Edirne

Town in northwest Turkey, on the River Maritsa, 225 km/140 mi northwest of Istanbul; population (1995 est) 117,300. Founded on the site of ancient Uscadama, it was known as Adrianople, after the Roman emperor Hadrian, until its capture by Murad I, Sultan of Turkey, in 1361.

Edirne was the capital of the Ottoman Empire from 1366, and by the 18th century was one of the seven largest cities in Europe. Edirne's architectural features include mosques, religious complexes, caravanserais, and palaces. The Eski mosque (1403-1414) is the oldest Ottoman structure in Edirne, while the 16th-century Selimiye mosque reflects the classical Ottoman style. The Islamic Art Museum has extensive displays of Ottoman calligraphy, manuscripts, Korans, weapons, and glass.

Edirne, and the surrounding area, was badly affected by an earthquake in August 1999. The town also hosts the annual Kirkpinar Greased Wrestling Contest, a popular sport in Turkey. The competition is held on the site of Edirne Palace (1366).