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.
Don't miss this mosque. I liked it just as much as the famous Blue Mosque and it's not nearly as crowded.
This is well worth a visit. Respecting the custom of removing your shoes respecting dress codes, this mosque is near the spice markets also worth a visit. The Mosque is beautiful, similar to the Blue Mosque, with less people and this makes the visit more enjoyable.
This was the very first mosque we visited and set me on a pace to visit as many as I possibly could during my stay. As everyone knows, the "new" mosque is actually quite old. It is not as huge as the Blue Mosque or Haga Sofia, but certainly worthy of your time.
Wow!
Amazing Mosque!
New Mosque Great Location!
Left me Saying The words Wow Many times!
This was the first mosque we visited recently and we were amazed at he beauty of it. The central dome and the beautiful mosaic tiles were truly impressive. A truly wonderful space to meditate and absorb another culture!
This mosque was underrated by the guide books. It was stunning, and in my humble opinion it was more attractive than the Blue Mosque. It is definitely worth seeing if you are passing by. The pigeons were being deliberately fed by women outside the mosque with industrial quantities of grain when I visited. I was surprised that this is allowed!
Having been to Istanbul several times, I have missed this mosque before, to focus on the other, more famous ones. However, this is well worth a visit. Beautifully decorated and very active, as a working mosque.
The interior of this mosque was spectacular. It was such a surprise, as it doesn't seem to show up on the list of top attractions. It is right by the spice market area, so very easy to stop in to see.
Beautiful mosque with nice view on Eminonu. Located right next to the Spice Bazaar. This is a major mosque in Istanbul.
It's so comfy inside, it's located in such a beautiful place , atmosphere is amazing one, feel yourself Turk there.