Arab Turkish Travel Magazine

AT &

Arab & Turkish

Trave Magazine MAY 2011

www.arabturkishtravel.com

Tourism News from Arab Countries

Historical Mosques of Istanbul Algeria

Bahrain

Morocco

Oman

Comoros

Palestine

Djibouti

Qatar

Egypt

Saudi Arabia

Iraq

Somalia

Jordan

Sudan

Syria

Kuwait

Tunisia

Lebanon

Turkey

Libya

U.A.E

Mauritania

Yemen

Inside This Issue

06 News From Countries 12 Exhibition ATB-Damascus 14 Cover Story, Historical Mosques of Istanbul AT &

Travel Magazine Arab & Turkish Travel Magazine

MAY 2011

13

Istanbul has many historical and magnificent mosques.

14

Suat Töre presented his Arab & Turkish Travel Magazine to Syria Tourism Minister Dr. Saadallah Aghaa Al Kala at ATB-Damascus.

Turkish Airlines Lebanon Flights will Increase in Summer Season

7 11

Sharjah Attracts more than 200,000 Russian Tourists

Country News

06

Lebanon

Palestine

Syria

Algeria

Egypt

Libya

Qatar

Tunisia

Bahrain

Iraq

Mauritania

Saudi Arabia

Turkey

Comoros

Jordan

Morocco

Somalia

U.A.E

Djibouti

Kuwait

Oman

Sudan

Yemen

Arab & Turkish Travel Magazine Prepared by S&M Publication Ltd. ART DIRECTOR: Fatih Tahtalı OFFSET PREPARATION: Repronet Reprodüksiyon FILM&PRINTED: ÖzgürMatbaacılık HEAD OFFICE: S&M PUBLICATION LTD.Muratreis Muradiye Mektep Sokak 13/1 Baglarbasi- 81140 Istanbul-TURKEY Tel:+90.216.391 3795 Fax:+90.216.391 3796 www.arabturkishtravel:com ALL EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES TO suat@arabturkishtravel.com - ozgur@arabturkishtravel.com

4 MAY 2011

A&T Travel Magazine

News From Countries

Algeria Travelport Expands Africa Footprint in Algeria Travelport announces the launch of Travelport Algeria. Travelport’s exciting new venture providing GDS operations in Algeria. This announcement forms part of Travelport’s previously stated strategy of investing in Africa and expanding its footprint across the continent.

Travel agency customers in Algeria, will be supported by Travelport Algeria, which will be headed up by general manager, Lotfi Skander, who until recently served as director of sales and marketing for Amadeus Algeria. With over 15 years’ experience in the travel and airline industry, Lotfi Skander is a well known figure in the Algerian travel industry.

Commenting on Travelport’s latest investment, Mark Meehan, managing director for Africa, said: “This new partnership marks an important milestone for Travelport as we further strengthen our presence and provide increased localised support to our travel agency customers in this region. Travelport Algeria will be better placed to work more closely with the local travel industry and introduce exciting new and innovative products and services to travel agents in the region.”

According to Mark Meehan, Lotfi Skander is well qualified to take up the reins of Travelport Algeria. “Lotfi Skander has an excellent track record, which includes over seven years’ experience within the GDS sector during which time he has gained a deep understanding of local travel agency needs.”

Lotfi Skander, general manager of Travelport Algeria, commented: “This new partnership with Travelport means that travel agents in the country will now have far greater choice when it comes to selecting a GDS provider and I firmly believe that they will be as excited by the Travelport offering as I am; I think this is great news for the local travel industry.

In conclusion Lotfi Skander said: “I am confident that a local presence including a state-of-the-art customer helpdesk and training centre will really encourage the further development of both the GDS and travel sector in Algeria.”

Bahrain Bahraini Tourism and Hospitality Sector is on Track Bahrain’s tourism and hospitality sector will be on track in the coming months with confidence gaining among residents and citizens of the security and stability in the country.

37 tourists from Europe visited Bahrain for the first time since the unrest that started in February.

The group tourists were from Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, France, Denmark and Italy. “ This is a good sign that normalcy is returning to the country. This group of tourists were from different countries stopped over to visit historical sites in Bahrain,” said Bahraini citizen Mirza Al Nasheet.

He explained the visit by tourists was a clear indication that the situation has improved and- “they can visit this beautiful country and enjoy Arabian hospitality”. “This country offers rich history and culture that attracts tourists worldwide. The historical sites are equally popular among tourists and residents of the Kingdom,” said Mr Al Nasheet, who is also an archaeologist. Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro stressed government’s interest in hotel sector and efforts to follow up their positions in the recent period which witnessed a big drop in the number of visitors. Dr Fakhro toured commercial markets and hotels, where he met with General Manager of Bahrain City Centre Ray Scott .

