Eski Cami Edirne - Image 1
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Eski Cami Edirne

4.9
·2k reviews·, Türkiye

An early Ottoman masterpiece, Eski Cami in Edirne captivates with its grand, spacious interior and intricate calligraphy.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Eski Cami Edirne - Image 1

Eski Cami Edirne

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An early Ottoman masterpiece, Eski Cami in Edirne captivates with its grand, spacious interior and intricate calligraphy.

4.9
(2k reviews)

"Very beautiful mosque and very historical as well, it serves the city since 1414."

Vertical photo
TIP

Free Admission! 🎉

Entry to Eski Cami is free, making it an accessible historical gem for all travelers.

Dress Modestly 👗

Cover shoulders and knees. Women may need a headscarf. Remove shoes before entering.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Grand Interior Architecture

Grand Interior Architecture

Main prayer hall

Marvel at the expansive interior, supported by four columns and covered by nine domes. The spaciousness is truly breathtaking.

Intricate Calligraphy

Intricate Calligraphy

Interior walls

Admire the beautiful and extensive calligraphy adorning the mosque's walls, a testament to Ottoman artistry.

Hacer-ül Esved Stone Fragment

Hacer-ül Esved Stone Fragment

Near the mihrab

Discover a rare fragment of the Black Stone from Mecca, one of only six in Turkey, adding a unique spiritual dimension.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Eski Cami

Eski Cami, a significant historical mosque, can get busy. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to fully appreciate its architecture and serene atmosphere. Early mornings or late afternoons are often less crowded, allowing for a more contemplative experience.

Respectful Attire and Etiquette

As a place of worship, modest dress is essential. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and women may need a headscarf. Remember to remove your shoes before entering. These simple courtesies ensure a respectful visit for all.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light, fewer tour groups
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Tarihi edirne eski ulu Camii şerif muhteşem bir yapı harika ötesi 14 yüzyılda yapılmış yapılış tarihi 1414 ..
@orhanckrekbh
4.7K likes • 16.5K views

Free Admission! 🎉

Entry to Eski Cami is free, making it an accessible historical gem for all travelers. Reddit

Dress Modestly 👗

Cover shoulders and knees. Women may need a headscarf. Remove shoes before entering. Reddit

Edirne Eski Camii Yıldırım Bayezid Han oğlu Emir Süleyman tarafından 1403 senesinde yapımına başlanmıştır. Ölümünün ardından cami inşası 1414 yılında Sultan Çelebi Mehmet zamanında tamamlanmıştır. بدأ بناء مسجد أدرنة القديم في عام 1403 على يد الأمير سليمان، ابن يلدريم بايزيد خان. وبعد وفاته، تم الانتهاء من بناء المسجد عام 1414 في عهد السلطان جلبي محمد. The construction of the Edirne Old Mosque wa...
@ottoman__1299
3K likes • 45.1K views
Eski Cami - самая старая из главных мечетей Эдирне. Строительство началось по приказу старшего сына Баязида I - Сулеймана Челеби, в 1403 году, а закончено при его младшем сыне - Мехмеде I, в 1414 году. #эдирне #стараямечеть #стараямечетьэдирне #eskicami #eskicamiedirne #odrin #eskiulucamii #selimiyecamiedirne #edirne #edi̇rne #edirneeskicami #edirnetur #edirneturu
location_istanbul
0 likes • 3.1K views

Admire the Calligraphy ✨

Take time to appreciate the detailed Arabic calligraphy on the walls. Reddit

Visit Near Other Sites 📍

Located near markets and other historical mosques like Selimiye. TikTokReddit

Edirne Eski Camii. Yapım Yılı 1414 #mosque #architecture #arkeoloji #archaeology #art #türkiye #mimari #arthistory #history #turkey #turkey #historia #photography #photo #stalker #gezi #edirne #cami #camii #edirne #istanbul #türkiyekadarbirçiçek
ikilitekrar
135 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Free Admission! 🎉

Entry to Eski Cami is free, making it an accessible historical gem for all travelers. Reddit

Dress Modestly 👗

Cover shoulders and knees. Women may need a headscarf. Remove shoes before entering. Reddit

Admire the Calligraphy ✨

Take time to appreciate the detailed Arabic calligraphy on the walls. Reddit

Visit Near Other Sites 📍

Located near markets and other historical mosques like Selimiye. TikTokReddit

Photography Tips 📸

Capture the grandeur of the interior and the intricate details. Natural light is best. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.9
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Eski Cami for its historical significance and beautiful, spacious interior. The intricate calligraphy and the unique presence of a fragment of the Black Stone are frequently highlighted as impressive features. While generally well-maintained, some may find the lack of a courtyard different from other grand mosques.

