original text by Vera Yumira, executive summary by darmansjah
Although our visit was short, but unique
Edirne has stolen our hearts. Cities in
Turkey's northwest side is a hidden gem that
has not been widely known beauty.
Located 235 kilometers
from Istanbul, Edirne is a 2.5 hour bus ride. Originally the
capital of the Ottoman Empire was
Edirne (1365-1453), later changed Constantinople (Istanbul). "Neighbors"
Greece and Bulgaria was once dubbed, "Happiness Gate" because during the
reign of Murat II by Mehmet IV filled celebration of the
victory the conquest of other
regions. But Evliya Celebi, the legendary
Ottoman nomads, called
him, "City of Perpetual
Heartache", because it
is often battered enemy.
One
of the beautiful buildings, Selimiye Mosque, which was built on the orders of Sultan Selim II in
1569-1575, and was designed by Mimar Sinan, Mimar Sinan is Ottoman famous architect. Before entering the mosque, we drove through the covered market in Arastasi Selimiye
mosque complex, shaped 255 meter long hallway with rows of shops
on either side. The interior of the
mosque is very beautiful, where in the middle there
is a wooden structure like a
marquee décor Edirne with the 16th century were dominated
by gold and plant motifs. In the hall
there is a shower of white marble with
seven holes. Available copper glasses for
anyone who wants to drink the
water.
Other
objects of interest in Edirne is an ancient stone bridge spanning
the River Meric. Before returning to Istanbul, we bought souvenir
dolls dressed in traditional Bulgarian.