# The Selimiye Mosque

Canonical: https://tubostravelturkey.com/travel/the-selimiye-mosque/
Site: Tubos Travel – https://tubostravelturkey.com/
Language: en
Also described in: de, fr, es, it, pt, nl, ru, zh-CN, tr, ar, hi
Categories: EDİRNE
Last updated: 2026-11-01
Summary: Plan your visit to The Selimiye Mosque in Edirne after its 2026 reopening. See Mimar Sinan's 31.2-meter dome, Iznik tiles, and nearby Ottoman sights.

## Overview

**The Selimiye Mosque: A Masterpiece of Ottoman Architecture**

**Introduction**

The Selimiye Mosque, located in the city of [Edirne, Turkey](https://tubostravelturkey.com/travel-category/edirne/), is considered one of the greatest achievements of Islamic architecture. Designed by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, this structure shows the height of Ottoman art and engineering.

**Construction and History**
Construction of the Selimiye Mosque began in 1569 under the patronage of Sultan Selim II and was completed in 1575. Mimar Sinan, who was in his 80s at the time, considered the Selimiye Mosque his masterpiece. The mosque is part of a larger complex that includes a madrasa, a türbe (tomb), a soup kitchen, a bathhouse, and a library.

**Significance**
The Selimiye Mosque is of great importance in the history of Islamic architecture. Its innovative design and proportions have influenced mosque architecture for centuries. The mosque's four slender minarets, soaring dome, and spacious interior are unparalleled in Ottoman architecture. The Selimiye Mosque was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011.

**Key Features**
**Four Minarets:** The mosque's four minarets, arranged symmetrically around the central dome, are a distinctive feature.
**Large Dome:** The central dome is one of the largest in the world and is supported by eight massive piers.
**Spacious Interior:** The interior of the mosque is vast and airy, creating a sense of awe and wonder.
**Intricate Decorations**: The mosque is adorned with intricate tile work, calligraphy, and geometric patterns.

**Visiting the Selimiye Mosque**
Visitors to the Selimiye Mosque can explore the main prayer hall, climb the minarets for panoramic views, and visit the associated buildings of the complex. The mosque is an active place of worship, so visitors should dress modestly.

**Conclusion**
The Selimiye Mosque is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture that continues to inspire awe and admiration. Its harmonious proportions, elegant design, and spiritual significance make it well worth seeing for anyone visiting Turkey.

## Visiting The Selimiye Mosque: practical information

Standing on a central hill that dominates Edirne's skyline, the complex is a short walk from the downtown pedestrian streets and a brief taxi or city bus ride from the Edirne bus terminal. International visitors generally fly into Istanbul Airport and reach Edirne by intercity bus or private car. Following an extensive conservation project that began in late 2021, the mosque reopened for full worship in February 2026 and celebrated its official grand reopening on June 12, 2026, with renewed lead roofing on the domes, reinforced minarets, and conserved interior hand-drawn decorations. Although older descriptions mention climbing the minarets, the minaret staircases are closed to general visitors.

Give yourself ample time to tour the marble courtyard, the main prayer hall, and the surrounding madrasa wings and covered market. Late morning or mid-afternoon outside the five daily prayer windows is ideal, and non-worshippers should avoid the crowded Friday midday service. Spring and autumn bring mild temperatures for walking the hilltop grounds. Admission to the mosque and courtyard is free, and Museum Pass Turkiye is not required for the sanctuary. Check locally before you go for current hours and ticket details for the small museum wings inside the complex.

## History and what to see

Commissioned by Sultan Selim II and built between 1569 and 1575 by chief imperial architect Mimar Sinan in his eighties, the complex was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. Sinan unified the interior beneath a single dome measuring about 31.2 meters in diameter, resting on an octagonal system of eight massive piers set close to the outer walls.

- **Main Dome and Window Tiers:** Releaded and structurally strengthened during the 2026 restoration, the soaring central dome crowns an open prayer hall illuminated by hundreds of windows fitted with traditional bottle-bottom glass grids.
- **Sultan's Loge and Iznik Tile Panels:** The raised imperial gallery on the left side of the mihrab displays 16th-century ceramic tiles from Iznik with floral and calligraphic motifs.
- **Muezzin's Tribune and the Inverted Tulip:** Placed directly beneath the center of the dome above a marble fountain, one of the tribune's marble legs bears a carved upside-down tulip associated in local lore with the original landowner.
- **Four Minarets and Arasta Bazaar:** Rising roughly 71 meters at the four corners, each slender minaret carries three balconies, while the adjacent Arasta Bazaar lines the complex's lower terrace.