The official told the minister the return of mall movement especially at the end of the week witnessed the presence of nearly 32,000 visitors availing special marketing services.

Bahrain authorities are leaving no stones to revive the hospitality and tourism sector, which according to analysts is the worst hit because of the unrest. Bahrain delegation led by Acting Assistant Undersecretary of Tourism Nada Ahmed Yaseen, representatives of the tourism sector, hotels, travel and tourism companies and airlines, recently concluded its fifth session with GIBTM Abu Dhabi exhibition.

Bahrain occupied around 80 square meters of the location, receiving a remarkable turnout from visitors and exhibitors, in addition to a number of icons in the tourism sector and companies interested in holding conferences, exhibitions and regular meetings in the Kingdom.

6 May 2011

Egypt Egypt has Lost Russian Tourists

ATOR Analytical Service calculated the volume of air traffic in February 2011. According to the received data, due to the ban for the flights to Egypt outbound market has lost about 150 thousand prospective Russian tourists.

The Russian air transportation sector was short of 300 thousand passengers of international flights. For the first time since October 2009, the number of passengers of international flights to the countries outside of CIS decreased.

According to ATOR Analytical Service, such results were caused by the ban for the flights to Egypt. The passenger traffic for the international flights outside CIS countries decreased by 2% in February 2011 in comparison with the same period of last year and amounted to 1 109 000 passengers.

Nevertheless, according to the results of the first 2 months of 2011 the growth of number of the passengers amounted to 12.4%.

The number of passengers of domestic flights increased by 9.2% in February 2011 in comparison with February 2010 and amounted to 1 902 000 passengers. The absolute leader in number of transported passengers remained Aeroflot: the company transported 1 783 000 passengers during the first 2 months of 2011 (+18.2% in comparison with the same period of last year). Then went Transaero with 859 000 passengers (+10.8%), Sibir transported 648 000 passengers, UTair – 600 000 people and GTK Rossiya – 370 000 people.

Iraq Hahn Air Enables e-ticketing for Galileo-connected Agents in Iraq Travelport, the business services provider to the global travel industry operating the Galileo global distribution system (GDS) and worldwide ticketing expert Hahn Air announce the implementation of new e-ticketing functionality that will enable Galileo-connected travel agents in Iraq to issue e-tickets on bookings made with any of Hahn Air’s 230 partner airlines.

Leveraging Travelport’s innovative Electronic Transitional Automated Ticketing (ETAT) solution, agents will be provided with an efficient method to reconcile ticket transactions outside of the standard bank settlement plan (BSP) process. ETAT allows approved travel agencies to issue e-tickets in countries such as Iraq where BSP is not available.

Operating the industry’s leading universal e-ticketing platform, Hahn Air will make its tickets available using ETAT through Baghdad-based Qasr Al Nahrain Travel & Tourism – the official distributor of the Galileo global distribution system (GDS) in Iraq. Qasr Al Nahrain will assist travel agencies with the purchase of these e-tickets.

The ETAT initiative forms part of Travelport’s broader strategy to grow its presence in emerging markets and is a step closer toward Hahn Air’s goal of worldwide ticketing availability. Travelport and Hahn Air have already teamed up for several ETAT implementations, including in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan and Angola, and plan to work together on other roll-outs in the near future.

With a presence in more than 180 countries, Hahn Air has interline e-ticketing agreements with a wide variety of international airlines and makes their published fares available for ticketing through the Galileo GDS under the leading ticketing platform HR-169.

A&T Travel Magazine

News From Countries

Jordan Amman Now Open to British Airways Customers

the capital of Tatarstan. Tatarstan is considered to be Russia’s third capital after Moscow and St Petersburg. It has a population of about four million people, half of who are Muslims and the others are Christians. “Our place is a perfect example of peaceful co-existence between Muslims and Christians. We do not have issues or anything. There are mosques and churches built next to each other. We respect others’ beliefs and rituals,” she said. Valeeva also mentioned that several ancient relics have been preserved and has found a place in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Valeeva also mentioned the enthusiasm showed by a Kuwaiti academician in translating the work [novel] of Abdullah Tukan, a well-known Muslim poet whose works were famous in the late 1800, “The Al-Babtain Library would like to translate his work to Arabic. We are more than willing to support and cooperate. We know that if such work is published in Arabic, there will be greater understanding especially between the Arab and Tatar culture,” she mentioned.

Lebanon Turkish Airlines Lebanon Flights will Increase in Summer Season

British Airways’ customers are now gaining direct access to Amman, thanks to a new codeshare with oneworld partner, Royal Jordanian.

