The capture of Adrianople by Bulgarian forces occurred in the context of the First Balkan War, a conflict that took place from 1912 to 1913 involving several Balkan states against the Ottoman Empire. The city of Adrianople, now known as Edirne in modern-day Turkey, was a critical stronghold for the Ottomans and its capture is often considered one of the defining moments of Bulgaria's military campaign. Bulgarian forces, leveraging rapid mobilization and modern military tactics, surrounded the city and engaged in a series of assaults. After a sustained siege, they succeeded in taking control of Adrianople on March 26, 1913.

The successful capture of the city was crucial not only for its strategic military advantages but also for boosting Bulgarian national pride and legitimacy among its Balkan allies. The military operation involved a complex synergy between infantry maneuvers and artillery bombardments, showcasing the evolution of military technology and strategy in early 20th-century warfare. Following the fall of Adrianople, Bulgarian forces continued their advances into additional Ottoman territories, which significantly altered the regional balance of power.

Through the lens of wider European politics, the fall of Adrianople galvanized support for the Balkan League—an alliance formed with the intent of expelling the Ottomans from Europe. However, it also sowed seeds of future conflict among the victors, as competing territorial ambitions would lead to further disputes, culminating in the Second Balkan War shortly thereafter.