Photo: Nidayi (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source 8 places to visit in the Lüleburgaz district of Kırklareli: Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Complex, Lüleburgaz Castle Ruins and Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Hammam. Plan your trip to Lüleburgaz with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Lüleburgaz is a district of Kırklareli province and the fifth largest settlement in Eastern Thrace. Located in the south of Kırklareli, it is the largest and most developed district of the province, known for its industry and agriculture.
Taken by the Ottomans during the early period of the Ottoman state, the district remained under Ottoman rule from the 14th century until 1919. The district hosted the Lüleburgaz Congress, which was organised by the Trakya Paşaeli Müdafaa-i Hukuk Cemiyeti among the important congresses of the Turkish War of Independence.
Covering an area of 1,016 km², the district lies at an average elevation of 74 metres above sea level. The climate is generally hot and dry in summer, and rainy and cold in winter.
While population growth in the district centre has been 55%, the rural population has declined by 24%. The songs “Dere Geliyor Dere” and “Ah Tren Kara Tren” belong to the Lüleburgaz region.
The Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Complex was built in 1569–1570. The Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Caravanserai was demolished in 1935 to make way for a road. The Sokullu Hammam was built together with the Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Complex in 1569–1570. The Lüleburgaz Congress was held here. The area was liberated from occupation after the Armistice of Mudanya.
The Lüleburgaz Central (Orta) Fountain was built as a square fountain by Ottoman sultan Mehmet IV in 1667 (AH 1078). In the province, industry is concentrated mostly around the D-100 highway and especially in Lüleburgaz.
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Photo: Nidayi (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source Built by Mimar Sinan between 1569 and 1570 for Grand Vizier Sokullu Mehmet Paşa, the complex consists of a mosque, madrasa, hammam, caravanserai and arasta sections. It is Mimar Sinan's most comprehensive work in Thrace and one of the important examples of classical Ottoman architecture.
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Photo: Sadrettin (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source Byzantine-era castle remains on the high point of the district centre. Walls that bear traces of the defensive structure of the ancient city known as Arkadiopolis partly survive.
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Photo: Sadrettin (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source A twin hammam with men's and women's sections, built by Mimar Sinan as part of the complex. It has been restored and is used as a cultural centre.
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Photo: Sadrettin (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source The arasta, part of the Sokullu Complex, with more than 40 shops, is one of the best-preserved examples of Ottoman commercial architecture in Thrace. Souvenirs and local products are sold there today.
View on mapA caravanserai built to the north of the complex, together with a tabhane and an imaret.
View on mapA square fountain on Turgut Bey Street, built in 1667 by Mehmet IV.
View on mapA fountain built to commemorate the liberation of Lüleburgaz district from Bulgarian occupation.
View on mapWhile you are in Lüleburgaz, you can also see the highlights of Kırklareli province. These places are in other districts; Lüleburgaz is about 25 km from the provincial centre.
Made from beef mince, Lüleburgaz köftesi is one of Thrace's most famous types of meatball. It is grilled over embers and served with piyaz and hot pepper.
Pide prepared with plenty of Thrace's kaşar cheese is the most preferred product of Lüleburgaz bakeries.
A traditional Thracian drink made by fermenting grape juice with mustard seed. It is also widely produced and consumed in Lüleburgaz.
A meatball known as the first geographically indicated product of Lüleburgaz.
Lüleburgaz is home to one of Mimar Sinan's most comprehensive complexes. The Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Complex represents the cultural heritage as one of the most important Ottoman architectural complexes in Rumelia.
The ancient name of Lüleburgaz is Arkadiopolis, founded by the Roman Emperor Arcadius. A major military base in the Byzantine period, the city made its mark on history with the Battle of Arkadiopolis in 970.
Lüleburgaz is the most populous and economically most developed district of Kırklareli. Food, textile and machinery industries are well developed. Many factories operate in the organised industrial zone. Sunflower and wheat production stand out in farming. Its position on the Istanbul–Edirne highway supports trade.
Lüleburgaz is 25 km from Kırklareli city centre, 200 km from Istanbul and 80 km from Edirne. The E-80 (D-100) highway passes through the district. Intercity bus services are frequent. The railway station is on the Istanbul–Edirne rail line.
The 8 highlighted places in Lüleburgaz are: Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Complex, Lüleburgaz Castle Ruins, Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Hammam, Lüleburgaz Arasta Bazaar, Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Caravanserai, Sokullu Hammam, Lüleburgaz Central (Orta) Fountain and Victory Fountain.
Lüleburgaz Köftesi, Thrace-style cheese pide, Hardaliye and Ahmetbey Köftesi are the standout flavours on Lüleburgaz's tables.
Lüleburgaz is known for Lüleburgaz Kaşar Cheese and the Mimar Sinan and Sokullu Heritage. Kaşar cheese produced in Lüleburgaz, which stands out for Thrace's milk production capacity, is the region's best-known dairy product.
Lüleburgaz is 25 km from Kırklareli city centre, 200 km from Istanbul and 80 km from Edirne. The E-80 (D-100) highway passes through the district. Intercity bus services are frequent. The railway station is on the Istanbul–Edirne rail line.
Suggested visit length: 1-2 days. Best time to visit: spring and autumn months (April–June, September–October).