The Yeni Camii (New Mosque) in Istanbul is not that new it was built in the 1597s. Located on the water’s edge next to the Galata Bridge, the Yeni Camii has become a defining feature of Istanbul’s skyline.
Only in Istanbul would a 400-year-old mosque be called ‘New‘. Dating from 1597, its design references both the Blue Mosque and the Süleymaniye Mosque, with a large forecourt and a square sanctuary surmounted by a series of semidomes crowned by a grand dome. The interior is richly decorated with gold leaf, coloured Iznik tiles and carved marble.
History
Begun by Valide Safiye, mother of Sultan Mehmet III, in 1597, the New Mosque was designed by the architect Da’ud Aga, a pupil of Sinan. The chosen site was then a poor neighborhood; the inhabitants were paid to move out.
Construction initially dragged on for several decades due to water seeping and funding problems, then stopped completely when the sultan died Safiye was no longer the Queen Mother so she no longer had the revenues or power to support the project.
The mosque was completed by another queen mother, Valide Sultan Turhan Hattice, mother of Mehmet IV (1642-93).
What to See
The New Mosque overlooks the harbor next to the Galata Bridge on the Golden Horn. The beautiful exterior consists of a great courtyard, two slender minarets, and a cascade of domes tumbling down from a central dome. Hundreds of pigeons make their nests among the architecture.
The interior is decorated with Iznik tile, gold and marble. Valide Sultan Turhan Hattice is buried in the courtyard along with sultans Mehmet IV, Mustafa II, Ahmet III, and Mahmut.
Very beautiful interior. But it's not new! It's 500 years old. One of Istanbul's most beautiful mosques. Easy to find, near the Spice Bazaar
Not quite as majestic as the heavy hitters up the road, but beautiful tile work and a serene atmosphere make this a must-see.
Iconic building, sits alongside the Bosporous and next to the Egyptian spice market. Beautiful Interior and lovely complex.
This has a beautiful interior and is a little more subdued that then Blue Mosque. It is right next to the Spice Bazaar.
Very close to Eminonou station and less strict on kicking you out at prayer times. Because of its location it was a lot busier. If you are going to visit just one mosque then visit the blue mosque.
This mosque is almost an identical mosque to the blue mosque but in a smaller version, it is still very nice to see and is found next to eminonu square and the spice bazar.
We toured the courtyard of this lovely mosque. As with many mosques in Istanbul the tiles are beautiful. And with its location just over the Galata Bridge and beside the Spice Market in the old city, it is a site you will pass many times if you stay in the old city. Worth a look. And the fact it’s called the New Mosque and was built in the late 1500’s helps keep the history of the city front of mind.
Although we didn't go into the mosque, it has a lively forecourt with people from all over the world sitting on the stairs and relaxing. Beautiful place to be in the early evening after visiting the Spice Bazaar. When the lights come on in the area it's just WOW.
Wow! Amazing Mosque! New Mosque Great Location!
This new mosque (although built in 1597) still looks absolutely beautiful. This mosques has 66 large and small domes. The view of this mosque is just simply amazing. It is a gorgeous site and can be easily seen from any hilltop in Istanbul.