car · stay 60 min
The wrestling ground where the Kırkpınar oil wrestling is held, and statues of Kırkpınar's legendary wrestlers; the ruins of Edirne Palace nearby.
Outside the wrestling days the ground may be empty; location approximate.
≈ 2 h 15 min · fast ferry + bus · Day trip
Why here: The first Ottoman capital. The Green Mosque, the Grand Mosque and Koza Han make an easy day trip; we suggest it if you are staying in Istanbul for more than four days. Not part of this route.
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Source: Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı (1947–2026)
Source: Prof. Dr. İlber Ortaylı (1947–2026)
