Edrine Great Introduction to Turkey

After our +5 hour bus journey, I was excited to explore the relatively small city of Edrine. Beginning in the 7th century, when it served as a settlement for warmongering Thracian tribes, it was also know early on as a road linking Byzantium to the Roman Empire. It was a favored summer retreat for the Ottoman Dynasty for a mere 600 years. The city has been under Roman, Turk and Greek rule in its turbulent past, but today is known for the annual Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival (I kid not!). Sadly, this takes place in early July and we missed it this year!

We only had time to visit the Selimeye Camil mosque (the largest in the world outside of Bagdad), the Eski Cami mosque (the oldest, mid 1400's), thé Great Synagogue (3rd largest in the world in 1906) and the mid-1400's bridges. 

The Great Mosque by Night

My first time in a mosque since Morocco in 1987!! Wow- it was exciting!

This place was immense and so peaceful! This is the painted ceiling dome, 30 meters in diameter.

Can you feel how large this place is?

Arab woman- selfie in the mosque-sacrilegious!! Don't tell Allah!

The Great Synagogue- completely renovated back to original 1890's. Designed by French architect Deprey.

Ceiling of Synagogue- just amazing!!

Entrance to Grwat Synagogue.

Oil Wrestling Capital of the World

The Great Bridge spanning the Tunca River was designed in 13c and erected in 1451-- that is older than when Colombus supposedly discovered America!!!