Selimiye Mosque

About Selimiye Mosque

Selimiye Mosque (Selimiye Camii) stands as the crowning achievement of Ottoman architecture and the masterwork of Mimar Sinan, the greatest architect in Ottoman history. Rising majestically above the skyline of Edirne in northwestern Turkey, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has captivated visitors, scholars, and pilgrims for more than four centuries.

Commissioned by Sultan Selim II in 1568 and completed in 1575, the mosque represents the culmination of Sinan's lifetime of architectural experimentation. The architect himself, who was approximately 80 years old when he began the project, declared Selimiye his ustalik eseri — his "masterwork" — distinguishing it from the Sehzade Mosque (his "apprentice work") and the Suleymaniye Mosque (his "journeyman work").

Today, Selimiye Mosque remains an active place of worship and one of Turkey's most important historical and architectural landmarks. It draws approximately one million visitors each year who come to witness its breathtaking dome, soaring minarets, and luminous interior.

Selimiye Camii Nerede? — Where Is Selimiye Mosque?

Selimiye Mosque is located in Edirne, a historic city in the Thrace region of northwestern Turkey. It is approximately 235 kilometers west of Istanbul, near Turkey's borders with Bulgaria and Greece.

A common misconception is that Selimiye Mosque is in Istanbul. It is not. While Istanbul is home to many famous mosques, Selimiye stands proudly in Edirne — a city that served as the Ottoman capital from 1369 to 1453, before Constantinople was conquered.

The mosque sits on a slight hill at the center of Edirne's old town, making it visible from virtually every point in the city. Its four slender minarets and massive dome dominate the Edirne skyline just as Sinan intended when he chose this elevated site.

Address: Meydan Mah., Mimar Sinan Cad., Merkez, Edirne, Turkey GPS Coordinates: 41.6786° N, 26.5589° E

Selimiye Camii'ni Kim Yapti? — Who Built Selimiye Mosque?

Selimiye Mosque was designed and constructed by Mimar Sinan (1489–1588), the chief architect (Mimarbaşı) of the Ottoman Empire. Born in Kayseri to a Christian family, Sinan was recruited through the devshirme system and trained as a military engineer before rising to become the most prolific and innovative architect in Ottoman history.

Over his remarkable career spanning more than 50 years, Sinan designed more than 370 structures across the Ottoman Empire, including mosques, bridges, aqueducts, baths, and palaces. His three greatest works mark the progression of his mastery:

1. Sehzade Mosque (1548) — his "apprentice work" (ciraklik eseri)
2. Suleymaniye Mosque (1557) — his "journeyman work" (kalfalik eseri)
3. Selimiye Mosque (1575) — his "masterwork" (ustalik eseri)

With Selimiye, Sinan finally achieved his lifelong ambition: creating a dome that surpassed the Hagia Sophia's in diameter while appearing to float effortlessly above the prayer hall.

Key Features and Facts

Feature	Detail
Architect	Mimar Sinan
Construction	1568–1575
Commissioned by	Sultan Selim II
Dome Diameter	31.3 meters (102.7 feet)
Dome Height	43.3 meters (142 feet)
Minarets	4, each 83 meters (272 feet) tall
Windows	999
UNESCO Status	World Heritage Site (2011)
Entry Fee	Free
Location	Edirne, Turkey
Yearly Visitors	~1 million
Architectural Style	Classical Ottoman

Why Visit Selimiye Mosque?

Architectural Marvel

The mosque's massive dome spans 31.3 meters in diameter — slightly larger than that of Hagia Sophia — yet appears to float without the heavy buttresses that characterize earlier domed buildings. Sinan achieved this through an innovative octagonal support system using eight pillars, which also creates an uninterrupted interior space of remarkable openness.

A Symphony of Light

The 999 windows that pierce the walls and drum of the dome fill the interior with an ethereal quality of natural light. This was Sinan's deliberate design: the play of light throughout the day creates a constantly shifting, almost spiritual atmosphere inside the prayer hall.

Masterful Iznik Tilework

The interior features some of the finest examples of 16th-century Iznik tilework in existence. The tiles around the mihrab (prayer niche) and the sultan's loge showcase intricate floral patterns in cobalt blue, turquoise, green, and the famous "Iznik red" — a color achieved through a technique that was later lost.

Living Heritage

Unlike many historical mosques that have become museums, Selimiye remains an active place of worship. Visiting during non-prayer times, you can experience the authentic atmosphere of a functioning mosque while admiring its artistic and architectural treasures.

UNESCO World Heritage

The entire Selimiye Mosque complex — including the mosque, madrasa, covered bazaar, and surrounding buildings — received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2011. The UNESCO committee described it as representing "the most harmonious expression ever achieved of the Ottoman kulliye."

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Selimiye Mosque depends on what you want to experience:

• Spring (April–May): Mild weather, fewer crowds, Edirne's famous Kirkpinar oil wrestling festival in early July
• Summer (June–August): Longest daylight hours for photography, but can be hot (35°C+)
• Autumn (September–October): Pleasant temperatures, beautiful light for interior photography
• Winter (November–March): Fewest tourists, but cold weather; the mosque is heated

For the best interior light, visit in the morning hours (9:00–11:00) when sunlight streams through the eastern windows, creating dramatic light patterns on the carpeted floor.

Plan Your Visit

Selimiye Mosque is free to enter and open daily. However, it closes briefly during the five daily prayer times and for an extended period during Friday noon prayers (approximately 12:00–14:00). See our visiting hours guide for detailed seasonal schedules.

The mosque is within easy reach from Istanbul by bus (2.5 hours) or car. See our getting there guide for complete transportation information.

For a deeper understanding of this extraordinary building, consider joining a guided tour with a local expert who can explain the architectural innovations and historical significance that might otherwise go unnoticed.