The famous mosque near the coast in Eminönü with pigeons flying around it, that’s the Yeni (New) Mosque! Actually, don’t pay attention to what they call “new”, it’s a mosque from the Ottoman Empire, about 400 years old. Safiye Sultan (wife of Murad III) first started to build it, but the construction stopped for years. Then Hatice Turhan Sultan took over and completed the structure in 1663. So, we’re talking about a construction that took almost 70 years! You can find the rest of the “Nikah Marriage in Yeni Mosque Istanbul” article under the photos.
Its architecture is in the classical Ottoman style, it has a huge courtyard and detailed colorful decorations, two minarets. The tile and marble details on the walls are truly incredible. These walls are also a great backdrop for taking photos. It’s also right next to the Spice Bazaar, so as you get closer to the mosque, you can smell the wonderful spice scents. If you go to Eminönü one day, you can both feed the birds and visit this mosque. Its surroundings are so lively and historical that I can say that it’s one of the most beautiful spots in Istanbul!
With A Famous Bengali Actress
We held the wedding ceremony of our dear Bushra and Mohamed in this wonderful and modest mosque. Bushra and Mohammed are a Bengali couple living in Long Beach, south of Los Angeles. We met the couple in Karaköy beforehand and from the first shots here I could guess how beautiful this short shoot would be. Bushra was incredible in particular, and Mohammed was of course just as harmonious. This talent in front of the camera was of course due to Bushra being a famous actress. She was also an expert in Bangladeshi cultural dances and hip hop, which are her hometowns. I had the chance to watch her videos later. She was truly an incredible talent both as an actress and a dancer.
Nikah in Yeni Mosque
By the way, my dear friend from Verona, Davide Garonzi, was also there to support me during the shoot. He especially contributed greatly to the lighting assistance in the Galata Bridge photos. We sent him off to Italy right after this shoot. Our shooting program was actually quite compact and comfortable. After Karaköy, we walked across the Galata Bridge. We went straight to the Yeni Mosque for the nikah. It took place and right after, we shot in the mosque courtyard and surrounding buildings belonging to the mosque.
It was truly a privilege to shoot and spend time with this wonderfully compatible, fun, kind, energetic and beautiful couple. I hope our paths cross again one day. I wish you happiness in your new life.
Nikah Marriage in Yeni Mosque Istanbul by Ufuk Sarisen
