VALID YENI MOSQUE (VALID YENI CAMII)

This imposing mosque, which is so popular to photograph from the Galata Bridge, is the last large ensemble (külliye) in classical style built in the city. Its construction was started in 1597 by one of Master Sinan's pupils, at the request of Sultan Safiye, Murad III's favourite (1574-1595). The task is not an easy one: the obstacle of water infiltration must be overcome, which considerably delays the work. To make matters worse, the architect died in the meantime and the project stopped. Almost in ruins, it was not taken over until 1660, on the initiative of Sultan Hatice Turhan, who then entrusted this mission to Mustafa Ağa. It remained faithful to the original plans and completed the complex in 1663, including imperial apartments, a Koranic reading institute, an elementary school (which has disappeared), a covered market (now the spice market), a public fountain (sebil) and a mausoleum. The resemblance to the Blue Mosque is obvious, but the central dome is much more elevated giving this imposing pyramidal sensation. It rests on a platform to which you can access by a small staircase that leads to the inner courtyard, bordered by a peristyle with domes. The octagonal ablutions fountain in marble is in the middle. Its dome is supported by columns with stalactite capitals. Inside, you can see that the central space is surmounted by a large dome supported by four arches resting on four pillars and four half-domes. Two-level side galleries are located on the east and west sides. The mihrab (niche) is decorated with golden stalactites and the minbar (pulpit) is decorated with interlacing and rosettes; both are in white marble. The earthenware on the walls inside the mosque is 17th century. The dome and arches are decorated with carvings. The pillars and walls, up to two thirds of their height, are covered with earthenware whose dominant tones are dark blue, light blue, white and green. The imperial apartments (Hünkar Kasrı or Valide Kasrı) are a three-storey building built around the arch on the southern corner of the mosque. With its glazed earthenware stoves, ceramic wall coverings, stained-glass windows, doors inlaid with mother-of-pearl and precious wooden fillets, this imperial pavilion is a small palace on its own.