Edirne is a great stop-off point on the way to Istanbul. It has a number of fine mosques like the Ucserefeli Cami and Esk Cami mosques from the 15th century, a perfect example of Ottoman architectural style seen also in Istanbul. The old town of Erdine is a great slab of Turkish life, a medieval Byzantine city full of bazaars and colorful characters. South of the city is the peninsula of Gallipoli, which is best known for its bloody battle during World War II.

Edirne is famous for its white cheese and fruit-shaped soaps. Every June, the town hosts an oil-wrestling festival called Kirkpinar, said to be the oldest active sport organization after the Olympic Games.

One of the most important monuments in this ancient province is the Selimiye Mosque, built in 1575. It has the highest minarets in Turkey, measuring 70.9 meters.

Edirne was known as Adrianople until after World War I, when it became known by its current name.

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Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents, Europe and Asia. Also known as Constantinople, it has been the capital city of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Latin Empire, and the Ottoman Empire.

Throughout Istanbul's long history, it has become known for its many historical mosques, churches, synagogues, palaces, castles and towers.

Istanbul is home to the world's fifth-largest diamond, called the Spoonmaker's Diamond or the Kasikci. It is rumored that the diamond was found on a garbage heap by a person who thought it was fake and traded it for three spoons. The diamond is 86-karats and is found at the Topkapi Palace Museum.

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