"Very beautiful mosque and very historical as well, it serves the city since 1414, the interior design is very beautiful and very spacious, it’s filled with men and women alike who come to gather and spend a nice time there, i really enjoyed my visit and i highly recommend visiting it."

Abdulrahman Qazzaz

"The very first place I visited in Edirne was Eski Mosque and of course it's very special and writings in its walls were very beautiful 😍."

Umed Suhrobi

"Such a great early ottoman empire mosque"

Omer Sarigul

What People Like

Beautiful and spacious interior
Intricate calligraphy
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Eski Cami is centrally located in Edirne, making it easily accessible. You can reach it by walking from the city center or by taking local buses that stop nearby. It's often visited as part of a day trip to Edirne, alongside other historical sites like the Meriç Bridge and Selimiye Mosque. TikTok

Yes, Eski Cami is a prominent landmark in Edirne's historical center, situated near the market and other significant mosques. Its central location makes it straightforward to locate. Reddit

While direct car access to the immediate vicinity might be limited due to pedestrian zones, there are parking areas available within a short walking distance. It's advisable to check local parking options beforehand. TikTok

Many visitors opt for a day trip from Istanbul, combining Eski Cami with Selimiye Mosque and other attractions. Walking is a great way to explore the historical center once you're in Edirne. TikTok

Local buses frequently run through Edirne's city center, with stops close to Eski Cami. Taxis are also readily available for a more direct route. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entrance to Eski Cami is completely free. It is open for both visitors and prayers, making it an accessible historical and religious site. Reddit

Eski Cami is generally open throughout the day for visitors and prayers. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific prayer times or temporary closures, especially during religious holidays. Reddit

There is no entrance fee for Eski Cami. Visitors are welcome to explore the mosque and its historical significance free of charge. Reddit

Modest attire is required. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Women should also have a headscarf. You will need to remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall. Reddit

Yes, visitors are welcome, but it's respectful to be mindful of prayer times. During active prayer, you may be asked to wait or observe quietly from a designated area. Reddit

🎫 🕌 Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find a vast prayer hall with nine domes supported by four columns. The walls are adorned with beautiful and extensive Arabic calligraphy, and there's a fragment of the Hacer-ül Esved stone from Mecca. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! The grand architecture, intricate calligraphy, and spacious interior offer many stunning photographic opportunities. The natural light inside can create beautiful effects. Instagram

A visit typically takes about 30-60 minutes, allowing time to admire the architecture, calligraphy, and soak in the historical atmosphere. If you plan to visit other nearby sites, allocate more time for your Edirne trip. TikTok

The calligraphy features verses from the Quran and other religious texts, executed in a beautiful Ottoman style. It's a significant artistic and spiritual element of the mosque's interior. Reddit

One of the most unique features is the fragment of the Hacer-ül Esved stone from the Kaaba in Mecca, which is one of only six such fragments found in Turkey. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Eski Cami is located in the historical center of Edirne, which is bustling with local eateries, cafes, and restaurants. You can find traditional Turkish cuisine and local specialties nearby. TikTok

Edirne is famous for its liver dishes ('ciğer'), but you can also find delicious local pastries, kebabs, and other traditional Turkish fare in the restaurants and markets around Eski Cami. TikTok

While specific recommendations can vary, the area around Eski Cami is known for its 'ciğerciler' (liver restaurants) and traditional Ottoman cuisine. Exploring the local bazaars and streets will reveal many options. TikTok

Many Turkish restaurants offer vegetarian dishes like mezes, vegetable stews, and pide (Turkish pizza). It's advisable to ask about vegetarian options when ordering. TikTok

Yes, the vicinity of Eski Cami is dotted with numerous cafes where you can enjoy Turkish coffee, tea, or light snacks while resting. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The grand interior with its domes and calligraphy is a prime spot. The exterior architecture, especially the minarets, also makes for great shots. Consider the interplay of light and shadow inside. Instagram

