Dominating the Golden Horn.  It is the largest mosque in Istanbul and was built by the most powerful of the Ottoman Emperors Suleyman the Magnificent.  On the Eminonu waterfront  opposite the Galata Bridge.  Stands Yemi Cami the 'New Mosque'.

Is unusual in that it was built at a time when the women of the Harem were at their most powerful.  It was started in 1597 by the  mother of Mehmet lll but her influence ended upon the death of her son.  It remained unfinished until six sultans later another Valide Sultan revived the project.

The Mosque is surrounded by the vibrant hustle and bustle of Eminonu.  The ferry docks are opposite, trams trundle back and forth, traffic streams over the Galata Bridge, the bus station is around the corner and there is a street market adding to the general melle.  To cross the street there is an underpass lined with shops which is not for the faint hearted either.  

The Imperial mosques of Istanbul were responsible for its re growth  After the conquest the people fled, returning to settle in the quarters springing up around the new mosques.  They were not only places of worship but were also charitable institutions.  They funded, school, hospitals, orphanages amongst other things and their kitchens fed thousands, Jew and Christians as well as Muslims.