Selimiye Mosque
An architectural marvel by Mimar Sinan, the Selimiye Mosque is a UNESCO site renowned for its grand dome and intricate Ottoman design.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Selimiye Mosque
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An architectural marvel by Mimar Sinan, the Selimiye Mosque is a UNESCO site renowned for its grand dome and intricate Ottoman design.
"One of the most beautiful mosques my eyes have seen!! The architecture is simply breathtaking."
🎯 Identify the Correct Selimiye
Confirm if you're visiting the grand Edirne mosque or the one in Konya. They are distinct!
🤫 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees. Scarves are often provided for head covering.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mimar Sinan's Masterpiece
Edirne
Hailed as Mimar Sinan's crowning achievement, this mosque is an unparalleled example of Ottoman architecture.
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The Grand Dome
Edirne
Marvel at the monumental dome, a feat of engineering that was designed to rival Hagia Sophia.
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Gothic Grandeur (Cyprus)
Nicosia, Cyprus
Originally a Gothic cathedral, this structure offers a unique blend of architectural styles after its conversion.
Ottoman Architecture in Konya
Konya
Admire the 16th-century Ottoman architecture, a beautiful and simple structure near the Mevlana Museum.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Location Matters: Edirne vs. Konya
+1Respectful Visits & Prayer Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Identify the Correct Selimiye
Confirm if you're visiting the grand Edirne mosque or the one in Konya. They are distinct!
🤫 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees. Scarves are often provided for head covering.
🦉 Look for Hidden Owls
Seek out the hidden owl figures, a signature of architect Mimar Sinan.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Be respectful during prayer times; avoid flash photography inside.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Identify the Correct Selimiye
Confirm if you're visiting the grand Edirne mosque or the one in Konya. They are distinct!
🤫 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees. Scarves are often provided for head covering.
🦉 Look for Hidden Owls
Seek out the hidden owl figures, a signature of architect Mimar Sinan.
📸 Photography Etiquette
Be respectful during prayer times; avoid flash photography inside.
🚶♀️ Explore the Complex
Don't just see the mosque; explore the surrounding külliye (social complex) in Edirne.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Selimiye Mosque for its breathtaking architecture and historical significance, often calling it a masterpiece. Its convenient location near other attractions is also a plus. Some minor concerns have been raised regarding recent restoration efforts and their impact on the original structure.
"Selimiye Mosque stands right beside the Mevlana Museum in Konya, adding to the square’s historical atmosphere. Its Ottoman architecture is noticeable and worth a look if you’re already visiting the area. I didn’t go inside, so my impression is only from the outside, which was good and simple."
Aon Muhammad Sultan
"One of the most beautiful mosques my eyes have seen!! The architecture is simply breathtaking, the intricate details and work in this mosque take you back into a glimpse of history of what architecture was like during the Ottoman Empire.
It's located very close to Mevlana Museum which makes it a convenient sight seeing spot on the way to or from the Mevlana Museum. Definitely a place to see!"
Rose
"This is the oldest and biggest mosque in Konya and is an epitome of Ottoman architecture of the 16th century. Even if you do not enter the mosque, you can admire the beauty of the structure from outside."
Reza Sattarzadeh Nowbari
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Edirne is accessible by bus from Istanbul (approx. 2.5-3 hours). Once in Edirne, local minibuses (dolmuş) or taxis can take you to the mosque, which is centrally located.
Yes, the Selimiye Mosque in Konya is conveniently located next to the Mevlana Museum, making it easy to visit both.
The Selimiye Mosque in Nicosia is located within the Walled City and is accessible on foot. It's near the Bandabulya market.
Regular bus services operate between Istanbul and Edirne. The journey takes about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Yes, local dolmuş (minibuses) and taxis are readily available in Edirne to reach the mosque.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Selimiye Mosque for prayer and general visiting is typically free. Donations are appreciated.
Mosques are generally open from early morning until late evening, but they close briefly during prayer times. It's best to check local listings for specific hours.
No, there is no entrance fee for the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne. It is a functioning mosque.
