Mimar Sinan’s Selimiye Mosque in Edirne sees record visitor numbers

Approximately 15,000 visitors visited the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, Mimar Sinan’s architectural masterpiece, during the Eid al-Adha holiday.

The mosque, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remains a significant draw for cultural and religious tourism in Edirne.

During the nine-day Eid al-Adha holiday, tourists flocked to Edirne, primarily to visit Selimiye Mosque. Visitors also explored other historical and tourist sites in the city, engaging with Edirne’s rich cultural heritage.

Edirne Mufti Hasan Basoglu reported the surge in visitors to Selimiye Mosque. “The mosque experienced a significant number of visitors during Eid al-Adha,” said Basoglu. “This includes both local and international tourists.”

Ongoing restoration

Although some parts of the mosque are under restoration, this did not deter visitors. Basoglu stated, “Approximately 15,000 visitors came to see Selimiye, even with some areas closed for restoration. We are adjusting the ablution facilities and prayer areas based on visitors’ needs. The mosque is especially crowded during Friday prayers.”

The mosque’s capacity is particularly tested during Friday prayers, with necessary adjustments made to ensure a comfortable experience for all. “We are making the required arrangements based on visitor feedback, especially for Friday prayers when the mosque is packed,” explained Basoglu.

Mimar Sinan’s legacy, significance in Ottoman architecture

Selimiye Mosque is not just a place of worship but also a grand example of Mimar Sinan’s architectural genius. Mimar Sinan is one of the most celebrated architects in the history of Türkiye and designed Selimiye Mosque as his crowning achievement.

Sinan’s legacy continues to draw admiration and study from architects and historians worldwide. Completed in 1575, Selimiye Mosque is often regarded as his magnum opus, reflecting his ability to blend aesthetic beauty with structural ingenuity.

Basoglu added, “Visitors used the holiday to explore Edirne’s cultural and historical sites. Selimiye continues to attract significant interest from both local and foreign tourists.”

Despite the ongoing restoration, Selimiye Mosque remains a key site for cultural and religious tourism. Thousands of visitors continue to come, eager to experience its historical and architectural splendor.