Selimiye Mosque

Selimiye Arasta, as one of the most important commercial centers of Ottoman-era Edirne, has left a profound mark on the city’s cultural and economic life. Built during the reign of III. Murat to generate income for the Selimiye Camii, this bazaar was constructed by Davut Ağa, a senior apprentice of Mimar Sinan. Completed in 1590, the construction of this historic structure represented a major step toward covering the maintenance and operational expenses of the Selimiye Camii.

Architectural Structure and Features

Selimiye Arasta offers a fine example of classical Ottoman bazaar architecture. Stretching 256 meters in length and featuring 73 arches, the bazaar is situated in the center of Edirne, parallel to the southern facade of the Selimiye Camii. Access to the arasta is available through four entrances: one connecting to the mosque’s courtyard and three others opening onto the remaining three sides of the bazaar. The building’s design retains the traditional characteristics of Ottoman market structures while strategically positioning itself to serve the needs of visitors to the city.

Containing 124 shops, the bazaar gradually became the commercial hub of the city and is described in Evliya Çelebi’s Seyahatname as the “Kavaflar Çarşısı.” Initially, artisans such as shoemakers and cobbles occupied the shops; today, it has transformed into a bustling commercial area dominated by confectioners and vendors of souvenirs.

At the center of the bazaar stands the Dua Kubbesi, symbolizing the spiritual atmosphere of Selimiye Arasta. Each morning, merchants gather beneath this dome to swear oaths of honest trade and pray for prosperity. This tradition underscores that Selimiye Arasta is not merely a marketplace but also a focal point of solidarity and spiritual unity.

Selimiye Arasta (Edirne Municipality)

Historical and Social Function

Selimiye Arasta was a vital component of the Ottoman economy and commercial life. One of its primary functions was to generate income for the Selimiye Camii, thereby covering the mosque’s maintenance and operational costs. Revenues from the arasta were used to fund expenses related to the mosque and its külliye, exemplifying the effective operation of the Ottoman waqf system.

Evliya Çelebi referred to the arasta as the “Kavaflar Çarşısı,” noting the presence of numerous shoemakers and leatherworkers there. This name became one of the most commonly used designations for the bazaar over time. Gradually, the shops diversified to include confectioners, souvenir vendors, and stalls offering traditional products.

Current Status

Today, Selimiye Arasta serves as one of Edirne’s most significant tourist attractions, drawing visitors who wish to experience the city’s history as well as those seeking to shop. Each morning, the bazaar opens with a bereket duası—a prayer for prosperity—held beneath the Dua Kubbesi, where merchants gather. This tradition is not only intended to ensure the success of their businesses but also to promote solidarity and ethical commerce. The prayer custom fosters a strong bond among vendors and visitors alike, preserving the traditional Ottoman work ethic.

Selimiye Arasta has become a key destination for both domestic and international tourists, seamlessly integrated with the imposing architecture and historical fabric of the Selimiye Camii, bridging the legacy of the past with contemporary life. The souvenir shops and stalls selling local delicacies offer visitors an unforgettable experience of the city.

Selimiye Arasta (Anadolu Agency)