Yeni Cami - New Mosque

Istanbul’s Yeni Cami (New Mosque) is a defining feature on the Eminonu skyline. This large mosque, opposite the Spice Bazaar and next to Galata Bridge, is popular with locals and despite the ‘New’ in its name, the building of it began even before the Blue Mosque.

Construction of the Mosque began in 1597, commissioned by Sultan Mehmet III’s mother, Valide Sultan Safiye. However, following the death of the Sultan and several other setbacks, it was left idle for many years until finally being completed in 1663.

The Mosque complex used to include a primary school, hamam, library and hospital as well as the Spice Bazaar market. The Spice Bazaar still remains in action and at the north-western end of the mosque the remains of four sultans- Mehmet IV, Mustafa II, Ahmet III, Mahmut I and the Valide Sultan can be found in its mausoleum. Outside the Mosque, hoardes of doves congregate to peck on birdseed and old Simit bread scattered by local animal lovers.

The New Mosque itself has a grand courtyard with an ornamental ablution fountain in its centre, two minarets and a series of cascading domes around a central dome which measures almost 18 metres in diameter. Its beautiful interior is decorated with marble, gold and white, blue and green Iznik tiles.

If you find yourself without a covering, there are scarves on hand for female visitors and plastic bags available for shoes.

Practical Information:

Opening Hours: Yeni Camii is open daily from 7am - dusk.

Entrance: Free. There is a donations box at the exit.