New Mosque

About New Mosque

New Mosque is a mosque in Istanbul (sunni).

The New Mosque, Yeni Cami, first named the Valide Sultan Mosque, is an imperial mosque in Istanbul's Eminönü quarter on the Golden Horn, at the southern end of the Galata Bridge beside the Spice Bazaar. It is one of the city's great landmarks, greeting everyone who crosses from the old city to Beyoğlu or lands by ferry at Eminönü. Building began in 1597 on the orders of Safiye Sultan, wife of Murad III and mother of Mehmed III. The first architect, Davut Ağa, an apprentice of Mimar Sinan, died in 1599 and was succeeded by Dalgıç Ahmed Çavuş. Work stopped after Mehmed III died in 1603 and the shell stood unfinished for decades until Turhan Hatice Sultan, mother of Mehmed IV, completed it between 1660 and 1665, hence the later name New Valide Sultan Mosque, shortened to Yeni Cami. It is a prime example of the era when the sultans' mothers wielded great influence. Its central dome is surrounded by a cascade of semi-domes and smaller domes, with two minarets of three balconies each and a large courtyard with an ablution fountain. Inside are blue and green Iznik tiles and gilded calligraphy. The complex included the Spice Bazaar, Turhan Sultan's tomb, a fountain and a school, and the square in front is famous for feeding pigeons.

Where:

Istanbul, Türkiye