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Teni Cami Meydani, Eminönü
Trolley: Eminönü
Open: daily
The New Mosque, known as Yeni Cami in Turkish, is one of Istanbul’s most prominent and picturesque Ottoman mosques, located in the Eminönü district near the southern end of the Galata Bridge on the Golden Horn. Despite its name, it was completed in 1665, making it a significant example of 17th-century Ottoman architecture. Renowned for its elegant design, intricate tilework, and prime waterfront location, the mosque is both a religious and cultural landmark.
Origins and Construction (1597–1665)
Commissioned by Safiye
Sultan: The construction of the New Mosque began in 1597 under Safiye
Sultan, the mother of Sultan Mehmed III and a powerful figure in the
Ottoman court during the "Sultanate of Women," a period when royal women
exerted significant influence. The mosque was intended to assert her
legacy and enhance the commercial district of Eminönü.
Initial
Architect: The project was initially overseen by Davut Ağa, a student of
the legendary Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. After Davut Ağa’s death in
1599, Dalgıç Ahmed Ağa took over.
Interrupted Construction: The
project faced numerous setbacks, including Safiye Sultan’s loss of
influence after Mehmed III’s death in 1603, financial difficulties, and
opposition from local residents (many of whom were non-Muslim merchants
displaced by the mosque’s construction in a predominantly Jewish
neighborhood). By 1603, construction was halted, leaving the site in
ruins for decades.
Completion by Turhan Hatice Sultan: In 1660,
Turhan Hatice Sultan, the mother of Sultan Mehmed IV, revived the
project as a charitable endeavor. She funded its completion, and the
mosque was finished in 1665 under the architect Mustafa Ağa. The
mosque’s completion solidified Turhan Hatice’s reputation as a pious and
influential Valide Sultan (Queen Mother).
Ottoman Period
(1665–1923)
The New Mosque became a central place of worship and a
hub of social and charitable activities, as it was part of a larger
külliye (mosque complex) that included a school, hospital, public
fountain, and mausoleum.
Its location in Eminönü, a bustling
commercial area near the Spice Bazaar, made it a focal point for
merchants, travelers, and worshippers.
The mosque survived several
earthquakes and fires, with repairs and renovations carried out over the
centuries to maintain its grandeur.
Modern Period (1923–Present)
In the Republic of Türkiye, the New Mosque continued to function as a
mosque, retaining its religious and cultural significance.
Restoration efforts in the 20th and 21st centuries, particularly in the
1960s and 2010s, addressed structural damage from urban pollution,
earthquakes, and wear, preserving its ornate interiors and exterior.
Today, it remains an active mosque and a major tourist attraction,
admired for its architectural beauty and vibrant setting.
The New Mosque is a quintessential example of Ottoman classical
architecture, blending the monumental style of Mimar Sinan with the more
decorative trends of the 17th century. Its design draws inspiration from
earlier masterpieces like the Süleymaniye Mosque and Hagia Sophia, while
introducing distinctive elements that reflect the evolving Ottoman
aesthetic.
Exterior
Silhouette and Dome: The mosque is crowned
by a large central dome, 17.5 meters (57 feet) in diameter and 36 meters
(118 feet) high, supported by four semi-domes and a series of smaller
domes and turrets. This cascading dome structure creates a harmonious,
tiered silhouette that is iconic against Istanbul’s skyline.
Minarets: Two slender minarets, each with three balconies (şerefe),
flank the mosque. Their delicate proportions and ornate detailing add to
the mosque’s elegance.
Courtyard: A spacious rectangular courtyard,
surrounded by a portico with 24 small domes supported by marble columns,
serves as an inviting entrance. The courtyard features a central
şadırvan (ablution fountain) with an octagonal canopy, used for ritual
cleansing before prayers.
Materials: The exterior is clad in cut
stone, primarily limestone, with marble accents around portals and
windows. The minarets and domes are topped with lead, a standard Ottoman
roofing material.
Location and Setting: Positioned on the waterfront
of the Golden Horn, the mosque’s elevated platform offers stunning views
of the water and the Galata district. Its proximity to the Spice Bazaar
and Eminönü’s ferry docks makes it a vibrant urban landmark.
Interior
Prayer Hall: The interior is a vast, light-filled space,
measuring approximately 41 meters (135 feet) by 41 meters. The central
dome is supported by four massive piers, creating an open and airy
prayer hall that can accommodate thousands of worshippers.
Iznik
Tiles: The lower walls are adorned with over 20,000 Iznik tiles, a
hallmark of Ottoman art. These tiles feature intricate floral and
geometric patterns in blue, turquoise, green, and red, with designs of
tulips, carnations, and cypress trees. The tilework is among the finest
of the 17th century, though slightly less refined than the peak Iznik
productions of the 16th century.
Mihrab and Minbar: The mihrab
(prayer niche indicating the direction of Mecca) is made of white marble
with gold inlays, framed by a muqarnas (stalactite-like) hood. The
minbar (pulpit) is an intricately carved marble structure, used for
delivering sermons.
Calligraphy: The interior features exquisite
Arabic calligraphy, including Quranic verses and the names of Allah, the
Prophet Muhammad, and the first four caliphs, painted on large
medallions and friezes. The calligraphy is attributed to master
calligraphers of the period.
Stained Glass and Windows: Hundreds of
windows, including stained-glass panels, allow natural light to
illuminate the interior, enhancing the vibrancy of the tiles and gold
leaf decorations. The upper windows are arched, with delicate
plasterwork grilles.
Sultan’s Loge: A private, elevated loge (hünkâr
mahfili) allowed the sultan and his entourage to pray separately,
accessible via a private entrance and decorated with ornate woodwork and
tiles.
