Restoration of the Bazaar of Selimiye Mosque, Edirne (1995)

Restoration of the Selimiye Mosque Bazaar in Edirne (1995)

Description and History

The Selimiye Bazaar is a historical marketplace in Edirne, part of the Selimiye Mosque Complex, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The bazaar is one of the important civil structures of classical Ottoman architecture and complements the economic and urban structure of the mosque.

Described by Evliya Çelebi in his Seyahatname (Book of Travels) as the Shoemakers’ Bazaar due to the large number of shoemakers and slipper makers, the shops in the Selimiye Bazaar today mainly house confectioners and souvenir sellers.

The historical Selimiye Bazaar opens its doors every morning with the merchants’ “prayer for abundance.”

When was it built?

It was built some time after the construction of the Selimiye Mosque, during the reign of Sultan Murad III (1574-1595), by Davut Ağa, an apprentice of the architect Sinan. The Arasta was planned to provide income for the mosque and to create environmental support/protection.

“Arasta” refers to a district of rows of shops where merchants of the same type are collectively located, in the Ottoman-era bazaar tradition.

Architectural Features

Length and Structure

The Arasta is a stone structure approximately 225–256 meters long, with 73 arches and four entrance gates. It contains approximately 124 shops along both sides.

Materials and Layout

Built according to the classical Ottoman stone architecture, the arches and regularly spaced rows of shops create a rhythmic and balanced facade appearance of the bazaar. The architectural plan of the Arasta is designed to be in harmony with the topography surrounding the mosque terrace.

Function

It was built to provide income for the mosque foundation, to create a commercial area for visitors to circulate, and to provide urban support to the west-south facades of the Selimiye Mosque.

Repair and Restoration History

The Arasta Bazaar, along with the rest of the Selimiye Mosque complex, has undergone various repair and restoration works over time:

Repairs in the Historical Process

From the Ottoman period to the present day, the Arasta has been damaged by fire, war, and natural effects; particularly in the 19th century, the lead-covered roof of the bazaar was removed and replaced with roof tiles. Such interventions led to changes in the plan and materials of the Arasta.

It is generally stated that “long-term restorations and maintenance works” were carried out, meaning that the structure was kept standing by being renewed from time to time.

Works from the 19th Century and Later
In comprehensive assessments within the scope of UNESCO World Heritage, it is stated that the Arasta was rebuilt/restored in accordance with its original plan. These works preserved the historical character of the bazaar.

Although a detailed restoration history specific to the Arasta is not included in published documents, it is known that it underwent regular maintenance and repair as part of the works carried out throughout the entire complex.

During the 1995 restoration, the electrical, fire, and heating systems of the bazaar were modernized by being enclosed in channels. The lead roof of the bazaar was renewed, and the walls, floors, and shop facades were restored using original restoration techniques.

Relationship with the Selimiye Mosque Complex

The bazaar is considered an integrated part of the Selimiye Mosque complex, including the mosque, madrasas, primary school, and other structures. This complex forms the architectural and functional environment of the mosque, considered Mimar Sinan’s “masterpiece.”

The restorations of the Selimiye Mosque (large-scale restoration projects continuing from 2021-2025) are planned to encompass all elements of the complex; in this context, the environmental and structural integrity of the bazaar is also taken into account.