The New Valide Sultan Mosque is located between Hakimiye Milliye Street and Balaban Pier in the south of Uskudar coast in Istanbul’s Anatolian Side. It was commissioned by Sultana Emetullah Rabia Gulnus, the mother of Ottoman Sultans Mustafa II and Ahmet III, and constructed by Mehmet Aga of Kayseri. This magnificent structure captivates visitors with its perfect architecture.
ARCHITECTURE OF NEW VALIDE SULTAN MOSQUE
The New Valide Sultan Mosque has a square shape and a central dome with beautiful windows in the frames. The low-shaped dome is supported by eight arches, the first four of which are flat, while the others form a half dome. These arches are arranged in an eight-point pattern in the main area, and there are two balconies with five doors. The doors are named according to their locations: the first is the ‘Bazaar Door’ (Carsi Kapisi in Turkish); the second is the ‘Bit Bazaar Door’ or ‘Sebil Yahut Hunkar Door’; the third is the ‘Arasta’ or ‘Bedesten Door’; the fourth is the ‘Balaban, Cumle, Imaret or Mektep Door’; and the fifth is known as the ‘Uncular, Degirmen or Mescid Door’. This is due to the fact that millstones were once situated here.
THE KULLIYE (SOCIAL COMPLEX) OF THE MOSQUE
The Kulliye, or social complex, of the Valide Sultan mosque consists of a hunker mahfili (gathering place), a public fountain, a mausoleum, a muvakkithane, a school, a pool, a water-tank with a fountain, a cistern, a Bedesten, and Mesruta homes. Its sanctuary is situated in the middle of a large courtyard and has three doors; one within the courtyard, one in the sadırvan courtyard, and the last at the cumle door.
Every side of Sadırvan yard has 36 windows in both the lower and upper sections. These windows are adorned with classic iron bars and internal wooden frames. On three sides, a portico is supported by 17 domes, each carrying 14 marble columns. The floor of the yard is covered with marble, making it one of the highest quality works. Sadırvan is made of eight parts, all of which are crafted from marble and have marble columns situated in each corner.
The iconic New Mosque dominates the harbor next to the Galata Bridge on the Golden Horn. The gorgeous exterior features a grand courtyard, two graceful minarets, and a line of domes cascading down from the main dome. Hundreds of pigeons have made their homes in the nooks and crannies of the architecture. The interior is adorned with Iznik tiles, gold, and marble. The courtyard is the final resting place for Valide Sultan Turhan Hattice and Sultans Mehmet IV, Mustafa II, Ahmet III, and Mahmut I.
1. The iconic structure of the New Valide Sultan Mosque: The mosque stands out with its square shape, low-shaped dome, and eight arches arranged in an eight-point pattern in the main area, which is supported by two balconies with five doors.
2. The Kulliye of the mosque: The social complex of Yeni Cami consists of a hunker mahfili, a public fountain, a mausoleum, a muvakkithane, a school, a pool, a water-tank with a fountain, a cistern, a Bedesten, and Mesruta homes.
3. The grand courtyard: The courtyard is surrounded by a portico supported by 17 domes and decorated with marble columns, making it one of the highest quality works.
4. The two graceful minarets: The minarets of New Mosque are two slender towers capped with pointed conical caps, which add to the beauty of the mosque.
5. The line of domes cascading down from the main dome: The domes of Valide Sultan Cami are breathtakingly beautiful with their intricate details and various colors.
6. The hundreds of pigeons: Hundreds of pigeons have made their homes in the nooks and crannies of the architecture, making it a great spot to observe the birds.
7. The interior adorned with Iznik tiles, gold, and marble: The interior of Yeni Cami is adorned with beautiful Iznik tiles, gold, and marble, making it one of the most elegant and luxurious mosques in Istanbul.
8. The final resting place for Valide Sultan Turhan Hattice and Sultans Mehmet IV, Mustafa II, Ahmet III, and Mahmut I: Yeni Cami is the final resting place for some of the most influential people in the Ottoman Empire, making it a great place to learn more about the history of Istanbul.
9. The view from the terrace: The terrace of Yeni Cami offers a beautiful view of the Galata Bridge on the Golden Horn, making it a great spot for a romantic evening.
10. The nearby restaurants and cafes: Yeni Cami is located in the Uskudar coast of Istanbul, which is home to some of the best restaurants and cafes in the city. Visiting Yeni Cami is a must-do activity for any traveler to Istanbul. It is a great place to admire the architecture, learn about the history of the Ottoman Empire, and enjoy the beautiful view of the Golden Horn.
Tour Maker Turkey offers tours to Yeni Cami and other locations in Istanbul, so book a tour now and explore the beauty of Istanbul!