The codeshare goes on sale from April 12 for travel from April 19, 2011. The daily service to Amman is operated by an A330 with both business (Crown Class) and economy cabins, from Heathrow’s Terminal 3.

The agreement allows customers to buy a British Airways ticket between Heathrow and Amman on a flight that will be operated by Royal Jordanian.

Those customers have the ease of booking direct through ba.com and can take advantage of British Airways’ worldwide network at Heathrow for connecting flights. Royal Jordanian has been codesharing on British Airways’ domestic and Scandinavian flights from Heathrow since 2008.

Jamie Cassidy, British Airways’ Area General Manager, Asia Pacific, said: “This new codeshare with Royal Jordanian is a real bonus for our customers wanting to fly to Amman. It’s a strong addition to the destinations BA serves and will prove popular with both direct customers and those connecting from around our global network. ” Guido Ruther, Royal Jordanian’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are proud to extend the codeshare routes with our oneworld partner British Airways to include Amman. This will enhance the offer to the oneworld customers and will strengthen the route and the competitiveness of the Royal Jordanian product even further.”

Kuwait

Turkish Airlines Istanbul- Beirut(BEY)-Istanbul flights are being operated as 14 flights per week, the frequencies will be increased from 14 to 19 flights per week as of 15 May,2011, 19 to 20 flights per week between 27 June 2011-31 July 2011 and will be decreased from 20 to 21 flights per week as of August 01, 2011.

Libya Kuwait and Tatarstan to Boost Tourism Relations Russia’s Tatarstan Republic Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture Zilya Valeeva made a three-day visit to Kuwait last week.

“My visit to Kuwait was very successful… we have had several fruitful meetings with our counterparts, and various Kuwaiti officials here. They have expressed willingness to strengthen our cooperation especially in the fields of tourism, agriculture and business,” said Zilya Valeeva.

Tatarstan is more than just a picturesque destination, according to Valeeva, and Kuwaitis should pay a visit to their region while in Russia.

Apart from tourism, many industries are booming in Kazan,

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Unrest in Libya and Iran Further Damage Tourism After political unrest in Tunisia and Egypt, today’s news of political unrest in Iran and Libya will have negative effect on tourism and travel in the region. Iran’s opposition leaders came out fighting on Wednesday amid calls they be executed over deadly protests in Tehran, issuing statements slamming the authorities and praising demonstrators.

Clashes also erupted Wednesday between government supporters and “apparent” supporters of the opposition at a funeral in Tehran of a person killed in the protests, with both sides claiming him as one of their own.

On the other hand, Libyan police dispersed an anti-regime protest in the city of Benghazi overnight, prompting a show of strength by supporters of Libyan leader Moamer Kadhafi in a number of cities, AFP reported today.

The protest in Libya was started by families of 14 people killed at a 2006 Islamist rally in Benghazi, Libya’s second city, who gathered outside the police post to demand the release of their lawyer Fethi Tarbel.

According to industry sources, travellers to the region will change their holiday destinations. The crisis in Middle East is proving a boon to countries such as Spain, Turkey and Malaysia.

May 2011 7

News From Countries

Morocco Tourism is Top Priority for Morocco says King Mohammed VI

Qatar First Wyndham Grand in the Middle East

King Mohammed VI announced a new national tourism strategy for Morocco, ‘Vision 2010’, a long-term programme to trigger the sustainable and accelerated development of tourism.

Since then, thanks to a range of strong tourism policies and actions including a well-structured product development strategy, the liberalization of air transport and increased promotional efforts, international tourism to Morocco has increased significantly.

International tourist arrivals grew almost two-fold in less than a decade and reached 9.3 million in 2010, while earnings from international tourism, a key export in the country, tripled in the same period. Moreover, in 2009, a challenging year for the tourism sector worldwide given the adverse global economic conditions, Morocco, as one of North Africa’s leading tourism destinations, was among the world’s top performers with arrivals up by 6%.

This ambitious development strategy, designed to position tourism as a pillar of the national economy, has the full support of UNWTO and represents a new step in its long-standing relationship with Morocco, a UNWTO member since 1975.

Oman Oman Tourism Ministry Encourages Desert Camps

The Ministry of Tourism attempts to highlight tourism attractions in the desert and make people familiar with Omani hospitality.

It has been encouraging tourism camps to create jobs for the inhabitants of the desert areas through jobs at these camps or in the areas of textiles, folklore, or rent of equipment and other necessities of the camps, said Abdullah al Hajari, Head of Ministry of Tourism at Al Sharqiyah region.

He indicated that these camps with their architectural components are popular among all classes of tourists not only in Al Sharqiyah Region but also all over the Sultanate.