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Eski Cami for personal use. However, it's always respectful to avoid using flash photography, especially during prayer times, and to be mindful of other visitors. Instagram

Both smartphones and dedicated cameras can capture stunning images. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the interior to fit more of the architecture in the frame. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in and around historical and religious sites for safety and privacy reasons. It's best to assume drones are not permitted. Instagram

Late afternoons can offer beautiful natural light filtering into the mosque, creating a serene ambiance. Early mornings can also be good for fewer crowds and softer light. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Eski Cami offers a glimpse into history that can be engaging for children, especially the sheer size of the interior and the intricate calligraphy. While it's a place of worship, the open space can accommodate curious young minds. Remember to emphasize the importance of quiet behavior and respectful observation. Reddit

Keep the visit concise to maintain children's attention. Focus on the visual aspects like the domes and the writing on the walls. Nearby markets and open areas can provide space for kids to move around before or after the mosque visit. TikTok

🕌 Religious Visitors

For those seeking a spiritual experience, Eski Cami offers a serene environment for prayer and reflection. The presence of the Hacer-ül Esved fragment adds a unique devotional aspect. TikTokReddit

Ensure you adhere to the dress code and remove your shoes. Be mindful of prayer times and maintain a respectful demeanor. The mosque is open to both men and women, fostering a communal spiritual atmosphere. Reddit

🏛️ History & Architecture Enthusiasts

Eski Cami is a treasure trove for anyone interested in Ottoman history and architecture. Its early 15th-century construction places it at a crucial point in Ottoman architectural development. TikTokInstagram

Pay close attention to the innovative design elements, such as the lack of a courtyard and the nine-domed roof. The detailed calligraphy and the presence of the Black Stone fragment are also key historical and artistic features to explore. TikTokInstagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Historical Significance of Eski Cami

Eski Cami, also known as the Grand Mosque (Ulucami), is a pivotal early 15th-century Ottoman mosque in Edirne. Its construction began in 1403 under the order of Emir Süleyman, son of Sultan Yıldırım Bayezid, and was completed in 1414 during the reign of Sultan Mehmed I. This period marked a significant time of recovery for the Ottoman Empire after the Fetret Devri (Interregnum). TikTokInstagram

The mosque is notable for breaking architectural norms of its time, influencing later Ottoman mosque designs. It was one of the first mosques to feature two minarets with two balconies each, a design that would become more common in later Ottoman architecture. Mimar Sinan himself was reportedly very impressed by its design. Instagram+1

Its location in the historical heart of Edirne, near markets and other prominent mosques like Selimiye and Üç Şerefeli Mosque, underscores its importance as a central religious and social hub. The mosque has been a place of worship and gathering for centuries, preserving its historical and spiritual essence. Reddit

Architectural Marvels of Eski Cami

Eski Cami stands out with its unique architectural features. Unlike many mosques of its era, it lacks a courtyard and is entered through three doors. The main prayer hall is covered by nine domes, supported by four massive columns, creating a sense of immense space and grandeur. Reddit

The interior is renowned for its extensive and beautifully executed Arabic calligraphy, featuring verses from the Quran and religious inscriptions. These calligraphic works are a major artistic highlight, showcasing the skill of Ottoman calligraphers. TikTokReddit

A particularly unique artifact within the mosque is a fragment of the 'Hacer-ül Esved' (Black Stone) from the Kaaba in Mecca, one of only six such fragments known to exist in Turkey. This sacred relic adds a profound spiritual dimension to the visitor's experience. TikTok

Visiting Edirne: A Day Trip Perspective

Edirne, with its rich history and impressive Ottoman architecture, makes for an excellent day trip, especially from Istanbul. Eski Cami is a must-visit on any Edirne itinerary, often paired with other iconic sites. TikTok

When planning your day, consider visiting the magnificent Selimiye Mosque, a masterpiece by Mimar Sinan, and the historic Meriç Bridge. Exploring the local bazaars and trying Edirne's famous liver ('ciğer') are also popular activities that round out the experience. TikTok

Many visitors find that a single day is sufficient to see the main attractions, allowing for a comprehensive yet manageable exploration of the city's historical and cultural offerings. Public transport and walking are convenient ways to navigate between these sites. TikTok

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