Edirne

Just a short-day trip from İstanbul to the west, close to the borders of Greece and Bulgaria, Edirne can be both a city break from İstanbul and a trip in and of itself. It's a fascinating city and well worth the time to explore! Edirne was historically known as Adrianople, or ‘‘City of Hadrian’’, named after the Roman Emperor. The city later became the capital of the Ottoman Empire, from 1369 until 1453. Selimiye Mosque built by the Architect Mimar Sinan and listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011, Eski Mosque, Üç Şerefeli Mosque, Enez Ancient City, Edirne Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, inns, Turkish baths and palaces, and 10 historical bridges of the city are just a few of the places and attractions worth seeing in Edirne. Edirne is “the city of festivals”. The annual Turkish Oil Wrestling Festival in Kırkpınar is famous throughout Türkiye and further afield. The event takes place at the end of June or beginning of July every year. You can also enjoy International Edirne Band and Liver Festival which celebrates the brass band music and the famous liver dish of Edirne at the same time. And another festival you don’t want to miss in Edirne is Kakava Festival-Hıdırellez welcoming spring in a most traditional and fun way.