Mosque Entry — Completely Free
Selimiye Mosque is free to enter. As an active place of worship, the mosque welcomes visitors of all faiths, nationalities, and backgrounds at absolutely no charge. There is no ticket booth, no reservation system, and no entry fee.
This is true for the main mosque building, the courtyard, and the surrounding grounds. You can visit as often as you like during opening hours without any cost.
What You Get for Free
- Full access to the main prayer hall
- The courtyard and ablution fountain
- The surrounding grounds of the kulliye complex
- Free headscarves for women at the entrance
- Plastic bags for shoes at the entrance
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (Turk Islam Eserleri Muzesi) is housed in the former madrasa (theological school) that forms part of the Selimiye complex. This is a separate attraction with its own admission fee.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Admission | |
| Museum Hours | 09:00–17:30 (April–October), 09:00–17:00 (November–March) |
| Closed | Monday |
| Duration | 30–45 minutes |
| Location | Inside the Selimiye complex, southeast corner |
What's in the Museum?
The museum contains a rich collection spanning several centuries of Ottoman art and culture:
- Calligraphy collection: Manuscripts, Qurans, and calligraphic panels from the 15th–19th centuries
- Iznik ceramics: Tiles and pottery from the famous Iznik workshops
- Carpets and textiles: Ottoman-era prayer rugs and decorative textiles
- Metalwork: Brass and copper objects, including mosque lamps and ewers
- Woodwork: Carved and inlaid wooden objects from the Ottoman period
- Ethnographic displays: Traditional costumes, jewelry, and household items from the Edirne region
Discount Options
- Turkish Museum Pass: Valid for entry; holders of the Museum Pass can skip the ticket queue
- Students: Reduced admission with valid student ID
- Seniors (65+): Reduced admission with ID
- Children under 8: Free
- Turkish citizens under 18: Free
Guided Tour Options
While you can visit Selimiye Mosque independently, a guided tour significantly enhances the experience. Here are the options available:
On-Site Audio Guides
Audio guide devices are occasionally available near the mosque entrance. Availability varies, so do not count on finding one.
Licensed Local Guides
Professional guides licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Culture can be hired at the mosque entrance or booked in advance. Rates are typically:
| Guide Type | Duration | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Selimiye Mosque only | 45 min | 300–500 TL (~$10–17) |
| Selimiye + Museum | 1.5 hours | 500–800 TL (~$17–27) |
| Full Edirne walking tour | 3–4 hours | 1000–1500 TL (~$33–50) |
| Private group tour | Half day | 2000–3000 TL (~$67–100) |
Organized Day Tours from Istanbul
Several tour operators offer full-day excursions from Istanbul that include Selimiye Mosque, other Edirne landmarks, and lunch. Prices range from 1500–4000 TL per person depending on group size and inclusions.
For professional guided tours with expert local knowledge, check out Safaryar Holidays Edirne Tours.
Tips for Saving Money in Edirne
- Transportation: The intercity bus from Istanbul to Edirne costs only 250–400 TL. Book in advance for the best prices.
- Accommodation: Budget hotels near Selimiye start from 500–800 TL per night. See our hotels guide.
- Food: Edirne is famous for affordable street food, especially tava ciger (fried liver), which costs just 80–120 TL at local restaurants.
- Combined visits: Edirne's other mosques (Eski Cami, Uc Serefeli) are also free to enter.
What to Bring
Since entry is free and the mosque provides basic necessities (headscarves, shoe bags), you do not need to bring much. However, consider:
- Socks: You must remove shoes inside. Clean socks are essential.
- Camera: Photography is allowed inside the mosque (no flash).
- Water: Especially in summer — Edirne can be very hot.
- Modest clothing: Saves you from needing to borrow coverings at the entrance.