Desert camp owners are quite upbeat. Abdullah al Harthy, owner of One Thousand Night Camp in Al Sharqiyah, said: “The occupancy percentage in my camp varies between 70 per cent and 80 per cent during week days and reaches 100 per cent on weekends. Tourism, just like any other field, succeeds on the basis of innovation, continuous development and knowledge of the emerging trends. We stick to basics, and the results are here to see for all.”

Badr bin Amer al Hajari, owner of Bidyah Camp, indicated: “The current season is better than last year. Camps need more marketing efforts from their owners and this is an important part of our business.”

8 May 2011

Wyndham Hotel Group announced the addition of the first Wyndham Grand® property in the Middle East to the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts® portfolio: the 246-room Wyndham Grand Regency Doha, centrally located in the Qatari capital’s Al Sadd area.

The hotel, expected to open under the Wyndham Grand flag in spring 2011, is owned by Regency Group Holding. Currently operating as the Grand Regency Doha, the re-launched hotel will be managed by Wyndham Hotel Management, Inc., adding to the company’s managed hotel portfolio in Europe and the Middle East which includes the flagship Wyndham Grand London Chelsea Harbour in the United Kingdom and the recently opened Ramada Encore Doha, which also is owned by Regency Group Holding.

“We are very proud to work with Regency Group Holding to open the Middle East’s first Wyndham Grand property in Doha, an exciting market that is important to our company’s growth strategy in this region,” said Eric Danziger, Wyndham Hotel Group president and chief executive officer.“The addition of this luxurious hotel represents our commitment to develop properties in top travel markets around the world that provide the utmost in service and style.”

Located fifteen kilometres from Doha International Airport, the Wyndham Grand Regency Doha provides convenient access to the Exhibition Centre and Corniche waterfront promenade. Guest accommodations include 10 suites and penthouses, all featuring highspeed Internet access, a safe and complimentary mineral water, as well as an additional bed, sitting room and complimentary breakfast. The Al Asmakh Royal Suite, which commands impressive views across the city, boasts a bedroom, living room, dining-board room accommodating up to 10 people, two televisions and two bathrooms, each with separate shower and Jacuzzi.

The food and beverage offering comprises three restaurants and café: Chopsticks, which serves Far Eastern fusion; Tangia, which offers a Moroccan menu; and Grand Gourmet, which features an international à la carte menu. The hotel’s leisure facilities include an Angsana Spa, gym, a swimming pool and “fat-burning studio” with a chamber designed to speed up the body’s metabolism.

Hotel features include a business centre, wireless Internet throughout and meeting facilities including five, 50-square-metre rooms that each can accommodate up to 42 people in a theatre-style setting. Three of the rooms can be combined to accommodate up to 120. The 600-squaremetre Al Qasr Ballroom can host up to 900 at a cocktail party or 650 theatre-style. Meetings and events spaces feature the latest technology, including LCD projectors, wireless microphones, flat-screen televisions and built-in sound systems.

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News From Countries

Saudi Arabia Saudi Market Needs 230,000 Hotel Rooms by 2020 Ahead of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2011 (AHIC) which commences in Dubai 30 April and 2 May, the Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities (SCTA) has demonstrated the strong growth in the Saudi hotel industry achieved in the first decade of the twenty first century and outlines the potential for the next ten years.

AHIC 2011 will feature a dedicated panel discussion on the Kingdom, entitled ‘Kingdom Investment Spotlight’. The focus of which will be to explore the transformation of the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah and the impact this will have on the region’s religious tourism industry and the opportunities for hotel investors and operators. Eng. Ahmed Al Issa will be joined by other key figures, including Yasir Abu Sulayman, Head of Structured Finance, The National Commercial Bank; Muhammad Al Amir, Managing Director, Riyada International Hotels & Resorts Co. Ltd: and Tarik H. Nabulsi, Deputy CEO, Elaf Group. It will be moderated by Chiheb Ben-Mahmoud, Senior Vice President Hotels, Jones Lang LaSalle.

However in addition to the opportunity for religious tourism, there is a strong underlying business case for investing in the Kingdom’s hotel industry. The past ten years have seen a 172% growth in the number of hotels in Saudi, as a result of the increasing role that the Kingdom is playing as a regional economic powerhouse. Figures from the SCTA indicate that based on the current economic growth forecasts there is a requirement for an additional 230,176 hotel rooms across the Kingdom ranging from serviced apartments to luxury five star properties – an 83% increase from the requirements of today.

Focusing on the corporate sector and becoming more business friendly are the key factors that will assist Saudi in reaching its targets, as hotels seek to provide a more comprehensive service from Wi-Fi internet to apartments that are available for longer term occupancy.

