The Complex of Sultan Bayezid II Health Museum in Türkiye opens to visitors

The living history of the museum

The complex in Edirne was built in 1488 by Sultan Bayezid II, the son of Fatih Sultan Mehmet. During the Ottoman Empire era, the complex was built for medicine, education, religious and social welfare. The complex had 11 sections before it began serving exclusively as a mental health hospital. These facilities included a mosque, a soup kitchen, a guesthouse, a pantry, a madrasah and a medical center. After the Balkan Wars, Trakya University took over the complex and started the restoration in 1986. The complex was known for curing patients with music and the sound of water.

Curing patients with music wasn't a new method. Such as, China, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece and Rome, The Middle Ages, France and Germany. Every country had their own method and sound of music to treat patients. In Türkiye, a wide variety of different musical instruments were used like zurna, bass drum, naker, giant kettledrum, ney, violin and pan flute. Physicians of the era discovered that different musical modes, known as 'makams' had distinct healing effects on spesific psychological conditions. For example some makams were used to reduce anxiety, others were preferred to clear the mind and bring joy. People that visited the complex at the time said "it is not only about music or sounds, it's also the beautiful smell of the flowers." During an era where mental health patients were misunderstood and mistreated in the world, this medical center understood patients and stood up for in a remarkably humane, compassionate, and comprehensive approach to healthcare.

Why do you need to visit this museum?

The complex won the Council of Europe Museum Prize (2004) and European Heritage - The Best in Heritage Award (2007) and also it won the other important awards. The museum showcases how treatments were carried out. Also you can hear the sound of the water or the music they used in the treatment while touring the museum.

About Edirne's history and beauty

As the former capital of the Ottoman Empire for 92 years before the conquest of Istanbul, Edirne is a living museum blending history, culture, and architecture. Located in the Thrace region where Europe meets Asia, the city attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year with its beautiful heritage. Along with the Sultan Bayezid II Complex, Edirne is home to magnificent world heritage sites like the Selimiye Mosque, making it a must-visit destination for those who want to discover the treasures of the past and the present.