Edirne, the second capital of the Ottoman Empire, is the main city of the European territory of Turkey. The city was founded by the Roman Emperor Hadrian and has since witnessed many battles and migrations. The city is rich with Ottoman monuments such as mosques, caravansaries and market places. The most important sight is the Selimiye Mosque, a masterpiece constructed by the celebrated architect Sinan between 1569 and 1575 This Mosque is considered to be Sinan's greatest accomplishment and the highest point of Ottoman architecture. Built on a platform on the outskirts of Edirne, it can be seen form everywhere in the city. It is framed by four slender minarets and her majestic dome,31 meters wide, a width intended by Sinan to rival that of Ayasofya in Istanbul. The Meriç river, flowing to the south, forms a natural frontier between Turkey and Greece.
Edirne, rich in water resources, was, at the end of the 19th century, the granary and dairy farm of Istanbul. But migration has changed the agricultural pattern and Edirne now produces mostly tobacco and sunflowers. Livestock breeding, however, continues and Edirne is famous for its white and kasar cheeses (a typical sheep cheese). The town is also known for its handicrafts, in particular the carving and dyeing of wood, leather and cardboard. Greased wrestling, popular in Kirkpinar, is a highly original sport where competitors are put into categories according to their height rather than their bodies with oil. This traditional sport, performed for more than 600 years, is highly popular throughout Turkey and especially with tourists visiting the country.