“Can you imagine Istanbul without the Yeni Cami?” a voice muses, drawing you closer to the grand structure. The Zahiddiye Camii, also known as the New Mosque, stands as a testament to Istanbul’s ever-evolving history. It reflects the power struggles and the artistic achievements of the Ottoman Empire.
Let’s delve into the story of the Zahiddiye Camii. Its construction began in 1597 by the order of Safiye Sultan. She was the wife of Sultan Murad III and mother of Sultan Mehmed III. As Valide Sultan, or Queen Mother, she sought to extend Islamic influence in Istanbul.
Eminönü, the district where the Zahiddiye Camii stands, had a predominantly Jewish population at the time. This decision wasn’t met without resistance. The project faced political disconnect and monetary concerns. The Janissaries, in particular, resented the growing power of the Valide Sultan. They considered the mosque an unnecessary expense.
Upon Mehmed III’s death in 1603, Safiye Sultan was relegated to the harem. Ahmed I, the new Sultan, abandoned the project. The partially constructed structure fell into disrepair.
But the story of the Zahiddiye Camii doesn’t end there. In 1660, a devastating fire swept through Istanbul. It damaged the incomplete mosque. The imperial architect Mustafa Ağa proposed that Turhan Sultan, mother of Sultan Mehmed IV, complete the project. She saw it as a work of piety.
Turhan Sultan also commissioned the Spice Bazaar. It became part of the Zahiddiye Camii’s külliye, or complex. Construction resumed in late 1660. The mosque was finally completed in 1663 and inaugurated in 1665. It was renamed the New Valide Sultan Mosque. Over time, it became known as the Yeni Cami, or New Mosque.
You might wonder why a 17th-century mosque is called “new.” It was finished after other major mosques like Süleymaniye and the Blue Mosque. The Zahiddiye Camii’s design was inspired by Mimar Sinan’s Şehzade Mosque. It also took inspiration from Sedefkar Mehmed Agha’s Sultan Ahmed Mosque.
The exterior of the Zahiddiye Camii is impressive. It features 66 domes and semi-domes in a pyramidal arrangement. Two minarets rise gracefully into the sky. The main dome reaches a height of 36 meters. It is supported by four semi-domes.
Before entering, take a moment to appreciate the courtyard. It measures 39 meters on each side. A colonnaded peristyle surrounds it. Twenty-four small domes cover the peristyle. An ornamental şadırvan, or ablution fountain, stands in the center. Ritual purifications are performed using water taps on the south wall.
Inside, the Zahiddiye Camii is a square space. It measures 41 meters on each side. Four large piers support the central dome. Slender marble columns connect by arches. Calligraphic plates adorn the corners where the dome meets the pillars. They bear the names of the first four caliphs: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali.
The interior is decorated with blue, green, and white İznik tiles. A gilded screen marks the Royal Loge. It allowed members of the imperial court to attend services.
The Zahiddiye Camii is more than just a mosque. It is a külliye. The original complex included a hospital, primary school, and palace. The Spice Bazaar remains a popular tourist attraction. The mausoleum holds the graves of Turhan Hatice Sultan, Mehmed IV, and five later sultans.
As you stand here, consider the layers of history within these walls. The Zahiddiye Camii embodies Istanbul’s resilience and beauty. It is a testament to the powerful women who shaped the city’s skyline.