Selimiye Mosque and Its Social Complex

Selimiye Mosque and Its Social Complex: A Comprehensive Guide for Tourists

Overview

Welcome! This guide aims to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the renowned Selimiye Mosque and its surrounding social complex, located in Edirne, Turkey. This architectural masterpiece is a testament to Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan’s genius and a significant cultural landmark that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of the Ottoman Empire.

History

  • Construction: The construction of Selimiye Mosque began in 1568 under the orders of Sultan Selim II and was completed in 1575.
  • Design: Mimar Sinan, the chief architect, designed the mosque in a perfect octagon with four minarets and a large central dome, making it an architectural marvel.
  • Significance: The mosque’s completion marked a turning point in Ottoman architecture, setting new standards for mosque design.

Architecture

Exterior

  • Dome: The main dome stands at an impressive 43 meters high and is supported by four slender piers, creating a unique octagonal layout.
  • Minarets: The four minarets, each 68 meters tall, are adorned with intricate carvings and serve as one of the mosque’s most distinctive features.
  • Courtyard: The spacious courtyard is surrounded by porticoes featuring elegant arches and columns.

Interior

  • Prayer Hall: The prayer hall, also octagonal in shape, is ornamented with calligraphy, geometric patterns, and stunning stained glass windows.
  • Mihrab: The mihrab, the niche indicating the direction of Mecca, is a beautiful example of Ottoman craftsmanship.
  • Calligraphy: Selimiye Mosque is renowned for its calligraphic inscriptions, featuring verses from the Quran and hadiths.

Social Complex

Adjacent to the mosque lies the social complex, which includes a madrasa (theological school), soup kitchen, hospital, and public fountain:

  • Madrasa: The Madrasa Sultan Selim is an educational institution that taught Islamic studies, Arabic language, philosophy, and mathematics.
  • Soup Kitchen: The imaret, or soup kitchen, provided free meals to the needy and travelers.
  • Hospital: The hospital (Darüşşifaa) offered medical care and treatment to the local community.
  • Public Fountain: The public fountain (sebil), located in the courtyard, provided fresh water for the local community.

Practical Information for Visitors

  • Location: Selimiye Mosque is located in Edirne, a city in northwest Turkey near the border with Greece.
  • Opening Hours: The mosque is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM during summer and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM during winter.
  • Entrance Fee: There is no admission fee for the mosque, but modest clothing (long sleeves and long pants for men and women) must be worn out of respect for the religious site.
  • Guided Tours: Guided tours are available upon request at the entrance of the mosque.

Conclusion

The Selimiye Mosque and its social complex in Edirne, Turkey, offer visitors a unique glimpse into Ottoman architecture, history, and culture. We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights and practical information to make your visit truly memorable. Enjoy your exploration!