original text by Vera Yumira, executive summary by darmansjah
Although our visit was short, but uniqueEdirne has stolen our hearts. Cities inTurkey's northwest side is a hidden gem that has not been widely known beauty.Located 235 kilometers from Istanbul, Edirne is a 2.5 hour bus ride. Originally the capital of the Ottoman Empire wasEdirne (1365-1453), later changed Constantinople (Istanbul). "Neighbors" Greece and Bulgaria was once dubbed, "Happiness Gate" because during the reign of Murat II by Mehmet IV filled celebration of the victory the conquest of other regions. But Evliya Celebi, the legendaryOttoman nomads, called him, "City of PerpetualHeartache", because it is often battered enemy.
One of the beautiful buildings, Selimiye Mosque, which was built on the orders of Sultan Selim II in1569-1575, and was designed by Mimar Sinan, Mimar Sinan is Ottoman famous architect. Before entering the mosque, we drove through the covered market in Arastasi Selimiyemosque complex, shaped 255 meter long hallway with rows of shopson either side. The interior of themosque is very beautiful, where in the middle there is a wooden structure like amarquee décor Edirne with the 16th century were dominated by gold and plant motifs. In the hallthere is a shower of white marble with seven holes. Available copper glasses for anyone who wants to drink the water.
Other objects of interest in Edirne is an ancient stone bridge spanningthe River Meric. Before returning to Istanbul, we bought souvenirdolls dressed in traditional Bulgarian.