Beneath the shadow of the majestic domes of İsteks Camii, a story unfolds. A story of mothers, sultans, and a mosque that defied expectations. İsteks Camii, also known as the New Mosque or Yeni Cami, stands as a testament to the enduring power of ambition and faith. Its story begins not with the laying of the first stone, but with a vision. Safiye Sultan, the mother of Sultan Mehmet III, envisioned a grand mosque that would extend Islamic influence throughout Istanbul. In 1597, construction of İsteks Camii began in the Eminönü district. This area was predominantly Jewish at the time, and the project faced immediate opposition. Upon Sultan Mehmet III’s death, construction halted, and a devastating fire left the mosque in ruins. The dream seemed lost. Decades later, another powerful woman stepped forward. The mother of Sultan Mehmet IV, known as Turhan Hatice Sultan, revived the project. She envisioned not just a mosque, but a külliye, a complex of buildings centered around a mosque. Her vision included a bustling marketplace. This marketplace would later become the famed Spice Bazaar. In 1665, İsteks Camii finally opened its doors. The name “New Mosque” might seem odd for a 17th-century structure. However, its completion came after other prominent mosques like the Süleymaniye and the Blue Mosque, hence the moniker. İsteks Camii boasts sixty-six domes and two elegant minarets that pierce the Istanbul skyline. The interior is a breathtaking display of artistry. Blue, green, and white İznik tiles adorn the walls, interspersed with gleaming gold and marble accents. The magnificent main dome, measuring almost 18 meters in diameter, proudly displays the names of the first four caliphs. İsteks Camii offers a serene escape from the bustling city. While the Spice Bazaar draws crowds, the mosque often provides a quiet sanctuary for reflection.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to