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  4. Yeni Camii

Yeni Camii, Istanbul

Photo © Google Earth. View all images in our Yeni Camii Photo Gallery.
Photo © Helen Betts.
Photo © Amy Keus.
Photo © cactusbones.
Photo © Karl O'Brien.
Photo © Dere-Street.com.

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.

History

Begun by Valide Safiye, mother of Sultan Mehmet III, in 1597, the 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 I.


Quick Facts on Yeni Camii

Site Information
Names:Yeni Camii; Yeni Camii, Istanbul
City:Istanbul
Country:Turkey
cat:Mosques
faith:Islam
style:Ottoman
Visitor and Contact Information
Location:Istanbul, Turkey
Coordinates:41.016830° N, 28.972106° E  (view on Google Maps)
Lodging:View hotels near this location
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Map of Yeni Camii

Below is a location map and aerial view of Yeni Camii. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.

References

  1. Frommer's Turkey: From the Blue Mosque to the Blue Lagoon, 3rd ed.
  2. Yeni Cami (New Mosque), Istanbul - Turkey Travel Planner
  3. Major Mosques of Istanbul - All About Turkey
  4. Safiye Sultan - Wikipedia
  5. Mehmed IV - Wikipedia

More Information

Article Info

Title:Yeni Camii, Istanbul
Author:Holly Hayes
Last updated:10/25/2009
Permalink:www.sacred-destinations.com/turkey/istanbul-yeni-camii-new-mosque
Link code:<a href="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/turkey/istanbul-yeni-camii-new-mosque">Yeni Camii, Istanbul</a>