Visitors are welcome outside of the five daily prayer times. It's advisable to avoid visiting during active prayer to show respect.
Yes, like most Turkish mosques, there are separate entrances and ablution areas for men and women.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside the mosque, but it's crucial to be respectful and avoid taking pictures during prayer times.
The exterior, especially the grand dome and minarets, offers stunning photographic opportunities. Inside, the intricate tilework and calligraphy are captivating.
It's best to avoid using flash photography inside any place of worship to prevent disturbing worshippers and potentially damaging delicate interiors.
Drone usage is often restricted in sensitive areas, including historical sites and places of worship. Check local regulations before flying.
Weekday mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the mosque's grandeur. Afternoon light can also be beautiful.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
The Selimiye Mosque in Edirne was designed by the legendary Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan.
The Selimiye Mosque in Edirne was constructed between 1568 and 1575.
It's considered Mimar Sinan's masterpiece, renowned for its massive dome, harmonious proportions, and innovative engineering.
It was originally built as a Gothic cathedral named St. Sophia Cathedral in the 13th century before being converted into a mosque.
Architect Mimar Sinan is said to have hidden owl figures in his mosques, with various symbolic interpretations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the area around Selimiye Mosque in Edirne has many restaurants and cafes offering local Turkish cuisine.
Near the Konya Selimiye Mosque, you'll find traditional Konya dishes and cafes, especially around the Mevlana Museum area.
The Bandabulya market, located next to the Selimiye Mosque in Nicosia, offers fresh produce and local products.
While the mosque itself is for worship, the surrounding külliye (social complex) in Edirne may have historical structures that have been repurposed, but dedicated dining is usually outside the immediate mosque area.
Experiencing a Ramadan evening meal in the square in front of the mosque, with locals sharing food, is a memorable cultural experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 In Konya, its proximity to the Mevlana Museum offers a combined cultural outing. 🕌 Religious Visitors
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Capture the interplay of light and shadow within the vast prayer hall, and don't miss the exterior views, particularly during the golden hours. Remember to be mindful of worshippers and avoid disruptive photography. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Genius of Mimar Sinan
+1 Sinan's innovative approach to structural engineering, particularly his mastery of the dome, allowed for vast, open interior spaces that were revolutionary for their time. He designed over 300 structures, including mosques, bridges, and palaces, leaving an indelible mark on Ottoman architecture. His philosophy emphasized not just grandeur but also harmony and proportion. The Selimiye Mosque, with its single, colossal dome seemingly floating above the prayer hall, exemplifies this. The mosque's design was intended to surpass even the Hagia Sophia in its architectural ambition and beauty.
The intricate tilework, calligraphy, and stained glass windows further enhance the spiritual and aesthetic experience within the mosque, showcasing the pinnacle of Ottoman artistry. Sinan's legacy is deeply intertwined with the Selimiye Mosque, which he himself referred to as his 'masterpiece.'
The mosque's construction between 1568 and 1575 was a testament to the empire's power and artistic sophistication during the reign of Sultan Selim II. Selimiye Mosque: A Tale of Two Cities (and Styles)
+1However, another notable Selimiye Mosque exists in Nicosia, Cyprus. This structure has a fascinating dual identity. Originally built in the 13th century as a Gothic cathedral (St. Sophia Cathedral) by the Lusignan dynasty, it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in 1571.
This conversion resulted in a unique blend of Gothic and Ottoman architectural elements, making it a historically rich site. Additionally, a smaller Selimiye Mosque is located in Konya, Turkey, near the Mevlana Museum. While not as architecturally grand as its Edirne namesake, it represents 16th-century Ottoman architecture and adds to the historical ambiance of the Konya square.
The Controversy of Restoration
The balance between preserving historical integrity and undertaking necessary renovations is a delicate one. Critics argue that some modern restoration efforts can alter the original character of a monument, leading to debates about authenticity. This issue is particularly relevant for structures like the Selimiye Mosque, which are not only architectural marvels but also living places of worship.
Ensuring that restorations are carried out with the utmost care, respecting the original materials and techniques, is crucial for safeguarding these invaluable heritage sites for future generations. 
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