Edirne, Turkey

Capital City

With a population of just 180,327, Edirne is a small provincial city that offers limited economic opportunities. The economy largely depends on agriculture, with 73% of the working population employed in that sector. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as the city has changed hands between empires and seen a succession of administrative arrangements over the centuries. Winters are chilly, wet, and often snowy, with temperatures plunging as low as -19.5°C. For those seeking an authentic Turkish experience outside the major hubs, Edirne may hold appeal, but it is unlikely to satisfy those seeking a thriving, cosmopolitan lifestyle.