Photo: Sadrettin (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source 9 places to visit in the Havsa district of Edirne: Sokollu Mehmet Paşa Mosque, Havsa Hammam and Havsa Fountains. Plan your trip to Havsa with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Havsa is a district in the northern half of Edirne province, on the Konya plateau. The district covers an area of 545 km², has an average altitude of 77 metres above sea level, and has a population of 17,302. Havsa was founded by the ancient Romans and remained in Byzantine hands.
In 1331 the Turks brought it into Turkish territory through I. Murat and gave the town the name ‘Hosa’. The district name came about when Hafıza Sultan, one of the Sultan’s consorts, settled in the district, and it was first called ‘Hafse’ and later the name ‘Havsa’ emerged.
The land is generally flat plain made up of farmland, and the climate is continental throughout the year.
It is stated that Havsa district was founded by the Romans. The district developed when Sokollu Mehmet Paşa gave it importance. Havsa gained district status for the third time in 1954, after becoming a subdistrict following the Balkan and First World War periods. The Osmanlı village was founded in 1677.
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Ottoman-period fountains in the district centre and villages, with stonework and inscriptions that give them historical value. As fine examples of water architecture, the fountains shed light on the social life of past periods.
View on mapMentioned on Wikipedia as the monument of Kurt Bey, said to have been one of the Bektashi dervishes.
View on mapA historic mosque designed by Mimar Sinan in 1531 and commissioned by Kazım Paşa, son of Sokollu Mehmet Paşa.
View on mapA mosque mentioned among Havsa's historic monuments on Wikipedia; it is said to have been commissioned by Sokollu Mehmet Paşa in 1531.
View on mapThe flat Thracian plains surrounding Havsa turn into a sea of yellow flowers, especially in the sunflower season. In July and August, sunflower fields stretching to the horizon offer unique scenery for photographers.
View on mapAn Ottoman village attached to Havsa, which has attracted visitors in recent years because of its meatballs.
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Photo: Sadrettin (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source While you are in Havsa, you can also see the highlights of Edirne province. These places are in other districts; Havsa is about 35 km from the provincial centre.
Thinly sliced beef liver, dusted in flour and fried in hot oil. Ciğer tava, the most famous delicacy of the Edirne region, is served with fried peppers.
A sweet specific to Thrace, made from the seeds of sunflowers, which are widely grown in the region. The halva, made with a traditional recipe, is served with tea.
Meatballs made by adding stale bread, onion and spices to minced beef, which are grilled. They are served with traditional recipes in Havsa's butchers and restaurants.
In the Ottoman village attached to Havsa, köfte is served with village bread.
The külliye (complex) commissioned by Sokollu Mehmet Paşa, with its mosque, hammam and fountains, shows Havsa's importance in the Ottoman period. The district served as a waystation on the İstanbul–Edirne route.
The farming tradition maintained in Havsa for centuries forms the foundation of the district's cultural identity. Harvest seasons and agricultural festivals are important parts of social life.
The economy of Havsa is largely based on agriculture. Sunflower, wheat and rice are the main agricultural products. Oil factories and flour mills form the basis of agro-industry. Livestock farming is also an important source of livelihood.
Havsa is 35 km from Edirne city centre. Located on the D-100 highway, the district can easily be reached by road from Edirne and İstanbul. Intercity bus services are available.
The 9 highlights of Havsa are the Sokollu Mehmet Paşa Mosque, Havsa Hammam, Havsa Fountains, Views of the Thracian Plains, Sokollu Mosque, Kurt Bey Monument, Sokollu Hammam, Doğruk Hill and the Ottoman village.
Trakya Ciğer Tava, Ayçiçeği Helvası, Trakya Köftesi and Ottoman village meatballs are the standout flavours at Havsa's tables.
Havsa is known for its Sunflower and its Ottoman Külliye Tradition. Havsa has one of the most productive sunflower-growing areas in Thrace. Sunflowers grown on the wide plains are used as raw material for the oil industry.
Havsa is 35 km from Edirne city centre. Located on the D-100 highway, the district can easily be reached by road from Edirne and İstanbul. Intercity bus services are available.
Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: July–August (sunflower season).