New Mosque-Istanbul(view larger)

The Yeni Camii, The New Mosque or Mosque of the Valide Sultan

(Turkish: 'Yeni Cami, Yeni Valide Camii') is an Ottoman imperial

mosque located in the Eminönü district of Istanbul, Turkey. It is

situated on the Golden Horn at the southern end of the Galata Bridge.

It is one of the best-known sights of Istanbul.

History

The construction of the mosque first began in 1597. It was ordered by

Safiye Sultan, who was the wife of Sultan Murad III. The original

architect was Davut Ağa, an apprentice to the great Mimar Sinan.

However, Davut Aga died in 1599 and was replaced by Dalgıç Ahmed

Çavuş. The construction took more than half a century and was

completed by another valide sultan Turhan Hadice. The project was

hampered by political disconnect, and its location and monetary

implications created dissent in the court. The Eminönü neighborhood

was the city's foremost commercial center, and home to a predominantly

Jewish population. In situating the mosque there, Safiye Sultan hoped

to extend the sphere of Islamic influence within the city,

capitalizing on the growing discontent of local and foreign merchants

caused by the growing power and influence of their Jewish

counterparts, which gave the Sultan an easy justification for

confiscating their property. However, the vast monetary outlay drew

sharp criticism. In particular, the Janissaries resented the growing

political power of the Valide Sultan, and believed the mosque to be an

unnecessary expenditure. Safiye Sultan was forced to abandon the

project upon Mehmet III's death. The new Sultan Ahmed I had no

interest in pursuing the project after Safiye Sultan was relegated to

the harem and the construction was abandoned.

The partially constructed structure fell into ruins and was largely

destroyed by a fire in 1660. Later that year, the imperial architect

Mustafa Ağa suggested that Valide Turhan Hadice, mother of Sultan

Mehmet IV, should complete the project as a work of piety. The mosque

was finally finished in 1663, and inaugurated in 1665.

Thanks for comments.

fantastic image of a truly remarkable looking place. thanks also for the interesting write-up. i truly have to visit turkey one of these days!

Sadegh, you made a great series of pictures of this wonderful object I think! I must say that I thought that Hagia Sofia was first built as a Christian church! I must check in Wikipedia!

Cheers my friend!

PDE

I thought this was also Hagia Sophia, how stupid of me!

PDE

Thank you both for your comments and your interest in this kind of photography. There are some members who have rated this image with 3 and 4 which is Ok but I think members have to be brave and responsible for what they think and they have to comment and give some reasons for theirs ratings.

Best regards Sadegh