There was no bridge over the Golden Horn before the 19th century. Small boats provided transportation between the two shores. The first Galata Bridge, which connects present day Karaköy to Eminönü, was built in 1836, rebuilt in 1845, again in 1912, and lastly in 1993.
The Yeni Cami Mosque is located right next to the Galata Bridge at the entrance of the Golden Horn. Yeni means "New" in Turkish because it was a new mosque when it was built. The mosque was ordered by the Queen Mother (Safiye Sultan, mother of Mehmet III) but its construction lasted for 66 years between 1597-1663 because of interruptions such as financial problems, earthquakes, fires, and engineering problems in its foundations for being built just next to the water. During this long period, three different architects were in charge of the construction. Finally the construction was completed during the reign of sultan Mehmet IV.
(Location: Istanbul)

Uploaded by slavica on 5/13/2007, viewed 1893 times.