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5 places to visit in the central district of Kırklareli: Kırklareli Museum (Hızırbey Complex), Hızırbey Arasta and Aşağıpınar Mound. Plan your trip with local food, practical tips and transport information.

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Merkez is the administrative centre of Kırklareli province, in the north-east of Thrace on the Bulgarian border. The district covers 1,623 km², with an average elevation above sea level of 211 metres.

History

The city’s former name was Kırkkilise (Greek Saranta Ekklisies). It passed to the Ottomans in 1363 under Murad I. After the War of Independence, Merkez returned to Turkish administration in 1922.

Geography and Culture

The Aşağıpınar mound, about 3 km from the centre, is one of the settlements that best reflects the Neolithic cultures of Thrace. The mosque, bath and arasta of the Hızırbey Complex were built in 1383–1384 and are among the first Ottoman building complexes in the Balkans.

History and Culture

Kırklareli suffered invasions in the Roman and Byzantine periods and fell to the Ottomans in 1363. After the Bulgarian and Greek occupations during the Balkan and First World War period, Kırklareli regained its freedom on 10 November 1922.

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Places to Visit in Kırklareli Central District

  • 2 Ancient City
  • 2 Museum
  • 1 Cultural
Kırklareli Museum (Hızırbey Complex) - Merkez Photo: CeeGee (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source
Museum

Kırklareli Museum (Hızırbey Complex)

A museum housed in the Hızırbey Complex, an important Ottoman-era building complex.

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Cultural

Hızırbey Arasta

The arasta market street, part of the complex, was built in the 14th century.

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Ancient City

Aşağıpınar Mound

A mound about 3 km from the city, which best reflects the Neolithic settlements of Thrace.

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Ancient City

Tumuli around Kırklareli Merkez

Tumulus burials are found around Kırklareli centre and in villages such as Eriklice, Kayalı and Dokuzhöyük.

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Museum

Kırklareli Museum

A museum displaying finds from the tumulus excavations.

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What to Eat in Kırklareli Central District

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  • Kırklareli Köftesi

    Meatballs made from beef mince with bread crumb, onion and spices, grilled and served. One of the best-known flavours of Thracian cuisine.

  • Hardaliye (grape juice drink)

    A traditional Thracian drink made by fermenting grape juice with mustard seed and cherry leaves. It is non-alcoholic and is drunk to refresh, especially in summer.

  • Ciğer Tava (Thracian fried liver)

    Finely chopped beef liver, floured and fried in the Thracian style and served with fried peppers.

Culture, Local Products and Economy of Kırklareli Central District

  • Kırkpınar Wrestling Tradition

    Oil wrestling, the oldest sporting tradition of the Thrace region, is also widely kept alive in Kırklareli. Local wrestling competitions held in the district serve as preparation for Edirne Kırkpınar.

  • Thracian Cultural Heritage

    Kırklareli is one of the important centres of the ancient Thracian civilisation. Its tumuli and archaeological remains show intense settlement from the 1st millennium BC onwards.

Local Products

  • Kırklareli Cheese — White cheese made from Thrace's rich milk production, one of Kırklareli's geographically indicated products.
  • Sunflower Oil — Oil obtained from sunflowers, Thrace's most important agricultural crop and Kırklareli's main industrial product.

Economy

Kırklareli Merkez is the administrative and commercial centre of the province. Sunflower, wheat and rice production stand out in farming. The dairy and dairy products industry is well developed. Kırklareli University contributes to the education and service sectors. Its proximity to the Bulgarian border supports border trade.

How to Get to Kırklareli Central District

Kırklareli is 230 km from Istanbul and 65 km from Edirne. It is connected to Istanbul and Edirne by the D-020 highway. Intercity bus services run regularly. The nearest airport is Edirne or Istanbul Airport. The Bulgarian border gate can be reached via Dereköy.

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Kırklareli Central District: Frequently Asked Questions

What to see in Kırklareli Merkez?

Top 5 sights in Kırklareli Merkez: Kırklareli Museum (Hızırbey Complex), Hızırbey Arasta, Aşağıpınar Mound, the tumuli around Kırklareli Merkez and Kırklareli Museum.

What to eat in Kırklareli Merkez?

Kırklareli Köftesi, Hardaliye and Ciğer Tava are the standout flavours on Kırklareli Merkez's tables.

What is Kırklareli Merkez famous for?

Kırklareli Merkez is known for Kırklareli Cheese and the Kırkpınar Wrestling Tradition. White cheese made from Thrace's rich milk production is one of Kırklareli's geographically indicated products.

How do I get to Kırklareli Merkez?

Kırklareli is 230 km from Istanbul and 65 km from Edirne. It is connected to Istanbul and Edirne by the D-020 highway. Intercity bus services run regularly. The nearest airport is Edirne or Istanbul Airport. The Bulgarian border gate can be reached via Dereköy.

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