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The heartbeat of Edirne is the pedestrianized Saraçlar Street (Saraçlar Caddesi). It separates the historic city center from the Kaleiçi district to the west.
Saraçlar Street is where many locals come to unwind, shop, and grab a cup of coffee. It also attracts shoppers coming over the border from Greece and Bulgaria.
There are a few historic buildings along the street, and plenty of trees and benches to sit and relax. A couple of fountains add to the atmosphere, and about halfway down the street is a three-sided mosaic featuring Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881-1938), the founder of the Turkish Republic.
On one of my overnight stays, the street was beautifully lit with several different lights. On other overnight stays, it wasn’t lit up but just as enjoyable.
Ali Pasha Bazaar
Running along the north side of Saraçlar Street is the Ali Pasha Bazaar (Ali Paşa Çarşısı). This long covered market was built between 1560 and 1565 by Semiz Ali Pasha (d. 1565), a Grand Vizier under Süleyman the Magnificent. The architect was Mimar Sinan (1490-1588).
The Ali Pasha Bazaar is 300 meters long and has six gates. There are 110 shops inside. It’s packed with souvenirs, spices, and clothing shops. You can also find plenty of Edirne’s famous fruit scented soaps and badem ezmesi (marzipan).
Square
On the northern end of the street is a small square with a statue of Atatürk.Behind it is a tea garden.
