Thrace is divided between Turkey, Greece and Bulgaria. Area was military zone until late 1960s. Region features agricultural production, oil-growing sunflowers and fish farming. E80 motorway runs parallel to ancient Via Egnatia route
Built by Mimar Sinan in Edirne between 1568-1574. Complex includes mosque, madrasas, bazaar, and elementary school. Rectangular plan divided into courtyard and prayer hall. Courtyard features small domes and water fountain
Mimar Sinan was born in Agrianos village in late 15th century. He joined Janissary Corps at age 15 during Sultan Selim's reign. Became palace architect in 1538 under Sultan Suleiman
Built by Mimar Sinan between 1568-1575 for Sultan Selim II in Edirne. Located on hilltop above Old Mosque, chosen over Istanbul. Commissioned with Cyprus conquest spoils as funding. UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011
Hagia Sophia combines Byzantine and Islamic architecture with 56m dome. Blue Mosque features iconic blue-tiled roof and 20,000 hand-painted tiles. Topkapi Palace serves as Ottoman sultan's residence since 1460. Grand Bazaar is world's oldest covered market with 4000 shops. Selimiye Mosque was built by Mimar Sinan in Edirne
Ottoman architecture emerged in northwest Anatolia in late 13th century. Early mosques featured complete façades and domes. Bursa became major Ottoman capital from 1326 to 1402. Three main types of mosques: single-domed, T-plan, and multi-unit