It was constructed by the Architect, Sinan between 1569-1575, during the times of the Ottoman Emperor II. Selim. The building is the most complete sample of classical Ottoman style. The complex which is composed of a mosque and two madrasahs, is situated in a yard with the dimensions of 190×130 meters. Architect Davud Aga built the Arasta, covering the western front of the yard, during the ruling period of III. Murad.
Selimiye, considered as his most excellent work by Sinan himself, symbolizes the most improved. stage of Ottoman architecture and domed structure tradition. The main space of the 45×36 meters dimensional mosque is covered by the dome with a diameter of 31.30 meters which is constructed. on 8 legs. Different paths are used to reach two front minarets of a total of four which are 70.801 metres high, built adjacent to the building and each have 3 galleries.
There is a marble fountain in the middle of the yard with 18 domes and revak. The interior ornamentations have a special quality. Its marble pulpit and niche are significant samples of the classical period.
Tiles decorating the niche wall and hunkar mahfil are among the best samples of Imik tile production with their rich patterns, colour schemes and technical excellence.
The wooden parts of the muezzin mahfil are placed on marble legs (among which also stands the column with the reverse tulip motif of floating rumours) and it stands in the middle of the mosque and is decorated with botanic motives
The Darul Tedris and Darul Kura madrasahs both stand on the two sides of the kiblah section of the mosque. The Darul Tedris madrasah serves as the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Works.
kaynak Edirne Valiliği