The hotel industry can also benefit from the Kingdom’s progressive strategy to break into the lucrative MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) market. This strategy is focusing on; the development of the institutional and regulatory framework; product development; human resources development; marketing and research, in order to enable Saudi Arabia to play host to large numbers of events across the whole country which will have a significant positive impact on the hotel sector.

With the Saudi tourism market having such diversified plans, there is huge potential for investment opportunity in the market. With many of the regions hotel investors, owners, developers and operators meeting at AHIC, it is the ideal platform for people wanting to find out more about upcoming projects directly from the decision makers involved.

New Minister, “It’s fine today honored TÜRSAB visit us.

Are grateful to Turkey. Best interest of the Turkish delegation at the beginning of a new era would be an example for other countries, “he said.

Marketing and Logistics Manager Hakan Uzunosmanoglu TAV Tunisia, Istanbul and operation of two airports in Tunisia in themselves indicate that the aircraft will carry the Turkish tourist groups said the capabilities of affordable discounts.

Turkey Turkey has so Much to Offer the MICE Market Turkey doubles its space and participating companies this year at the Gulf Incentive Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition.

GIBTM, the business travel exhibition for the meeting, conference and incentives industry is held from 28 - 30 March 2011 at the National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) in Abu Dhabi.

During 2010, Turkey has won various top positions as the most favorite and popular destination by European and American travel magazine readers. Adding to this success, Turkey’s proximity to Europe and the convenience of flying with Turkish Airlines as well as growing number of regional airlines from the GCC, amongst others, to large cities in the United States, Middle east and Asia, in addition to world-class infrastructure, and an abundance of tourist attractions, all at competitive rates, Turkey has become the country of choice for meetings, congresses, conferences, exhibitions and fairs. The most important destinations in terms of Congress Travel are: Ankara, Antalya, Bodrum, Cappadocia, Istanbul, Izmir, Konya, and Marmaris. Amongst the internationally important events that took place in Turkey in recent years were: the Geo-Thermal Congress, the Universiade, a NATO Summit, Formula One race and the Champions League Final, the ITU Telecommunications Conference, the 17th World Accounts Congress, the UPAV Belgian Travel Agents Union Committee, the European Oncology Union Congress and the European Guides Union Committee Meeting. Situated on the doorstep of the world Turkey offers large organizations a comprehensive professionalism plus dynamic and exciting new opportunities. GIBTM 2011 is being held under the patronage of its Chairman, HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, and Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, ADNEC, Etihad and The Vision are all exclusive partners for GIBTM 2011. Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE), organizers of GIBTM, are running MICE educational presentations in Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon as part of the continuing development of the sector in the region.

Saudi Arabia’s Nasair Launch Flights to Turkey Saudi Arabia’s budget air carrier Nasair has started direct flights between

Tunisia TURSAB Delegation Visited Tunisia People power revolt that ousted after 23 years Zeynelabidin Bin Ali, because of chaos in the economy that provides more than 10 percent of the tourism sector from the point of losing his first official trip to Tunisia Turkey Travel Agencies Union (TURSAB) held.

25 persons TÜRSAB President tourism delegation from Tunisia, Turkey and Tunisia’s state appeal to the same markets said. “We will not opportunism,” said Ulusoy said: “Tunisia will be in support of Turkish tourists abroad for the year 2011 ‘the year to come to Tunisia as” set. “ Tunisian Tourism Minister Mehdi Hovass participating in a joint press conference Ulusoy, the future of the tourism of both countries, he said.

Ulusoy, “Tunisia, Turkey, whether in our fairs will make it easier to do publicity. Thus, increasing numbers of tourists coming here will make Turks, “he said. A tour of Tunisia Ministry of Culture and Tourism, “What do you need done, go do the” express orders came Ulusoy said: “The two communities have a history of friendship and brotherhood.

Tunisia, the crescent and star flag there. You batsa needle packing needle sets us. For this reason, we will support. We’ll tell everyone here is a safe place. Attracted 30 million visitors, 10 million people sent abroad as a country of hundreds of thousands will carry the number of tourists coming here. “ Tunisian Tourism Minister said that the TÜRSAB this movement as an example to other countries.

10 May 2011

Adana and Jeddah and Riyadh and Hatay.

Nasair Marketing Director Turki al-Jawini said that Nasair made its first scheduled flight to Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen International Airport. He said Nasair also started flights to Adana and Hatay.

Al-Jawini said flights would contribute to improvement of relations, underlining that the airlines would fly four times a week between Istanbul and Jeddah, three times between Jeddah and Adana, two times between Hatay and Jeddah and two times between Hatay and Riyadh.

