Edirne: The Unforgettable Ottoman Capital and Its Sultans

Nearly a century before the conquest of Constantinople, the heart of the Ottoman Empire beat in Edirne. As the empire's capital from 1365 to 1453, Edirne hosted six sultans and witnessed some of the most brilliant periods in Ottoman history.

The Conquest of Edirne

The Ottoman conquest of Edirne was one of the empire's most important turning points in Europe. Murad I (Hüdavendigâr) conquered Edirne in 1362, incorporating the city into Ottoman territory. In 1365, the capital was moved from Bursa to Edirne, making it the center of the empire's Balkan policy.

Why Was Edirne Chosen as Capital?

• Strategic location: Bridge point between Europe and Asia
• Military base: Center of Balkan conquests
• Trade routes: Crossroads of the East-West trade route
• Fertile lands: The rich plain where the Meriç (Maritsa), Tunca (Tundzha), and Arda rivers converge

The Sultans Who Ruled from Edirne

Edirne was the seat of power for six Ottoman sultans, each leaving a lasting mark on the city:

Edirne Palace: The Lost Splendor

The Edirne Palace (Saray-ı Cedîd-i Âmire) was a massive palace complex, even larger than Topkapı Palace in Istanbul. Construction began during the reign of Murad II and was expanded by subsequent sultans:

• Located on the banks of the Tunca River
• Covered an area of 160,000 m²
• Featured sections like the Cihannüma and Kum Pavilions
• Suffered major damage during the 1878 Russo-Turkish War

Today, the palace ruins are being excavated and opened to visitors through archaeological digs.

Ottoman Architectural Heritage in Edirne

The architectural works left by the sultans have transformed Edirne into an open-air museum:

Selimiye Mosque (1575)

Described by architect Mimar Sinan as his "masterwork," the Selimiye Mosque was built during the reign of Selim II. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is considered the pinnacle of Ottoman architecture.

Üç Şerefeli Mosque (1447)

Built by Murad II, this mosque stands out with its four differently designed minarets. It represents a transitional period in Ottoman mosque architecture.

Bayezid Complex and Darüşşifa (1488)

Built by Bayezid II, this complex was the most advanced medical center of its time. Famous for its music therapy treatment, the hospital can today be visited as the Sultan Bayezid II Health Museum.

Edirne's Role in the Conquest of Constantinople

Mehmed the Conqueror planned and organized the conquest of Constantinople from Edirne. For the great siege of 1453:

• Cannons were cast in Edirne (the famous Şahi cannons)
• The army was prepared and equipped in Edirne
• Strategy was determined at the Edirne Palace

Although the capital moved to Istanbul after the conquest, Edirne maintained its status as the "second capital" for a long time. Sultans continued to regularly visit Edirne during summer months and hunting seasons.

Ottoman Traces in Edirne Today

When you visit Edirne, you can follow in the footsteps of the sultans:

1. Selimiye Mosque — Mimar Sinan's masterpiece
2. Eski Cami (Old Mosque) — The first Ottoman monument
3. Üç Şerefeli Mosque — With its unique minarets
4. Edirne Palace ruins — Archaeological site
5. Bayezid Complex — Ottoman medical history
6. Ali Paşa Çarşısı — Historic bazaar designed by Mimar Sinan

For accommodation, The Plaza Hotel Edirne is within walking distance of all these historical landmarks. Its central location makes it the ideal base for exploring Ottoman heritage.

Conclusion

Edirne, as the pre-Istanbul capital of the Ottoman Empire, is one of history's most significant cities. The city where six sultans ruled, where architectural masterpieces like the Selimiye Mosque rose, and where the conquest of Constantinople was planned — Edirne is an unparalleled treasure for history enthusiasts.