Yeni Cami means 'New Mosque' in Turkish. Completed in 1663 - it hardly seems new, though by Ottoman standards, it's just a young man. It is a lovely mosque initially designed by Davut Aga, who was an apprentice of the great Ottoman architect, Sinan. He died during construction and was replaced by Dalgiç Ahmed Çavus.

This was not the only problem plaguing construction of the mosque. Commissioned by the mother of Sultan Mehmet III in 1597, It is officially known as the Mosque of the Valide Sultan (Queen Mother) though it was not finished during her sons reign. It's location in a Jewish neighborhood and business district were a source of political friction. It's cost and maintenance were also of concern - as was the intrinsic symbolism of the power of the Queen Mother. It was actually completed by the mother of Mehmet IV (another Valide Sultan) over 65 years later, but not before the initial construction had fallen into ruin.

	Above: Kate & Chrisy taking a break.

All photos on this page are originals by & copyrighted by Daren Willden, unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved.