Facts about Türkiye: Edirne, once the capital of Ottoman Empire

Edirne boasts a history rich in cultural texture, from its origins as a Thracian settlement to its days as capital of the Ottoman Empire, so here are some facts you probably didn’t know about this Turkish province

Edirne, once the capital of the Ottoman Empire, boasts a history that is as diverse as it is long-standing. Situated at the confluence of European and Asian cultures, this city has been a pivotal stage for many historical events. From its origins as a Thracian settlement to its days as a cornerstone of the Ottoman Empire, Edirne has been a witness to sieges, cultural flourishes, and the flow of empires.

Here are 5 fascinating facts you’ve probably never heard:

1. Opened in 1909 and inspired by Vienna’s Leopoldstader Tempel, the Edirne Grand Synagogue is the largest in Türkiye and third largest in Europe. It underwent restoration in 2015. The synagogue’s establishment and history reflect the city’s embrace of Jewish families, especially those expelled from Spain and Portugal during II.Beyazıt’s reign.

2. Edirne, once known as Adrianople, served as the Ottoman Empire’s capital from 1365 to 1453 before Istanbul. This city, initially founded by the Thracian tribe of Odrisians, later became a significant European gateway into the Ottoman world. Edirne’s history is rich with grand festivals and sieges, reflecting its resilience and strategic importance.

3. The Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival originating in the 14th century is the world’s oldest and commemorates a historic wrestling match among Ottoman soldiers while continuing to attract participants and spectators from across the nation.

4. Built between 1566 and 1574, the Selimiye Mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Mimar Sinan’s crowning achievement in architecture. Despite facing earthquakes and wars, including damage in the Turkish-Russian War, the mosque’s structure stands resilient, reflecting Edirne’s storied past.

5. A recent archaeological discovery in Hadrianopolis, an 1,800-year-old iron cavalry mask, reveals the Roman Empire’s military influence in the Western Black Sea Region. This find suggests that Edirne was a strategic Roman military base, shedding light on the city’s importance in ancient times.