New Mosque 🇹🇷

Located in Istanbul's Eminönü quarter on the Golden Horn, the New Mosque (Yeni Cami) stands at the southern end of the Galata Bridge, marking your crossing from the historic core to Beyoğlu. Ordered in 1597 by Safiye Sultan and later completed between 1660 and 1665 by Turhan Sultan, it remains a striking example of the Sultanate of Women period. Built using stone blocks supplied from Rhodes, the exterior features a stunning pyramidal arrangement of 66 domes and semi-domes, centered around a 36-meter-high main dome and flanked by two minarets.

Step past the monumental courtyard with its ornamental şadırvan fountain to explore a square interior supported by four massive piers. Inside, you will see blue, green, and white İznik tiles, calligraphic plates honoring the first four khalifahs, a gilded stalactite mihrab, and a minbar with a conical canopy. You can also spot the Royal Loge, connected via an elevated passageway to the Royal Pavilion, along with an 1724-25 library featuring unique pen works under its dome.

Outside, the mosque's original complex includes a mausoleum holding Royal tombs and the famous surviving L-shaped Spice Bazaar.

What to see at New Mosque

• Imperial Ottoman mosque dating back to its 1660–1665 completion
• Exterior boasting 66 domes in a pyramidal arrangement and two minarets
• Interior decorated with blue, green, and white İznik tiles and central piers
• Historic complex featuring an 18th-century library and a Royal mausoleum
• Directly adjacent to the historic L-shaped Spice Bazaar

Visiting tips

Perform ritual purifications using the water taps along the mosque's south wall, as the central courtyard fountain is purely ornamental.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

New Mosque is easy to reach on Istanbul’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Istanbul travel guide.