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Edirne
Edirne is a gateway of Turkey opening to western world, the first stopover for
newcomers from Europe. Situated on the Greek border, this beautiful city is
famed for its many mosques, the elegant domes and minarets which dominate the
panoramic appearance of the province.
One of the most important monuments in this ancient province is the Selimiye
Mosque, built in the 16th-century by the greatest Turkey's greatest architect,
Mimar Sinan. Carrying the name of the then reigning the Sultan, this mosque
magnificently represents Turkish marble handicrafts and it is covered with
valuable tiles and fine paintings. The Yildirim Mosque and the Eski Mosque,
dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries respectively, are other spectacular
sights while the Muradiye Mosque and the Üç Serefeli Mosque are also among the
oldest and most impressive buildings. Last to be mentioned is the Beyazit II
Mosque, a great monument with its complex construction comprising many
facilities used in those times.
Besides the fascinating mosques, there are different sites to be visited in
Edirne, all reflecting its rich past. There are attractive palaces, the most
prominent one being the Edirne Palace, which was the "Palace of the Empire"
built during the reign of Murat II. There are the amazing caravansaries, like
the Rustem Pasha and Ekmekcioglu Ahmet Pasha caravansaries, which were designed
to host travelers, in the 16th century.
The lively bazaars of "Bedesten" and "Arasta" make the province colorful bring
back the ancient times. Several bridges exist which have stood for centuries,
adorning the land with their old but fine appearances.
Ipsala, is a district center of Edirne province and it is Turkey's second
important border gate, on the European frontier. It is a wildfowl paradise
enjoyed by both Turkish and foreign sportsmen.
A specialty of Edirne is as a center for grease-wrestling, which is the national
sport of Turkey. Lively championships are held here every July, on Kirkpinar
island, a forested area between the Meric and Tunca rivers. These traditional
occasions comprise many entertaining activity, and the province is filled with
spectators.
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