‘Ottoman Identity and Selimiye Symposium’ started in Edirne.

‘Osmanlı Kimliği ve Selimiye Sempozyumu’ (Ottoman Identity and Selimiye Symposium) started in Edirne. The President of the Turkish Historical Society, Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen, stated that Selimiye, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, holds a unique place not only for the Turks but also for world culture and architecture.

The ‘Ottoman Identity and Selimiye Symposium in Edirne’ began at the Devecihan Cultural Center in collaboration with the Turkish Historical Society and the Atatürk Cultural Center Presidency. Speaking at the event hosted by the Edirne Governorship, Prof. Dr. Yüksel Özgen conveyed that the Ottoman civilization was shaped in Edirne and that many cultural and architectural developments sprouted in these lands.

Prof. Dr. Özgen emphasized that the period when Edirne served as the capital in Ottoman history constituted an extremely important stage in the transformation of the state into a world empire, highlighting the significance of addressing Ottoman identity in a scientific event by valuable experts.

Stating that the construction of Selimiye Mosque has reached its 450th anniversary, Prof. Dr. Özgen mentioned that this masterpiece of Mimar Sinan is one of the most exquisite examples of Ottoman art.

Prof. Dr. Özgen also provided information about the studies carried out by the institution, noting that they attribute special importance to Mimar Sinan and his unique legacy in collaboration with the Atatürk Cultural Center, and that they have conducted many studies regarding his life, personality, and works.

450th Anniversary of the Construction of Selimiye Mosque

Prof. Dr. Özgen stated that they consider the symposium as one of the works conducted in memory of Mimar Sinan, saying, ‘As the second title of our symposium, we have reached the 450th anniversary of the construction of Selimiye Mosque, which is one of the peak points of Turkish-Islamic architecture today. Without a doubt, this masterpiece of Mimar Sinan is one of the most exquisite examples of Ottoman art. On the other hand, it is well known to all of us that Selimiye, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, has a unique place in terms of world culture and architecture, not just for the Turks. Therefore, on this meaningful anniversary, examining Selimiye in terms of architecture, technique, and art history is another important topic of our symposium,’ he expressed.

Atatürk Cultural Center President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeki Eraslan expressed his happiness to be together with distinguished scientists in such a historical venue, saying, ‘We will talk about Edirne, Ottoman identity, and Selimiye, and while doing this, we will have brought together the leading scientists in the field under the host of our Edirne Governorship, and I am sure we will understand Ottoman identity, Edirne, and Selimiye much better from the perspectives of these valuable scientists.’

Following the concert given with the choir conducted by Prof. Dr. Nilgün Doğrusöz Dişiaçık from the Istanbul Technical University Turkish Music Conservatory, flowers and certificates of appreciation were presented to the artists.