New Mosque, Istanbul

The New Mosque, also known as the Yeni Camii, graces the skyline of Istanbul with its majestic architecture and is a testament to the city's rich Ottoman history. This grand mosque, completed in 1665, is situated at the mouth of the Golden Horn and serves as a prominent landmark in the Eminönü district of Istanbul, Turkey.

The mosque's construction began in 1597 under the order of Safiye Sultan, the mother of Sultan Mehmed III, but due to political and financial difficulties, it took almost 70 years to complete. The final phase was carried out by Turhan Hatice Sultan, mother of Sultan Mehmed IV, which is why the mosque is sometimes referred to as Valide Sultan Mosque.

Featuring 66 domes and semi-domes in a pyramidal arrangement, the New Mosque is an impressive example of classical Ottoman architecture. Its two slender minarets reach towards the sky, framing the bustling entrance near the Galata Bridge. The mosque's interior is equally striking, adorned with Iznik tiles, a large prayer space, and an expansive courtyard.

The New Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a social complex, originally including a market, a school, a hospital, and a hamam (Turkish bath). Today, the surrounding area remains a lively spot for locals and tourists alike, with the adjacent Spice Bazaar offering a kaleidoscope of scents, colors, and flavors.

Visitors to Istanbul are welcome to explore the New Mosque outside of prayer times. The mosque's intricate decorations, from the detailed stonework to the stained-glass windows, reflect the artistic and spiritual heritage of the Ottoman Empire.