Why visit / Interesting facts:
- Dominates the Old City skyline
- Traditional-style imperial mosque
Time required: 30 minutes
Opening hours:
| Time period | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Daily: | Dawn - Dusk |
Admission:
| Ticket type | Charge |
|---|---|
| General: | Free |
Public transport:
- Tram Line T1: Eminönü stop
Address: Eminönü, Istanbul
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: Phototrope
Things you need to know:
- New Mosque is a large, classical, traditional-style Ottoman imperial mosque in Istanbul's Eminönü district
- It was commissioned in 1597 by the mother queen, Valide Safiye Sultan, mother of Mehemet III
- Later the construction was halted. First the architect was executed for heresy, later Safiye was expelled after her son's death
- The mosque was finished in 1663 under the patronage of Turhan Hatice Sultan, mother of Mehmet IV
- The interior is rather gloomy. It is dominated by a multi-domed ceiling. Blue and turquoise İznik tiles richly decorate the walls
- Valide Sultan Turham Hatice is entombed here along with 6 sultans and many princes and princesses
- The spice market was originally built to finance the construction of the New Mosque
What to do there:
- Admire the traditional architecture of the mosque
- Remove your shoes before entering. Put them on a shelf provided
- Enjoy the impressive interior decorated with Iznik tiles, gold and marble
Tips & Insights:
- Modest dress is required both for women and men
- It is considered polite for a woman to cover her head when entering a mosque. We recommend bringing your own scarf
- The mosque is impressively illuminated in the evening
- It is less crowded than the Blue Mosque
- It is best to avoid prayer times