Külliye (Mosque Complex)
The New Mosque was designed as
a charitable complex, with facilities to serve the community:
Mekteb: A primary school for religious and secular education, located
within the complex.
Darüşşifa: A hospital, now no longer in use,
which provided medical care to the public.
Sebil and Çeşme: A public
fountain and water kiosk for drinking water, reflecting Ottoman
traditions of charity.
Türbe (Mausoleum): A separate mausoleum houses
the tombs of Turhan Hatice Sultan, her son Mehmed IV, and other Ottoman
royals, including Mustafa II and Ahmed III. The türbe is richly
decorated with Iznik tiles and calligraphy.
Hünkâr Kasrı: A royal
pavilion, used as a resting place for the sultan during visits, with
ornate interiors and a prime view of the Golden Horn. It is one of the
best-preserved examples of such structures in Istanbul.
Bazaar: The
mosque is closely associated with the nearby Spice Bazaar (Mısır
Çarşısı), which was endowed to generate revenue for the mosque’s upkeep.
The bazaar, also completed in the 1660s, remains a bustling market
today.
Ottoman Piety and Power
The New Mosque reflects the Ottoman
tradition of imperial women commissioning grand mosques to demonstrate
piety, wealth, and influence. Both Safiye Sultan and Turhan Hatice
Sultan used the project to cement their legacies as Valide Sultans.
Its completion under Turhan Hatice Sultan marked a moment of stability
in the Ottoman Empire, following decades of political turmoil and
economic strain.
Community Hub
As part of a külliye, the
mosque served not only as a place of worship but also as a center for
education, healthcare, and charity, embodying the Ottoman ideal of
social welfare.
Its location in Eminönü, a commercial and cultural
crossroads, made it a gathering place for diverse communities, including
Muslims, Christians, and Jews, who traded in the nearby markets.
Architectural Influence
The New Mosque bridges the classical Ottoman
style of Mimar Sinan with the more ornate, decorative trends of the 17th
century. Its tilework and dome structure influenced later Ottoman
mosques, such as the Nuruosmaniye Mosque (1755).
The mosque’s
waterfront setting and integration with the Spice Bazaar set a precedent
for urban mosque complexes in Istanbul, blending sacred and commercial
spaces.
Symbol of Continuity
The New Mosque’s survival through
earthquakes, fires, and political changes underscores Istanbul’s
resilience and its role as a cultural bridge between East and West.
Its dual role as a working mosque and a tourist attraction reflects
Türkiye’s balance of religious heritage and modern identity.
Function as a Mosque: The New Mosque remains an active place of
worship, with daily prayers and Friday sermons attended by locals and
visitors. It is open to tourists outside prayer times, with free entry.
Restoration Efforts: The mosque has undergone several restorations, most
recently in the 2010s, to repair damage from pollution, humidity, and
structural wear. These efforts focused on preserving the Iznik tiles,
stained glass, and calligraphy while reinforcing the dome and minarets.
Challenges: The mosque’s location in a busy urban area exposes it to air
pollution and heavy foot traffic, which can strain its delicate
interiors. The nearby Golden Horn’s humidity also poses a risk to the
stonework and tiles.
UNESCO Context: While the New Mosque is not
individually listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is part of
Istanbul’s historic peninsula, which includes UNESCO-protected sites
like the Hagia Sophia and Süleymaniye Mosque. Its cultural value is
recognized globally.
Location: Eminönü, Istanbul, near the Galata Bridge, Spice Bazaar,
and Eminönü ferry terminal. It is easily accessible by tram (Eminönü
stop on the T1 line), ferry, or foot from Sultanahmet.
Access and
Etiquette:
Entry is free, but visitors must follow mosque etiquette:
remove shoes, dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), and women must
cover their hair with a scarf (available at the entrance).
Non-Muslims should avoid visiting during prayer times, especially Friday
midday prayers, to respect worshippers.
Highlights for Visitors:
Iznik Tiles: Admire the vibrant floral and geometric patterns covering
the lower walls.
Central Dome: Marvel at the soaring dome and the
interplay of light through the stained-glass windows.
Courtyard and
Şadırvan: Enjoy the serene courtyard and the ornate ablution fountain.
Hünkâr Kasrı: If accessible, visit the royal pavilion for its intricate
interiors and Golden Horn views.
Türbe: The mausoleum, with its royal
tombs and tilework, is a quieter, reflective space.
Spice Bazaar:
Combine a visit with a stroll through the nearby Mısır Çarşısı, a
sensory delight of spices, sweets, and souvenirs.
Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings or late afternoons to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler
temperatures. The mosque is particularly striking at sunset, when its
minarets glow against the Golden Horn.
Tips:
Bring a scarf for
head covering (for women) and wear socks for comfort, as shoes must be
removed.
Watch for pigeons in the courtyard, a common sight that adds
to the mosque’s lively atmosphere.
Pair a visit with other nearby
attractions, such as the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, or a
ferry ride on the Bosphorus.
The New Mosque is a jewel of Ottoman architecture, embodying the
empire’s artistic and religious ideals during a period of transition.
Its completion by Turhan Hatice Sultan highlights the pivotal role of
women in Ottoman patronage, while its ornate tilework and graceful
proportions showcase the evolution of Ottoman design. As a working
mosque and cultural landmark, it continues to inspire awe, bridging
Istanbul’s imperial past with its vibrant present.
Architectural
Legacy: The New Mosque’s blend of classical and decorative elements
influenced later Ottoman mosques and contributed to Istanbul’s
reputation as a city of architectural splendor.
Cultural Symbol: Its
location in Eminönü, a melting pot of commerce and culture, underscores
Istanbul’s role as a global crossroads.
Modern Relevance: The mosque
remains a vital part of Istanbul’s religious and social fabric,
welcoming worshippers and visitors from around the world.