The Yeni Camii (New Mosque) was designed by the architect Da'ud Aga, a pupil of the great architect Sinan. It was started in 1597 by Safiye, the mother of Mehmet III. Building was suspended when Safiye lost her position after the death of her son. It was finally completed in 1663 when Mehmet IV's mother Turhan Haddice took over the project.
The current location is beautiful - located on the south end of the Galata Bridge overlooking the harbor of the Golden Horn - but at the time construction began, it was considered a poor neighborhood.
Yeni Camii has an amazing 66 domes, most of which you cannot see. Although it was built after the period of Ottoman architecture, it shares many of the same traits. It has a large courtyard, and once had a school, hospital, and public bath.
The interior is decorated with gold, marble, and Iznik tiles dating from the 17th century. By that time the quality of the tiles was in decline and there are more striking tiles (lunettes) in this mosque.
The mosque ritual here was a little different in that your feet are not allowed to touch the outside ground at all. You had to balance yourself to remove your shoe and step directly onto a mat at the doorway. Removing the second shoe was tricky. One shoeless foot on the mat, one foot in the air as you’re trying to yank your shoe off before landing on the mat with your shoe still on!
The mosque is open dawn to dusk. Entry restricted during prayer time, especially mid-day Fridays.
No entry fee.
Hundreds of pigeons make their nests in the mosque and you can buy pigeon food at the stalls on the waterside if you want to be surrounded by hundreds of pigeons!
The mosque is located near the entrance to the Egyptian/Spice Bazaar and across from a pet/garden market. Several cafes across from the mosque as well - nice place for a tea break!