Imperial cities are like crowns that exalt the glory of the civilization they belong to. They wear this crown on their heads, mesmerizing their contemporaries and their successors with its brilliance. The city's inhabitants are like birds. Their chirping and the songs they sing enchant those who wander by. Imperial cities are like magicians.

Beautiful Edirne is one of these cities. It welcomes us with a haven of knowledge. Trakya University, the school where you and I work, greets visitors with "Hello!" Later, when we leave New Edirne and head towards Old Edirne, we can't pass without breakfast at the Mehmet IV Hunting Lodge. Rabbits and chickens roam around this part of the city. As Istanbulites, we all need this silence. What a pleasure it is to share some of what you eat for breakfast with the other creatures there.

After breakfast, a horseback ride through Arslanlı Bahçe offers a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle that can exhaust you during the week. Afterwards, plucking the surrounding grass and feeding the ponies strengthens your connection with nature, bringing you joy.


Later, sipping your afternoon coffee or tea with loved ones on the banks of the Meriç River further enhances your sense of inner peace. Spending time by the river in Lalezar is beyond words.


The next destination is the mosques. The essence of the imperial city is felt in the places of worship of its religion. Our first stop in Old Edirne is the Selimiye. In all its grandeur, the Selimiye, with its immense size and immensity visible from anywhere in the city, beckons us to its presence. Selimiye is full of stories. However, its grandeur becomes even more apparent when you enter its interior. Indeed, a statue of its magnificent architect has been erected in front of the Selimiye. In our opinion, there's no need for a statue. After all, the Selimiye is a massive statue of Mimar Sinan. Selimiye is a work that reflects the spirit of Islamic civilization.

The Three-Balconied Mosque stands out as a monumental architectural structure. The Old Mosque is one of the points in Edirne where faith and architecture intersect.

The Darü'l-Hadis Mosque, despite being a small mosque, clearly demonstrates that faith and aesthetic integrity can be created through the landscaping in its courtyard and the spiritual spirit it exudes.

The Health Museum is a place one should see at least once in their lifetime. While the West chained those with mental health issues in the dark Middle Ages, in the Ottoman Empire, the sick were healed through music.

Bahri Bey and Kemal Usta should be the go-to places for those who get hungry in the evening. Tripe soup and Edirne liver there appeal even to those who don't like offal. It's worth a try.

A market stroll in Edirne, the city of peace, is an experience everyone should experience.