Edirne is a historic city in northwestern Turkey, situated at the confluence of the Tunca and Meriç rivers near the borders with Greece and Bulgaria. Once the Ottoman capital known as Adrianople, Edirne served as the empire's most important city from 1369 to 1453 before Mehmed II conquered Constantinople. Today the city is celebrated for the UNESCO-listed Selimiye Mosque — architect Mimar Sinan's acknowledged masterpiece — alongside a remarkable cluster of Ottoman mosques, bazaars, and palace ruins. Edirne hosts the Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling Festival, one of the world's oldest sporting events, held annually for over 660 years at the riverside Sarayiçi grounds.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Badem ezmesi (almond paste sweets) — unique to Edirne; boxed for travel in 250g, 500g sizes
Deva-i misk şekeri — aromatic hard candy; sold in traditional tin boxes
Edirne beyaz peyniri (white cheese) — vacuum-packed for travel; available at cheese shops
Miniature Selimiye Mosque models — ceramic or resin; 50–300 TRY (~$1.50–9 USD)
Ottoman calligraphy prints — silk-screen or hand-painted; 100–500 TRY (~$3–15 USD)
Kırkpınar kıspet (decorative leather breeches) — collector items; 500–2,000 TRY (~$15–60 USD)
Nazar boncuğu (evil eye amulet) — glass pendant; 20–100 TRY (~$0.60–3 USD)
Edirne tile ceramics — Ottoman geometric patterns; 100–800 TRY (~$3–24 USD)
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Ali Paşa Bazaar
Hours: Monday–Saturday 09:00–19:00
Saturday Street Market (Cumartesi Pazarı)
Hours: Saturday 07:00–14:00 on Talatpaşa Caddesi
Bedesten
Hours: Monday–Saturday 09:00–19:00