istanbul - C2C

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The first building that strikes visitors to Eminönü
is the Yeni Cami (New Mosque), which has
always a flock of pigeons on the stairs and
courtyard. Its construction commenced in 1597,
but was completed in 1663. With the 66-year
construction period the mosque has a distinctive
place in the Ottoman history. The tiles and
mother-of-pearl inlaid mahfil (the raised platform
for the sultan) are worth close inspection. The
mosque is a part of a complex and another
largest building in this complex is Mısır Çarşısı
(Spice Bazaar or Egyptian Bazaar), one of the
oldest and most important covered markets of
İstanbul. Goods from Egypt used to be sold here.
At present, it sells spices and other gift items to
visitors who drop by to shop while soaking up
the atmosphere. One of the most visited spots
of İstanbul, it is consequently still a meeting