Question 1

Where is Selimiye Mosque? (Selimiye Camii Nerede?)

Accepted Answer

Selimiye Mosque is located in Edirne, in the Thrace region of northwestern Turkey, approximately 235 km west of Istanbul. The exact address is Meydan Mahallesi, Mimar Sinan Caddesi, Merkez, 22020 Edirne. GPS coordinates: 41.6786°N, 26.5589°E.

Question 2

Is Selimiye Mosque in Istanbul? (Selimiye Camii Istanbul'da mi?)

Accepted Answer

No. This is a very common misconception. Selimiye Mosque is in Edirne, not Istanbul. Edirne was the Ottoman capital before Istanbul and is located about 235 km west of Istanbul, near the Bulgarian and Greek borders. There is a different, smaller 'Selimiye Barracks' mosque in Istanbul's Uskudar district, which may cause confusion.

Question 3

Who built Selimiye Mosque? (Selimiye Camii'ni Kim Yapti?)

Accepted Answer

Selimiye Mosque was designed and built by Mimar Sinan (1489-1588), the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire. It was commissioned by Sultan Selim II in 1568 and completed in 1575. Sinan considered it his masterwork (ustalik eseri) — the crowning achievement of a career spanning over 50 years and more than 370 buildings.

Question 4

What are the key features of Selimiye Mosque? (Selimiye Camii Ozellikleri Nelerdir?)

Accepted Answer

Key features include: a dome 31.3 meters in diameter (larger than Hagia Sophia), four minarets each 83 meters tall with three separate staircases, 999 windows creating extraordinary natural light, exquisite 16th-century Iznik tilework including the rare 'Iznik red', an octagonal support system that creates an uninterrupted interior, a carved marble mihrab and minbar, and a sultan's loge with unique tilework.

Question 5

Is Selimiye Mosque free to enter? (Selimiye Camii Giris Ucreti Var mi?)

Accepted Answer

Yes, entry to Selimiye Mosque is completely free. It is an active mosque that welcomes visitors of all faiths at no charge. The adjacent Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts has a separate entrance fee of approximately 100 TL.

Question 6

When is Selimiye Mosque open? (Selimiye Camii Ne Zaman Acik?)

Accepted Answer

Selimiye Mosque is open every day from early morning to late evening. It closes briefly during the five daily prayer times (30-45 minutes each) and for an extended period during Friday noon prayers (approximately 12:00-14:00). The best visiting window is 09:00-11:00 on weekday mornings.

Question 7

How many domes does Selimiye Mosque have? (Selimiye Camii Kac Kubbeli?)

Accepted Answer

Selimiye Mosque has one main dome of 31.3 meters diameter, supported by an octagonal system. The courtyard has 18 small domes over the arcade. So the total is 19 domes (1 main + 18 courtyard), though the mosque is defined by its single, spectacular central dome.

Question 8

How tall are Selimiye Mosque's minarets? (Selimiye Camii Minareleri Kac Metre?)

Accepted Answer

Each of the four minarets stands 83 meters (272 feet) tall, with three balconies (serefes). They were among the tallest minarets in the world when built and each contains three separate intertwining staircases, allowing three muezzins to ascend simultaneously without meeting.

Question 9

How do I get to Selimiye Mosque from Istanbul?

Accepted Answer

The easiest way is by intercity bus from Istanbul's Esenler bus terminal (2.5-3 hours, 250-400 TL). You can also drive via the E80/TEM motorway (235 km, about 2.5 hours) or take a TCDD train from Halkali station (4-5 hours). From Edirne bus terminal, the mosque is a 5-minute taxi ride or 25-minute walk.

Question 10

What should I wear to Selimiye Mosque?

Accepted Answer

Dress modestly: women need to cover their heads, shoulders, and knees (free headscarves are available at the entrance). Men should wear long trousers and avoid sleeveless shirts. Everyone must remove shoes before entering — bring clean socks.

Question 11

Can I take photos inside Selimiye Mosque?

Accepted Answer

Yes, photography is allowed inside the mosque. Flash photography, tripods, and drone photography are not permitted. Be respectful and do not photograph people who are praying.

Question 12

Is Selimiye Mosque a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Selimiye Mosque and its social complex were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011. The UNESCO committee described it as representing 'the most harmonious expression ever achieved of the Ottoman kulliye' and a masterpiece of human creative genius.

Question 13

Why did Mimar Sinan consider Selimiye his masterpiece?

Accepted Answer

Sinan spent his career trying to surpass the dome of Hagia Sophia. At Selimiye, he achieved this with a dome of 31.3 meters (vs Hagia Sophia's 31.2 meters) supported not by massive buttresses but by an elegant octagonal system. The result was a vast, column-free interior flooded with light — something no previous architect had achieved.

Question 14

Can non-Muslims visit Selimiye Mosque?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely yes. Selimiye Mosque welcomes visitors of all faiths, nationalities, and backgrounds. You simply need to dress modestly and behave respectfully. Visit outside of prayer times for the best experience.

Question 15

How long should I spend at Selimiye Mosque?

Accepted Answer

Plan for at least 45 minutes to an hour for the mosque itself. Add 30-45 minutes for the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts and 20 minutes for the courtyard and Arasta Bazaar. A thorough visit takes about 2 hours.

Question 16

What is the best season to visit Selimiye Mosque?

Accepted Answer

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer the best combination of pleasant weather and manageable crowds. Summer is hot (35°C+) but has the longest daylight hours. Winter is quiet and peaceful, though cold.

Feature	Detail
Dome diameter	31.3 meters (larger than Hagia Sophia)
Dome height	43.3 meters from floor
Minarets	4, each 83 meters tall
Windows	999
Support system	Octagonal (8 pillars)
Tilework	Peak-era Iznik ceramics
UNESCO status	World Heritage Site (2011)

Selimiye Mosque FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Selimiye Mosque

Location Questions

Selimiye Camii Nerede? (Where Is Selimiye Mosque?)

Selimiye Camii Istanbul'da mi? (Is Selimiye Mosque in Istanbul?)

History and Architecture Questions

Selimiye Camii'ni Kim Yapti? (Who Built Selimiye?)

Selimiye Camii Ozellikleri Nelerdir? (What Are Its Key Features?)

How Many Domes Does Selimiye Have?

Visiting Questions

Is Entry Free?

When Is It Open?

What Should I Wear?

Can I Take Photos?

Travel Questions

How Do I Get There from Istanbul?

How Much Time Should I Spend?

What Else Can I Do in Edirne?

Frequently Asked Questions