Semiz Ali Pasha Bazaar

Semiz Ali Pasha of Hersek commissioned the construction of the Ali Pasha Bazaar in 1560. It is situated in the heart of Edirne, at the intersection of Saraclar Street and the road to Kapikule. The bazaar was built to finance the Babaeski Mosque, which was built by Mimar Sinan for Suleiman the Magnificent. Resembling a smaller version of Istanbul's Grand Bazaar, Ali Pasha Bazaar is a colossal structure with thick walls made of cut stone, accessible via six entrances from the surrounding streets. The lengthy bazaar spans 300 meters and houses 130 shops. Sadly, Ali Pasha Bazaar suffered a fire in 1992, rendering it unusable. In 1997, the General Directorate of Foundations repaired the structure, and it was leased to its former owners.