Al-Jawini said Nasair was the first airlines company organizing direct flights from Saudi Arabia to Hatay and Adana, and noted they planned to carry 50-60 thousand passengers. Nasair, a subsidiary of the National Air Services (NAS), is a Saudi Arabian domestic low-cost airline. The company’s head office is located on the first floor of the Al Salam Centre in Riyadh.

Commercial flights were launched on 25 February 2007.

A&T Travel Magazine

News From Countries Air Arabia Unveils UAE Visa Service Designed for Turkey Air Arabia, the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa and in partnership with IVS Global Services launched a unique UAE visa service designed for Turkey.

For the first time, Turkish passengers will be able to apply for their visa to the UAE through multiple easily accessible channels.

Air Arabia has launched this product in partnership with IVS Global Services.

Passengers can now apply for their e-visas in four easy ways.

• Buy tickets and apply for the visa online from the comfort of their homes • Visit any Air Arabia sales shop. A one stop shop for Visa and Hotel assistance, flight bookings and car rental.

• For the first time, a travel agency can apply for a UAE visa right from their office. Air Arabia has a strong distribution network of travel agents who will be authorized to offer visa services Speaking at the occasion, AK Nizar, Head of Commercial Department, Air Arabia said, ‘We now connect Istanbul to the UAE with four weekly flights and the launch of this visa service is to help accommodate the significant increase in visa requests from across Turkey. Air Arabia has witnessed a steady year-on-year growth in travel from Istanbul to the UAE. This step is a further commitment from Air Arabia to offer value for money air travel solutions and the very highest standards of service”.

New Airbus A320 aircraft, the best leg room of any economy class travel, free hotel and car assistance are just some of the benefits of flying Air Arabia. Air Arabia’s main base is Sharjah International Airport, ideally situated for customers to enjoy the benefits of quick access to Dubai, fast check-in processes, low congestion, friendly airport staff and convenient connection timings. Bookings can be easily made via the company’s website www.airarabia.com or appointed travel agents.

U.A.E Etihad Airways Expands Its Partnership with Bangkok Airways Etihad Airways, the national airline of the Abu Dhabi based United Arab Emirates, together with its code-share partner, Bangkok Airways, Asia’s Boutique Airline, announces the launch of new services to Brisbane, Australia, from Bangkok and Koh Samui, marking a highly exciting development for Etihad Airways and its guests in Thailand and Australia.

Under the agreement, the Abu Dhabi-based airline will place its two-letter ‘EY’ code on Bangkok Airways’ flights from Bangkok and Koh Samui to Singapore, which operates three times a week on Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays. The onward service from Singapore to Brisbane is operated by Etihad Airways, and arrives in Queensland’s capital the following morning.

This announcement is part of Etihad’s continuous plan to expand its global network, and offer convenience for guests travelling between the two countries, and onwards.

Dubai Voted Best City to Live in The Arab World Dubai has been voted the best city in the Arab world to live in for 2011.

Ranked the most popular living destination in the Middle East and North Africa in a report by Arab business publication Saneou Al Hadath, this is the second time the emirate has hit the top spot.

Dubai boasted 1,905,476 residents in 2010, a 7.6 per cent increase on 2009 and further evidence of the city’s popularity. Other Arab cities to come up trumps in the survey included Abu Dhabi, Doha and Kuwait City, all taking home titles. While Dubai has been voted the best city to live in this year, other destinations have also scored high across various categories; Kuwait topped the charts in terms of Business and Economy, while Abu Dhabi was named the best city for Health and Transportation.

Sharjah Attracts more than 200,000 Russian Tourists The European interest in the picturesque Emirate of Sharjah continues to grow. In Year 2010, the emirate attracted a whopping 204,340 tourists from Russia, only next to German visitors who crossed 300,000 mark last year.

So after its spectacular success at the just concluded International

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Tourism Bourse Berlin where Sharjah bagged the Best Middle East Exhibitor Award for 2011, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) attended the 18th Moscow International Travel and Tourism (MITT) exhibition, which is held in the Russian capital from 16 – 20 March, 2011.

During the Moscow exhibition, the SCTDA kicked-off an aggressive and well thought out campaign to promote the emirate, enhancing its already formidable profile on the global tourism map.

While thanks to its unique heritage and diverse tourism attractions Sharjah is already a renowned, attractive tourism destination of choice for thousands of visitors from around the world, its participation in the 2011 edition of the MITT spectacle is part of the emirate’s strategy to woo more international tourists. The SCTDA is keen to secure a leading position for the emirate in regional and international travel and tourism market while pushing the wheels of the emirate’s economic growth forward.

