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Greek mythology associates the founding of the city with Orestes, son of king Agamemnon of Homer’s Iliad. The city was (re)founded eponymously by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, hence its name today. Strategically located, Edirne has been in the middle of no less than 16 wars or sieges throughout its history, before it was conquered by the Ottoman Sultan Murad 1st in the mid-13th century. Edirne served as the capital city of the Ottoman Empire from 1365 to 1453; until the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople (Istanbul), which became the empire's new capital. This beautiful city is famed for its many mosques, elegant domes, and minarets, and it contains the ruins of the ancient palace of the Sultans. The Selimiye Mosque, built-in 1575 by the master architect Sinan, his masterpiece in his own words, is located in Edirne. It has the highest minarets in Turkey, at 70.9 meters, of an exquisite appearance, and a dome four feet higher than that of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. The Edirne tour starts with an early departure from Istanbul, as you will have a nice drive ahead of you, first alongside the European Coast of the Marmara Sea and then towards inland Thrace. You will witness the unique countryside lifestyle in this region. Significant sights to visit in Edirne are; The Selimiye Mosque, the masterpiece of Architect Sinan and The Üç Şerefeli Mosque, and The Covered Bazaar. You may also try the regional cuisine or have some delicious seafood along the drive back to Istanbul.