It is the largest synagogue in the Balkans and the third largest in Europe. It was completely burned down in a fire in 1905. It was rebuilt in 1907 by the decree of Sultan Abdulhamid II. French architect France Depré designed the building inspired by the synagogue called Leopoldstadter Tempel in Vienna. The building was completed with the financial support of community members from Germany, Hungary and other countries.

The synagogue, which was actively used until the 1960s, remained open for worship until 1983. It was not used due to the Jews leaving Edirne and was on the verge of collapse. The ownership of the synagogue passed to the General Directorate of Foundations in 1995. The synagogue was restored in 2010 by the decision of the General Directorate of Foundations and was reopened for use on March 26, 2015 with the participation of state representatives and members of the Jewish community. At the opening and at the first wedding held in the synagogue following the opening, the anothé prayer was recited in accordance with Sephardic Jewish traditions.

Today, it is open to visitors except Mondays.

Source:

[1] (2013). Edirne Immovable Cultural Heritage Inventory Volume I. (pp. 190-191) Edirne Governorship Publications.

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