Edirne, Turkey Hidden Gem

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.