New Mosque (Yeni Camii)

The New Mosque (Yeni Camii) in Istanbul is not that new – it was built in the 1600s. Located on the water’s edge next to the Galata Bridge, the Yeni Camii has become a defining feature of Istanbul’s skyline.

The New Mosque which is also known as Mosque of Valide Sultan or the New Valide Sultan Mosque is located in the Eminönü Square and net to the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar). The mosque had been built for 68 years opened to worship after a Friday prayer in 1663 and it has the feature being also a complex.

In 1597 the mosque began to be built by order of Safiye Sultan who was wife of Sultan Murad III. The New Mosque also began to be built by the architect Davud Aga who was a student of Architect Sinan. Pits of foundation started to fill water so large piles heads of which were lead were prepared and entrenched to stones of the foundation. Davud Aga died during the plague epidemic in 1598, therefore, architect Mehmet Çavuş continued to construct this mosque but unfortunately in 1603 Safiye Sultan and Mehmet III died so the mosque couldn’t be completed. After 66 years started to be built, Hatice Sultan who was mother of Mehmet IV ordered to continue to build this mosque. The New Mosque was continued to be built by Architect Mustafa Aga and completed in 1663. The most important feature of the mosque is containing different architects’ perspectives. Another important feature is its dome which resembles to the pyramid. The frame of its courtyard has 23 small domes and it has two minarets.

The tomb of Valide Sultan, the Spice Bazaar, Sultan’s cistern, the mosque and foundations are placed in the New Mosque and Complex. Primary school of the complex was destroyed so we can’t see it. The complex also includes tombs of five rulers of Ottoman Empire and the most noticeable place of complex is undoubtedly the Spice or Egyptian Bazaar which is preferred by tourists.

Eminönü is one of the most crowded places in Istanbul and the New Mosque has become a symbol of Eminönü. You can visit the Spice Bazaar after you have seen the mosque and you can feel the Turkish Culture also if you want, you can take gifts. Another thing you can do is that you can feed the pigeons or eat fish under the Galata Bridge.

Quick Facts

Names:	Valide Sultan Camii (Mosque of the Queen Mother); Yeni Camii (New Mosque)
Type of site:	Mosque
Dates:	1597-1640
Architecture:	Ottoman
Location:	Eminönü, Istanbul
Coordinates:	41.01683° N, 28.972106° E
Phone:	No phone
Hours:	Dawn-dusk
Cost:	Free http://www.visit2istanbul.com/yeni-camii-new-mosque/