SCTDA Director General, H.E. Mohamed A. Al Noman and a high profile delegation from Sharjah attended MITT together with representatives of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, the Sharjah International Airport Authority, Radisson Blu Hotel, Ramada Hotel Sharjah and Oceanic Hotel & Resort etc.. Sharjah’s participation in the Moscow fair was aimed at increasing the influx of Russian tourists into the emirate and boost the commerce and tourism industry.

Sharjah remains one of the most popular and favourite destinations for Russian tourists, who consider the emirate a symbol of family, cultural and heritage tourism. While 204,340 Russians visited Sharjah last year, the statistics show a strong year-on-year growth in the number of Russian tourists over the last four years. In fact, the Russians ranked first among tourist arrivals in Sharjah.

Striving for excellence in functional and aesthetic appearance, Sharjah has each year presented the unique character of the emirate at its MITT stand with designs that celebrate its magnificent monuments and tourist attractions. Visitors to the stand are welcomed with news and information about the emirate in both English and Russian.

MITT is one of the five largest tourist exhibitions worldwide. Last year, it featured more than 2500 companies from 111 countries. The total space occupied by the exhibition was approximately 27,000 square meters, and the show was attended by more than 120,000 visitors.

Yemen Yemen Turns to SITA to Manage Passenger Growth Yemen, the official carrier of the Republic of Yemen, announced that the airline will migrate its passenger management and distribution to air transport IT specialist, SITA, to manage its expected 10% annual growth in passenger numbers. In addition to this extensive seven-year passenger management agreement, Yemen has also contracted SITA for network communication services for the airline’s offices worldwide. With SITA’s managed IP (Internet protocol) solution, a total of 60 locations including Yemenia’s head office, sales offices and out-stations, will have secure IP access. Captain Adbulkhalek Al-Kadi, CEO and Chairman of Yemenia, said: “This is a very important step for Yemen. By working with SITA we know that our future growth will be managed efficiently and effectively. We are looking for SITA’s Horizon passenger management and distribution services to save up to 30% of our various costs as we implement more direct sales and increase our e-commerce offerings to our passengers. We will also benefit from SITA’s significant ongoing investment in Horizon.

“All these services will be underpinned by SITA’s communications network which will ensure reliable, fast and efficient communications throughout all our offices. We are confident that this combination of improved infrastructure and IT solutions will not only support but encourage our planned growth.” SITA Horizon, the world’s largest, international neutral multi-host system used by more than 130 airlines, will provide reservations, inventory, ticketing, pricing, fares distribution, departure control services, frequent flyer and advanced e-commerce capabilities to Yemen. In addition, revenue integrity and revenue management services will ensure maximised yields from all flights.

Hani El-Assaad, SITA Regional Vice President, Middle East and North Africa, said: “This is a significant continuation of the investment Yemen is making with SITA in world-class technology to provide services for its passengers that have the added benefit of improving the cost efficiency of the airline.

“SITA’s unique capability in the air transport industry will provide Yemen with the network infrastructure to support its operations and the sophisticated IT solutions for passenger management, which is the heart of an airline’s operations. As a single supplier, we will manage the coordination of network management with passenger operations and our deep understanding of airline requirements will ensure that operational reliability, outstation coverage and ideal network communication requirements are met.“ The implementation of SITA’s integrated services will begin in early 2011 with phased cutovers over the following months.

May 2011 11

Exhibition ATB-Damascus

Turkey Attended Arab Tourism Bourse Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry, Turkish Airlines, Turkish hotels and travel agencies promoted Turkey with their tourism products and services at the Arab Tourism Bourse - ATB which was held in Damascus, Syria.

The inauguration of 8th Arab Tourism Bourse - ATB took place under the patronage of Syrian Ministry of Tourism Syrian Tourism Minister Dr. Saadallah Aghaa Al Kala, who attended the opening ceremony of ATB, later visited Turkey stand and got information about Turkish tourism. Syria Tourism Minister Dr. Saadallah Aghaa Al Kala read S&M Publication’s Arab & Turkish Travel Magazine and find the magazine very informative. Minister has also cut and tasted Turkey’s famous Kahramanmaras ice cream, which is tough and sticky.

12 MAY 2011

ATB in Damascus presents a diverse range of destinations to Syrian and international travelers. The fair provides an excellent opportunity for global travel and tourism industry to meet, negotiate and conduct business in Syria, one of the fastest growing markets in the Middle East.

Syrian Ministry of Tourism announced today that the number of tourist investment projects entering service in Syria until September 2010 was 222 facilities, including 42 hotels and 180 restaurants, the total investment cost is SYP 14.5 billion (USD 314 million).

The number of the tourist facilities in the same period last year was 154 facilities, of which 25 hotels and 129 restaurants with a cost of SYP 7.1 billion (USD 154 million).