## Nearby places to combine

Because the complex crowns the historic center of Edirne, you can easily link your visit with several nearby monuments on foot or by a short ride:

- [The Old Mosque of Edirne](https://tubostravelturkey.com/travel/the-old-mosque-of-edirne/) sits a few minutes downhill and lets you see how early 15th-century multi-domed Ottoman architecture looked before Sinan's single-dome engineering.
- [Ali Pasa Bazaar](https://tubostravelturkey.com/travel/ali-pasa-bazaar/) runs along the main pedestrian street nearby and was also designed by Mimar Sinan to generate endowment revenue during the 16th century.
- [Edirne Great Synagogue](https://tubostravelturkey.com/travel/edirne-great-synagogue/) in the neighboring Kaleici district is an easy walk away and showcases the early 20th-century heritage of Edirne's Jewish community.
- [The II. Bayezid Complex](https://tubostravelturkey.com/travel/the-ii-bayezid-complex/) and [The Edirne Darussifa](https://tubostravelturkey.com/travel/the-edirne-darussifa/) across the Tunca River make an excellent afternoon pairing if you want to explore a 1488 Ottoman hospital and medical museum.

## Comparison

Comparing The Selimiye Mosque with other Edirne highlights

| Place | Type | Time needed | Best for | Entry |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [The Selimiye Mosque](https://tubostravelturkey.com/travel/the-selimiye-mosque/) | UNESCO imperial mosque | n/a | Mimar Sinan's 31.2-meter dome, Iznik tiles, and four minarets | Free |
| [The Old Mosque of Edirne](https://tubostravelturkey.com/travel/the-old-mosque-of-edirne/) | Early Ottoman mosque | n/a | 1414 nine-dome architecture and wall calligraphy | Free |
| [The II. Bayezid Complex](https://tubostravelturkey.com/travel/the-ii-bayezid-complex/) | Ottoman complex and museum | n/a | 15th-century riverside hospital and medical school | Ticket |
| [Ali Pasa Bazaar](https://tubostravelturkey.com/travel/ali-pasa-bazaar/) | Covered bazaar | n/a | Sinan-designed vaulted market street and local crafts | Free |
| [Edirne Great Synagogue](https://tubostravelturkey.com/travel/edirne-great-synagogue/) | Historic synagogue | n/a | Restored early 20th-century synagogue in Kaleici | n/a |

## Frequently asked questions

**Is The Selimiye Mosque open to visitors in 2026 after restoration?**

Yes, following a comprehensive restoration that began in late 2021, the mosque reopened for full worship in February 2026 and held its official grand reopening ceremony on June 12, 2026. Visitors can once again experience the full prayer hall, courtyard, and conserved dome decorations.

**Can visitors climb the minarets of The Selimiye Mosque?**

No, although the four minarets are famous for their triple-balcony design and internal spiral staircases, climbing them is not open to the general public. Visitors can admire the roughly 71-meter towers from the marble forecourt and surrounding park.

**Is there an entry fee or Museum Pass requirement for The Selimiye Mosque?**

Entering the Selimiye Mosque and its courtyard is free for everyone, so Museum Pass Turkiye is not needed for the mosque itself. Separate small museum wings housed in the complex's madrasa buildings have their own schedules and ticketing; check on site for current hours and prices.

**What is the inverted tulip inside The Selimiye Mosque?**

Carved into one of the marble legs supporting the central muezzin's tribune is a small relief of an upside-down tulip. Local tradition says Mimar Sinan included the tulip to remember the plot's former tulip-garden owner, who initially hesitated to sell the land.

**How long should I plan for visiting The Selimiye Mosque?**

Plan enough time to walk around the exterior gardens, examine the marble courtyard, sit quietly beneath the 31.2-meter central dome, and browse the adjoining Arasta Bazaar. Visiting between daily prayer times gives you the most relaxed experience.

**How do I get to The Selimiye Mosque from Istanbul or Edirne's bus station?**

From Istanbul, frequent intercity buses and private transfers run along the highway to Edirne. From the Edirne bus terminal, a short taxi or municipal bus ride brings you straight to the hilltop complex in the city center.

