Situated between the Greek, Bulgarian and Turkish borders, Edirne is a gateway of Turkey opening to western world in Thrace, the first stopover for newcomers from Europe. Edirne, was the second Ottoman capital, and is home to some of the famous Ottoman architect, Sinan’s most impressive monuments. In particular the Selimiye Mosque is well worth a visit. It was built between 1569 and 1575 and Sinan himself described it - and in particular the dome, which is 31.5 metres in diameter - as his masterpiece. The typical Traveller’s Inn of Rüstem Paşa Kervansaray, which still serves as a hotel today, is also of interest. The Turkish national sport of ‘Greased Wrestling’ takes place every year in June in a meadow just outside Edirne known as ‘Kirkpinar’.
