Selimiye Mosque
Architect Sinan considered this his masterwork. Its dome, at 31.3 meters, slightly exceeds Hagia Sophia's, achieving Sinan's lifelong quest. The interior features İznik tiles from the finest period of tile production.
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✨ Historical Significance
Why Selimiye Mosque Matters
Ranked #25 among the world's top 100
UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered the apex of Ottoman architecture and Sinan's greatest achievement.
Built
1575
Location
Turkey
Annual Visitors
500,000
UNESCO
✓ ID: 1366
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📅 Plan Your Visit to Selimiye Mosque
Best Season
Spring & Autumn
Recommended months: April to June, September to November
Temperature
Average: 15–28°C (59–82°F)
Visit Duration
Recommended: 1–2 hours
Entry Fee
$10–$30 USD
Dress Code
Remove shoes before entering. Women must cover hair with a scarf. Cover arms and legs. Men should avoid shorts. Some mosques provide coverings.
Getting There
Located in Edirne, Turkey. Reach Edirne by domestic flights, trains, or buses from major cities. Local transport (taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-sharing) available from Edirne center to the site. Check local transport options for the most convenient route.
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💡 Travel Tips for Visiting Selimiye Mosque
Visit between prayer times. Most mosques close to tourists during Friday noon prayers.
Women should bring a headscarf. Some mosques provide coverings at the entrance.
Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY). Carry small bills for entrance fees and donations.
Language: Turkish. Learn basic greetings in the local language — locals appreciate the effort.
This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — follow all preservation rules and stay on designated paths.
Best time to visit: April to June, September to November. E-visa available for many nationalities.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Selimiye Mosque
Everything you need to know before visiting Selimiye Mosque.
1Where is Selimiye Mosque located?
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Selimiye Mosque is located in Edirne, Turkey. It is ranked #25 in our Top 100 World Mosques list.
2When was Selimiye Mosque built?
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Selimiye Mosque was built in 1575. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Considered the apex of Ottoman architecture and Sinan's greatest achievement.
3What is the best time to visit Selimiye Mosque?
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The best time to visit Selimiye Mosque in Turkey is during April to June, September to November. This is the Spring & Autumn when weather is most comfortable for sightseeing, with average temperatures of 15–28°C (59–82°F).
4How much does it cost to visit Selimiye Mosque?
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Entry fees for Selimiye Mosque are approximately $10–$30 USD. Prices may vary by season and nationality. Check the official website for current rates.
5How long should I spend at Selimiye Mosque?
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Plan to spend 1–2 hours at Selimiye Mosque. Take time to appreciate the architecture and historical significance.
6Is Selimiye Mosque a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
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Yes, Selimiye Mosque is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (ID: 1366). It has been recognized for its outstanding universal value and is protected under international heritage conservation agreements.
7What should I wear when visiting Selimiye Mosque?
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Remove shoes before entering. Women must cover hair with a scarf. Cover arms and legs. Men should avoid shorts. Some mosques provide coverings.
8How many people visit Selimiye Mosque each year?
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Selimiye Mosque receives approximately 500,000 visitors per year, making it one of the popular mosques in Turkey.
9How do I get to Selimiye Mosque?
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Located in Edirne, Turkey. Reach Edirne by domestic flights, trains, or buses from major cities. Local transport (taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-sharing) available from Edirne center to the site. Check local transport options for the most convenient route.
10Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?
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E-visa available for many nationalities. The local currency is Turkish Lira (TRY). Turkey is in the UTC+3 timezone.
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🗺️ Explore More Sites
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#24 Al-Azhar Mosque
Cairo, Egypt
Next in ranking →
#26 Ibn Tulun Mosque
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🏳️ More in Turkey
🎯 Nearby Attractions
- •Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) in Istanbul
- •Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul
- •Ortaköy Mosque in Istanbul
- •Local museums and cultural centers in Edirne
- •Traditional markets and local cuisine near Edirne
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