Hear my voice; I am Edirne!
Even though my silence is due to my modesty, with my past that goes back to prehistory, I am the witness of three empires.
In my palaces decorated with tulip gardens, I am the witness of the nights when Fatih had insomnia with his desire for Istanbul, I am Der-i Saadet where Sinan found himself while walking my streets with the dream of a dome that would push the boundaries of architecture.
Even though the fires that reduced my streets to ashes brought pain to my heart, even though the occupations that pushed the boundaries of cruelty touched my blood… And even though the sieges took my palace away from me, I am still Edirne!
Kırkpınar Festivals Photo © Behiç Günalan
While my inns, baths, social complexes and mosques present unique evidence to history, I have wrestlers who have become famous in the seven world powers in Sarayiçi that increases the value of bravery!
My bridges that suit my rivers like ribbons, which are the source of abundance, are the excitement of meeting and are written in the verses of poets, my minarets that extend to eternity are the formless sublimity of art. My embroidered soup kitchens are the simplicity of sharing, my caravanserais that defy centuries are the embodiment of hospitality that elevates my character…
But it is not enough to hear about my legends; and you cannot know my legendary heritage without experiencing it…
My eyes will be on the road; I will wait for you too… I will not only grant you a unique time, but also tell you the secret I have kept hidden in my heart for centuries, to your memories that will be fixed in photographs…