Selimiye Mosque,Turkey

A popular anecdote attributes to Sinan the sentiment that Selimiye was his ultimate achievement—some versions say he considered it his "masterpiece" and allegedly claimed he had surpassed himself with this work. Local lore also highlights the perceived competition with Constantinople's great monuments; the mosque is often presented in tales as Edirne's proud architectural answer to Istanbul's skyline.

• The main prayer hall and masterful central dome — celebrated for its spacious, uninterrupted interior and refined structural solutions.
• Four towering minarets that define the skyline and emphasize vertical elegance; each minaret features multiple balconies.
• The külliye (social complex): includes a medrese (theological school), imaret (soup kitchen), library and other civic buildings that illustrate Ottoman charitable architecture.
• Tomb (turbe) of Sultan Selim II and other burial monuments within the complex.
• The mosque courtyard and fountain, and the surrounding historic market streets offering local crafts and atmosphere.

• Impressive single-dome composition achieving a vast, open interior with exceptional acoustics and light.
• Refined stone carving, marble inlay, calligraphic panels, and Iznik-style tile and ceramic details in the interior decoration.
• Integrated architectural planning where structural elements are harmonized with decorative program and civic facilities.
• Balanced proportions and the visual dialogue between the central dome and the four minarets, a signature of late-classical Ottoman aesthetics.

• Take a guided architectural tour (recommended) to understand Sinan's structural innovations and symbolic design.
• Explore the interior for its calligraphy, tilework and acoustics; photography allowed in most areas (respect rules).
• Visit the surrounding külliye buildings: medrese, tombs and nearby bazaars for local crafts.
• Attend or observe congregational prayers outside visiting hours to experience living religious practice (respectful behavior required).
• Combine with a walking tour of Edirne's other historic sites (Old Mosque, Üç Şerefeli Mosque, and regional museums).

• Major Islamic religious observances (Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha) and Friday congregational prayers draw large local participation.
• Occasional cultural heritage events, lectures or guided heritage days organized by local authorities or UNESCO partners.
• Seasonal local festivals in Edirne that celebrate regional cuisine and crafts—often a good complement to a mosque visit.

Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) for milder weather, comfortable sightseeing, and fewer peak summer crowds.

Edirne has hot summers and cold winters. Summers can be hot and dry; winters may be cold with occasional snow. Plan clothing accordingly.

The mosque is generally open to visitors free of charge, as it is a working place of worship. Visitors should avoid visiting during main prayer times (especially Friday noon prayer) and follow any posted visiting hours or temporary restrictions. Donations are often accepted for upkeep. Check local sources for temporary closures or conservation work.

Edirne is accessible by road, intercity bus and regional train services from Istanbul and other Turkish cities (journey time from Istanbul ~2–3 hours by road). The mosque is located centrally in Edirne and reachable on foot from the city centre. Note: some historic structures have steps and uneven surfaces—access for wheelchairs may be limited in parts of the complex; contact local tourist information for specific accessibility arrangements.

Allow 1–2 hours to tour the mosque and immediate külliye; add more time if visiting nearby museums, bazaars, or taking a guided tour.

Wear modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees). Women should carry a headscarf for entering the prayer hall (many sites provide scarves at the entrance). Remove shoes before entering the prayer area. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection and a light layer for changing weather are recommended.

Edirne is famous for ciğer tava (fried liver) — a regional specialty—plus local pastries and traditional sweets. Good souvenirs include handmade textiles, ceramics, miniature mosque models, local spices and postcards or prints of Ottoman architecture. Visit nearby bazaars for authentic local crafts.