Edirne Old Mosque
Marmara Region
Edirne Old Mosque, locally known as Eski Cami, is one of the oldest original monumental structures in Edirne, Turkey. Construction began in 1403 during the Ottoman Fetret Period under Süleyman Çelebi and was completed in 1414 by Sultan Mehmed I. The mosque is architecturally significant for its nine domes and two minarets located on the north and northeast sides. It served as an important religious and ceremonial site, hosting sword-girding ceremonies for Ottoman sultans such as Ahmed II and Mustafa II. The mosque's walls and piers are painted white and adorned with calligraphic inscriptions from the 18th to 20th centuries, contributed by renowned calligraphers. Notably, the minbar features a gilded inscription signed by Sultan Abdulhamid II. The mosque also houses a revered stone, the Rükn-ü Yemani, believed to have been brought from the Kaaba, which is a special point of visitation. Despite damages from fire in 1749 and an earthquake in 1752, the mosque was restored during the reign of Sultan Mahmud I and underwent further restorations in the early Turkish Republic era between 1924 and 1934. Its historical and architectural value reflects the rich cultural heritage of early Ottoman Edirne.
Planifiez votre voyage en Turquie avec l'IA
Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: Visitors should consider visiting Edirne Old Mosque during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and experience a more serene atmosphere. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer better lighting for photography and a peaceful ambiance. It is advisable to check the mosque's opening hours in advance via official sources and consider guided tours to fully appreciate its historical and artistic significance. While entrance is generally free, donations support ongoing preservation efforts. Respectful attire is recommended as it remains an active place of worship.
Faits intéressants
- •The mosque features nine domes, an uncommon architectural design in Ottoman mosques of its period.
- •The Rükn-ü Yemani stone inside the mosque is believed to have been brought from the Kaaba in Mecca, making it a unique religious artifact.
- •Sword-girding ceremonies of Ottoman sultans Ahmed II and Mustafa II were held here, underscoring its ceremonial importance.
- •The mosque's calligraphic inscriptions span several centuries, including a gilded inscription by Sultan Abdulhamid II on the minbar.
- •Despite damages from fire and earthquake in the 18th century, the mosque has been carefully restored and preserved through the 20th century.
Histoire
The Edirne Old Mosque was initiated in 1403 during the Ottoman Fetret Period by Süleyman Çelebi and completed in 1414 under Sultan Mehmed I.
It witnessed important royal ceremonies, including sword-girding rituals of sultans Ahmed II and Mustafa II.
The mosque suffered damage from a fire in 1749 and an earthquake in 1752, leading to significant restoration under Sultan Mahmud I.
Further restorations took place between 1924 and 1934 during the early years of the Turkish Republic, preserving its status as a key historical monument in Edirne.
Guide du lieu
Main Prayer Hall and Domes1403-1414
The mosque's main prayer hall is distinguished by its nine domes, creating a spacious and harmonious interior that exemplifies early Ottoman architectural innovation.
Minarets1403-1414
Two minarets stand on the north and northeast sides of the mosque, providing a balanced silhouette and serving the call to prayer.
Rükn-ü Yemani Stone
Located to the right of the mihrab, this stone is believed to have been brought from the Kaaba in Mecca, making it a revered relic and focal point for visitors.
Calligraphic Inscriptions18th-20th centuries
The mosque's walls and piers bear inscriptions written between the 18th and 20th centuries by renowned calligraphers, including a gilded besmele signed by Sultan Abdulhamid II near the minbar.