First of all, do not look at the mosque's "new" name. The New Mosque is one of the most important architectural wonders of Ottoman History, and it has an important history behind it.
The construction of the New Mosque and its complex were started by Safiye Sultan in 1957. Safiye Sultan gained strength by receiving the title of Valide Sultan after his son, Sultan Mehmed III, ascended to the throne. Safiye Sultan built this mosque to show her power when her son came to the throne. And this is the main reason why this mosque was built. In this way, the main figure in the construction of the New Mosque is Safiye Sultan. For this reason, this mosque is also known as Valide Sultan Mosque.
This mosque was built in the Eminonu district of Istanbul, where trade was intense. When the mosque was built, there was a church, a synagogue, and many shops and houses here. Safiye Sultan bought this area and sent people to another place.
The first architect of the mosque, Davut Aga, determined the location of this place and drew its plans. The foundation of the mosque's construction was laid in 1598, and a ceremony was held with the dignitaries of the state. With the cannon fire from Tophane, the good news was given to Istanbul that the mosque had begun to be built.
When the construction started, a lot of water came out during the foundation-digging process, making things difficult. The ground was strengthened by draining the water, and the walls were raised using stones. However, the construction stopped with the death of architect Davut Aga and then Sultan Mehmet III.
Later, Murat IV tried to continue the construction. However, it was given up because the prices were high. The mosque was damaged in the great Istanbul fire in 1660. After the fire, construction was restarted and completed in 1665 with the efforts of Turhan Hatice Sultan.
The restoration works initiated by the General Directorate of Foundations in 2016 were completed in 2023, and the mosque was reopened for worship.