## Summaries in other languages

- de: Die 1575 vom kaiserlichen Chefarchitekten Mimar Sinan für Sultan Selim den Zweiten fertiggestellte Selimiye-Moschee in Edirne gehört zum UNESCO-Welterbe und ist berühmt für ihre Zentralkuppel und vier schlanken Minarette. Nach Abschluss einer mehrjährigen Restaurierung im Jahr 2026 können Besucher wieder den achteckigen Gebetsraum, die Iznik-Fliesen aus dem sechzehnten Jahrhundert und die Marmordetails besichtigen.
- fr: Achevée en 1575 par l'architecte impérial Mimar Sinan pour le sultan Selim deux, la mosquée Selimiye d'Edirne est inscrite au patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO et célèbre pour sa coupole centrale et ses quatre minarets élancés. Après une grande restauration terminée en 2026, les visiteurs peuvent de nouveau admirer sa salle de prière octogonale, ses céramiques d'Iznik du seizième siècle et ses marbres sculptés.
- es: Terminada en 1575 por el arquitecto imperial Mimar Sinan para el sultán Selim segundo, la Mezquita de Selimiye en Edirne es Patrimonio Mundial de la UNESCO y destaca por su gran cúpula central y sus cuatro esbeltos minaretes. Tras una restauración integral concluida en 2026, los visitantes pueden admirar nuevamente su sala de oración octogonal, sus azulejos de Iznik del siglo dieciséis y sus detalles en mármol.
- it: Completata nel 1575 dall'architetto imperiale Mimar Sinan per il sultano Selim secondo, la Moschea Selimiye di Edirne è Patrimonio Mondiale dell'UNESCO, celebre per la grande cupola centrale e i quattro snelli minareti. Dopo un ampio restauro concluso nel 2026, i visitatori possono nuovamente ammirare la sala di preghiera ottagonale, le ceramiche di Iznik del sedicesimo secolo e i marmi scolpiti.
- pt: Concluída em 1575 pelo arquiteto imperial Mimar Sinan para o sultão Selim segundo, a Mesquita Selimiye em Edirne é Patrimônio Mundial da UNESCO, famosa por sua cúpula central e quatro minaretes esbeltos. Após uma ampla restauração finalizada em 2026, os visitantes podem admirar novamente seu salão de orações octogonal, os azulejos de Iznik do século dezesseis e os detalhes em mármore.
- nl: De Selimiye-moskee in Edirne, voltooid in 1575 door hoofdarchitect Mimar Sinan voor sultan Selim de Tweede, staat op de Werelderfgoedlijst van UNESCO en is beroemd om haar centrale koepel en vier slanke minaretten. Na een meerjarige restauratie die in 2026 werd afgerond, kunnen bezoekers de achthoekige gebedsruimte, zestiende-eeuwse Iznik-tegels en marmeren details weer volledig bewonderen.
- ru: Мечеть Селимие в Эдирне, построенная к 1575 году главным придворным архитектором Мимаром Синаном для султана Селима Второго, входит в список Всемирного наследия ЮНЕСКО благодаря своему центральному куполу и четырем стройным минаретам. После масштабной реставрации, завершившейся в 2026 году, посетители снова могут осмотреть восьмиугольный молитвенный зал, изникские изразцы шестнадцатого века и мраморную резьбу.
- zh-CN: 埃迪尔内塞利米耶清真寺由帝国首席建筑师米马尔·希南为苏丹塞利姆二世设计并于1575年竣工，是联合国教科文组织世界遗产，以宏大的中央穹顶和四座修长宣礼塔闻名。随着多年修缮工程于2026年圆满结束，游客可再次入内欣赏其八角形礼拜大厅、十六世纪伊兹尼克瓷砖与精致大理石雕刻。
- tr: Sultan İkinci Selim adına Başmimar Mimar Sinan tarafından 1575 yılında tamamlanan Edirne'deki Selimiye Camii, tek kubbesi ve dört zarif minaresiyle ünlü bir UNESCO Dünya Mirası Alanı'dır. 2026 yılında tamamlanan uzun soluklu restorasyon çalışmasının ardından ziyaretçiler, sekizgen planlı ibadet alanını, 16'ncı yüzyıl İznik çinilerini ve oyma mermer işçiliğini yeniden hayranlıkla inceleyebilmektedir.
- ar: اكتمل بناء جامع السليمية في أدرنة عام 1575 على يد كبير المعماريين سنان بأمر من السلطان سليم الثاني، وهو موقع مدرج على قائمة التراث العالمي لليونسكو يشتهر بقبته المفردة ومآذنه الأربع الرشيقة. وبعد مشروع ترميم استمر لعدة سنوات واكتمل في عام 2026، بات بإمكان الزوار مجدداً تأمل قاعة الصلاة المثمنة وبلاط إزنيق الخزفي من القرن السادس عشر وتفاصيل الرخام المنحوت.
- hi: सुल्तान सलीम द्वितीय के लिए मुख्य शाही वास्तुकार मीमार सिनान द्वारा 1575 में निर्मित एदिरने की सेलिमिये मस्जिद एक यूनेस्को विश्व धरोहर स्थल है, जो अपने विशाल एकल गुंबद और चार पतली मीनारों के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। 2026 में पूरी हुई बहु-वर्षीय संरक्षण परियोजना के बाद पर्यटक एक बार फिर इसके अष्टकोणीय प्रार्थना कक्ष, सोलहवीं शताब्दी की इज़निक टाइलों और तराशे गए संगमरमर की बारीकियों को निहार सकते हैं।

## Images

- https://tubostravelturkey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/de7109bc-17f0-4579-896d-46f0aff6948a.jpg — de7109bc-17f0-4579-896d-46f0aff6948a
- https://tubostravelturkey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/site_1366_0005-750-750-20230116172320.jpg — The Selimiye Mosque – Symmetrical exterior view of Selimiye Mosque and its four minarets. Photo: BuhaM, CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
- https://tubostravelturkey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/491f91d2921db477264c9f69e22637ab-scaled.webp — 491f91d2921db477264c9f69e22637ab
- https://tubostravelturkey.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/commons-2-36.jpg — The Selimiye Mosque – Exterior view of Selimiye Mosque and courtyard walls under clear sky. Photo: Hamdigumus, CC0 (Wikimedia Commons)

## Sources

- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selimiye_Mosque,_Edirne
- https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1366/

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