Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source 9 places to visit in the Pehlivanköy district of Kırklareli: Pehlivanköy Mosque, Ergene River and Pehlivanköy Railway Station. Plan your trip to Pehlivanköy with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Pehlivanköy is a district of Kırklareli province, 62 km from the provincial centre. The district covers 104 km², and its average elevation above sea level is 30 metres.
The first inhabitants were Thracians, who settled on the banks of the Ergene River around 700 BC. In 1363 Hacı İlbey and Evrenos Paşa conquered the area and brought it within Ottoman borders. Pehlivanköy, for a time a subdistrict attached to Babaeski, became a district in 1957.
Since 1910 the Pavli Fair, which begins on 18 September and lasts 5 days, has been held without interruption.
Pehlivanköy was added to Ottoman lands in 1363 by Hacı İlbey and Evrenos Paşa. It was a subdistrict attached to Babaeski until it became a district in 1957. On 1 April 2016 a repatriation centre with a capacity of 750 people opened in the district.
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Photo: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) · Source A historic railway station built in Ottoman times on the Rumelia railway line, reflecting late 19th-century architecture. It is an important stop on the Istanbul–Edirne–Europe railway route.
View on mapAn Ottoman bridge over the Ergene River, believed to have been built in the 16th century. It has seven arches and is still in use today.
View on mapA historic station building constructed by the French in 1889, which shows the district's railway history.
View on mapA historic mosque built in 1901–1902, located at the entrance to Pehlivanköy in Ergene Neighbourhood.
View on mapThe mosque in the district centre was built in Ottoman times and has been restored several times. It is notable for its simple architecture and stonework.
View on mapA stone-walled mosque dating from 1902, with room for 150 people. Its minaret has a single balcony.
View on mapThe Ergene River, the district's most important water source, flows through the district.
View on mapA green belt along the Ergene River, which flows along the south of the district, offers suitable areas for walking and picnics. The reed beds on the riverbank are good for birdwatching.
View on mapA livestock and goods fair held every September. It has been held since 1910.
View on mapWhile you are in Pehlivanköy, you can also see the highlights of Kırklareli province. These places are in other districts; Pehlivanköy is about 65 km from the provincial centre.
The Thracian version of rice pilaf, prepared with butter and meat stock. It is indispensable at Pehlivanköy tables.
A börek made by layering thin yufka pastry with a minced meat and onion filling and baking it in the oven. It is one of Pehlivanköy's homemade favourites.
The district takes its name from the wrestler (pehlivan) tradition. Thrace's oil wrestling culture is kept alive in Pehlivanköy, and local wrestling competitions are held in summer.
Pehlivanköy, an important stop on the Rumelia railway line, has been shaped by railway culture since the 19th century. The area around the station has been the centre of the district's social life.
Pehlivanköy's economy rests on farming. Rice, sunflower and wheat are the main products. Livestock farming is also an important source of income. Industry is limited because of the district's small population and rural character.
Pehlivanköy is 65 km from Kırklareli city centre and 55 km from Edirne. Access is by road and rail. There is a railway station on the Istanbul–Edirne line.
Top 9 sights in Pehlivanköy: Pehlivanköy Mosque, Ergene River, Pehlivanköy Railway Station, Ergene River Banks, Pehlivanköy Central Mosque, Akarca Bridge, Kuştepe Village Mosque, Historic Railway Station and Pavli (Autumn) Fair.
Trakya Pilavı and Kıymalı Börek are the standout flavours on Pehlivanköy's tables.
Pehlivanköy is known for Rice and the Wrestling Tradition. Rice grown in the wetlands of the Ergene River basin is the district's most important agricultural product.
Pehlivanköy is 65 km from Kırklareli city centre and 55 km from Edirne. Access is by road and rail. There is a railway station on the Istanbul–Edirne line.
Suggested visit length: half a day. Best time to visit: spring and summer months (May–September).