The "New" Mosque somehow feels not as huge inside as it appears on the Eminonu waterfront. It also has a wider color range in interior paint compared with other well-known mosques, well worth stepping in. Keep in mind that mosques are off-limits to visitors for about an hour around each service.

It’s been several years since I last stepped foot in the ‘New Mosque’ (Yeni Camii). I’d forgotten just how beautiful this mosque is. It’s odd to experience such peace, quiet, and tranquility in the midst of one of the noisiest areas in Istanbul! Very conveniently located next to the Spice Market and across the street from Eminönü Pier. The term ‘new’ is a relative term, given that its construction was completed in 1663. It’s ‘new’ relative to the Blue Mosque, Süleymaniye Mosque, and Hagia Sophia. One of my favourite mosques!

This Mosque is also known as the New Mosque though it dates from the 1600s. We were coming down from the Süleymaniye Mosque and chanced upon it. It is yet another Ottoman imperial mosque. It is located on the southern end of the Galata Bridge near the Spice Bazaar. The square building is in a paved square where pigeons congregate because you can buy pigeon food. Thirteen fairly steep steps lead up to one of the entrances. The courtyard has a small fountain, marble flooring and has the same Iznik tiles on the walls. From here you can see the blue tiled external roofs of the domes. The internal structure is a central dome, four half domes and four smaller corner domes as well as domes along the outside walls and courtyard. The lower interior is decorated in white, blue and green Iznik tiles while the ceiling is painted with red and green designs. The dome is a bit more sparse with decoration but the walls leading to it are richly decorated. I like these happenstance encounters and found the blue tiles pretty. If you liked the Blue Mosque you might like this smaller version.

Inside, the Yeni Camii mosque is beautiful, awe-inspiring, peaceful . It's covered in colourful tiles. . It is uncrowded, no queues to get it in, although it does close at prayer times. IMO it's better than the Blue mosque and without the crowds.

At night time the lights that shine on this mosque by the waterfront at Eminonu are amazing. So picturesque and indeed photogenic. You'll probably stumble across it a few times whilst in Istanbul but for us it was the night scene that stood out.

Right next to the Spice Bazaar (Istanbul), this mosque is an oasis of calm. The construction of the mosque began in 1597. It was ordered by Safiye Sultan, who was the wife of Sultan Murad III and later Valide Sultan (Queen Mother) of Sultan Mehmed III. later, a fire ravaged it but it was renovated by another Queen Mother Turhan Sultan, mother of Sultan Mehmed IV. Lots of feminine influence here! I found the mosque to be small, more intimate, less overpowering and possessing a fluid grace. The ceiling was a sight from which I could not tear my eyes away. They say the Iznik tiles are inferior to those found in other mosques, but honestly as a tourist, I was just as fascinated! It was such an anti-climax when I exited the mosque into the square out side that was heaving with tourists...I just wanted to run back inside. Small or not, I strongly recommend that a visitor NOT MISS paying a visit. After that, if not defeated by the crowds (I was) a stroll sampling local cuisine or making purchases at the Spice Bazar may be add-ons.

My Uncle & I visited Istanbul for the first time in June 2024. We alighted the tram at the Eminonu tram stop and were walking around the area when we decided to enter the Yeni Mosque(Yeni Camii). Istanbul is an enormous city with over 3000 mosques(large, medium & small). The Yeni Mosque is considered to be a medium-sized mosque and the interiors also have Iznik mosaic tiles, like those found on the interior of the Sultanahmet Mosque(Blue Mosque). Although this mosque cannot be compared in size and fame, to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, the Yeni Mosque is a good place to calm your mind down and escape from the frenzy of human activity right outside, in the Yeni Square. This mosque is located next to the Spice Bazaar(Egyptian Bazaar) and not too far away from the Grand Bazaar.

This mosque was built in the 17th century during the Ottoman Empire. The historical architecture is particularly evident inside. It was restored a few years ago, and the prayer area is well-maintained and clean. Besides, it is located at the exit of the Grand Bazaar.