Selimiye Camii and Külliyesi: A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship

Located on a high hill in Edirne, the Selimiye Camii is one of the most magnificent works of the Ottoman Empire. Construction of the mosque began in 1569 on the orders of Ottoman Sultan Selim II and was completed in 1575. This structure, which Mimar Sinan began building at the age of 79 and called his “masterpiece,” holds great significance both religiously and architecturally.

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Where is the Selimiye Camii?

The Selimiye Camii is located in a position accessible on foot from the center of Edirne and overlooks the majestic view of the Tunca River. Its vista, which includes green spaces, offers views of both the city and the riverbank.

How Was It Built?

Constructed between 1559 and 1575 with a workforce of 14,000 laborers, the Selimiye Camii and its complex cover an area of 25,000 square meters, equivalent to approximately four football fields. Five hundred years ago, Mimar Sinan employed techniques far ahead of his time to place a single central dome atop the mosque. The dome is supported by eight massive piers shaped like elephant legs, which carry the enormous dome measuring 42.30 meters in height and 31.30 meters in diameter.

The weight of the dome is 2,000 tons, which is equivalent to the weight of about 1,500 cars. Maintaining such a dome for centuries is a feat of engineering that transcends time. The slender minarets of the mosque are 85 meters tall and 3.80 meters in diameter, comparable in height to a 28-story skyscraper. Two of the minarets each have three separate staircases, allowing three people to ascend simultaneously without seeing each other.

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Architectural Features

- Single Large Dome Plan: A single central dome covers the vast interior space.

- Octagonal Elephant Piers: The dome’s weight is carried by eight columns, with each opening between them measuring 12 meters.

- Triple-Balconied Minarets: Each minaret, standing 85 meters tall, is an intricate structure resembling lacework.

Today’s Selimiye Camii

Today, the Selimiye Camii welcomes visitors from around the world both as a place of worship and as a historical and cultural heritage site.

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Why Visit?

🕌 To See an Amazing Dome:

Stand beneath the dome and look up; examine its structure as if suspended from the heavens.

🎨 To Experience an Artistic Spectacle:

The delicate stonework on the walls, magnificent tiles, and elegant calligraphy tell you a colorful story.

📜 To Encounter History:

You will witness the dreams of Sultan Selim II alongside the genius of Mimar Sinan.

To Do List

🔍 Walk Under the Dome: Feel the grandeur and balance beneath the massive dome.

✏️ Bring a Sketchbook: Try drawing one of the minarets or the dome.

📸 Take Photos: Use the winding curves of the Tunca River as your background from the hilltop.