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The New Mosque is one of the most important architectural wonders of Ottoman History, and it has an important history behind it.
The construction of the New Mosque and its complex were started by Safiye Sultan in 1957. Safiye Sultan gained strength by receiving the title of Valide Sultan after his son, Sultan Mehmed III, ascended to the throne. Safiye Sultan built this mosque to show her power when her son came to the throne. And this is the main reason why this mosque was built. For this reason, this mosque is also known as Valide Sultan Mosque.
The first architect of the mosque, Davut Aga, determined the location of this place and drew its plans. The foundation of the mosque's construction was laid in 1598, and a ceremony was held with the dignitaries of the state. With the cannon fire from Tophane, the good news was given to Istanbul that the mosque had begun to be built. However, the construction stopped with the death of architect Davut Aga and then Sultan Mehmet III.
Later, Murat IV tried to continue the construction. However, it was given up because the prices were high. The mosque was damaged in the great Istanbul fire in 1660. After the fire, construction was restarted and completed in 1665 with the efforts of Turhan Hatice Sultan.
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Yeni Mosque welcomes visitors on the following days and times:
Getting to the New Mosque Walking Tour with Audio Guide is convenient and accessible from various parts of Istanbul. Here’s a guide to help you reach this iconic landmark:
The New Mosque is located in the heart of Eminönü, making it easily accessible by various modes of transportation.
Tram: The most convenient option is the T1 tram line. Get off at the Eminönü stop. The mosque is directly across from the tram station.
Ferry: Eminönü is a major ferry terminal. Ferries connect to the Asian side (Üsküdar, Kadıköy) and other points along the Bosphorus. Upon arrival at the Eminönü ferry terminal, the New Mosque is a very short walk away.
Bus: Numerous bus routes serve Eminönü. Check the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's website or the MOBİETT app for routes and schedules. Alight at a stop near Eminönü Square.
Marmaray (Underground Train): Take the Marmaray to the Sirkeci station. From Sirkeci, it's a short walk to Eminönü, or you can take the T1 tram for one stop.
On Foot: Eminönü is a very walkable area. If you're already in a nearby area like Sultanahmet or Beyoğlu, walking is a pleasant option.
The New Mosque reflects traditional Ottoman architecture. This means that you will learn what traditional Ottoman architecture was like in the New Mosque. Examining this mosque is enough to learn what Ottoman architecture was like.
Architecture of the New Mosque
The New Mosque has a medium plan and was built on a main dome with a diameter of 16.20 meters. The main dome was expanded with half domes in four directions. Two columns under the Sultan's gathering place are reddish marble columns brought after the conquer of Girit. The mosque was built using cut limestone, marble, and brick. It can be accessed from the cloistered courtyard through a gate in the north and two gates on the sides. There are also small doors on the sides towards the mihrab.
The windows are arranged in six rows, and the tiles cover the walls. The tiles, dominated by blue, turquoise, and green colors, extend from the floor to the top of the second row of windows. There is a square planned cloister in the north. In the courtyard, porticoes with pointed arches carried by twenty columns with muqarnas capitals and twenty-four units covered with domes are found. A shadirvan leaning on arches is located in the center of the courtyard. The mosque's external appearance is similar to that of the Suleymaniye Mosque, but it has a slightly more pointed pyramid-like structure. Its two minarets rise on a square base and are covered with lead-covered cones. Three sun clocks are on the courtyard wall in the southwest corner of the mosque.
What to See in the New Mosque
The mosque's interior has a square plan, and its two sides are 41 meters long. There are four large piers supporting the central area. The interior expands with semidomes along the east-west axis. Small domes are at each corner and at the corners of the galleries.
In the northeast corner of the gallery is a gilded screen where members of the imperial court could attend services. The interior of the mosque is decorated with blue, green, and white Iznik tiles. The mihrab is decorated with gilded muqarnas and has a conical dome with marble columns. To the south of the mosque, in the corner of the courtyard wall, a building was built in 1816. This structure, made of cut stone, is connected to the entrance hall by a low-arched door. A passage from the main space to the east has been provided. There is Mahmud's signature and Poet Vasıf's inscription in the middle of the facade.
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