Quick answer
Sarayiçi is a historic ground on the bank of the Tunca River that holds the remains of the Ottoman Edirne Palace and hosts the traditional Kırkpınar oil-wrestling festival each year. Once the site of a magnificent palace complex, the area is today an open field of history and events. It is a meaningful stop for anyone curious about the wrestling tradition.
A vanished palace
The Edirne Palace was a large palace complex built during the period when the Ottomans used Edirne as their capital. Through damage over time, only some of its remains and traces survive today.
Walking through the Sarayiçi area, it is possible to imagine how this broad ground was once a magnificent center of government and life.
The home of Kırkpınar
Sarayiçi is known for hosting the Kırkpınar Oil-Wrestling Festival, regarded as one of the oldest sporting events in the world. Held every year, the wrestling turns the area into a lively field of cultural celebration.
Even outside the wrestling season, the ground offers a peaceful walk with its historic atmosphere and riverside setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see at Sarayiçi?+
You can see the remains of the Ottoman Edirne Palace and the historic ground where the Kırkpınar wrestling is held.
Where is Kırkpınar held?+
The traditional Kırkpınar Oil-Wrestling Festival is held at the Sarayiçi ground.
Updated: June 2026