On tourism projects under construction, the number of the projects which received construction license or signed contracts reached 78 projects until September 2010 at a cost of SYP 26 billion (USD 563 millions), including 52 hotels and 25 restaurants.

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Exhibition ATB-Damascus

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May 2011 13

Cover Story

Historical Mosques of Istanbul Istanbul has many historical mosques. Some of them are magnificent and some are tiny ones. I think they all deserve to be visited. It is clear if you have a short time to spend in Istanbul, you are going to prefer to visit the well known mosques. For visitors to Istanbul it is important to remember that many of the city’s mosques are active religious centers, thus certain protocol must be followed when entering these buildings. Many mosques post their respective rules outside the entrance to the building. Most will require the removal of one’s shoes. Many will ask that women cover their head and that shorts and short skirts not be worn in the building. For female visitors to a mosque, it is best to carry a scarf and shawl when visiting, so one can cover the head and arms if necessary. Many mosques will allow photography, but are more restrictive with flash photography and most never allow photography during prayer. Tours are offered by many private guide companies throughout the city, but many mosques can be visited free of charge during the day.

Blue Mosque At the tender age of 19, a young Sultan dug for a whole day at the site of the new mosque, until he became tired.

Thus it was that Sultan Ahmet I opened the work, engaging a student of the great architect Sinan, Mehmet Aaga, in an Ottoman attempt to rival the greatness of the Aya Sophia just opposite.

It had taken quite a time to find a flat space large enough and this site of ancient Byzantine Palaces was agreed to be the most suitable. Ten years of work led to its completion, a mass granite structure sprouting 6 delicate minarets. Initially this incited serious debate and criticism as it posed the problem of being in direct competition with the also 6-minaretted mosque in sacred Mecca. However, the young Sultan quickly resolved this by financing the construction of a seventh mosque there. It is interesting that he came to power at the age of 16, ruled the Empire for 16 years, gave his name to the district and was the sixteenth Sultan. This is reflected by the total of 16 balconies on the minarets.

Its popular name, ‘Blue Mosque’, is generated from its interior decor of over 21,000 Iznik tiles in the upper galleries, which overall create a bluish effect.

Over 260 windows stem the walls of this immense space. It couldn’t hope to equal the Byzantine feats achieved in the Aya Sophia however, evident by the huge elephant type pillars which underpin the dome. The architect hadn’t calculated to have them there at all, but towards the mosque’s completion he realized that the dome wouldn’t hold. Silk carpets, crystal chandeliers and overhead arabesque calligraphy on the walls and arches complete its decor.

On a winter’s evening, particularly when nestled beneath a gentle blanket of snow, the spotlighted domes and minarets of the Blue Mosque are a truly splendid sight to behold, magically elegant, and out of this world.

Location: Sultan Ahmet square

Suleymaniye Mosque Süleymaniye Mosque is the city’s second largest mosque, constructed in the mid-16th Century by Suleiman the Magnificent. Built by the greatest architect of the Ottoman Empire - Sinan, between 1550 -1557, Suleymaniye Mosque stands as undoubtedly his greatest work in Istanbul. Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, who enjoyed the longest reign in the Ottoman Empire, between 1520-1566, gave the order for its construction. The mosque also holds the tombs of the Sultan and his lover

14 May 2011

Hurrem (Roxelana). Like many of the Ottoman mosques throughout the city, a large courtyard precedes the main building. The four minarets of the mosque are located at the corners of the courtyard and a large colonnade forms the perimeter of the outdoor space. The interior is more subdued when compared to that of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, but still quite beautiful. Ceramic tiles adorn the walls and domed ceiling.

Location: Beyazid Square New Mosque Yeni Cami or New Mosque is yet another example of an imperial, religious building constructed during the Ottoman Empire. The building is located near the Galata Bridge, on the Golden Horn.

Plans for the mosque began in the late 16th Century, but due to political and financial constraints, the building was not completed until 1663.

An impressive number of domes and semi-domes, sixty-six in total, mark the exterior. Once inside, visitors can observe the impressive tile work decorating each of the domes. Like other imperial mosques, the Yeni Mosque was originally designed as a complex with additional buildings constructed to serve cultural needs of the city. One of the buildings that still survives is the Egyptian or Spice Bazaar, a popular tourist destination and the city’s second largest market behind the Grand Bazaar.

Location:Eminonu Square

Nuruosmaniye Mosque, The Nuruosmaniye Mosque is an Ottoman mosque located in the Çemberlitas neighbourhood of Fatih district in Istanbul. It is considered one of the finest examples of mosques in Ottoman Baroque style.

It was built by architects Mustafa Aga and Simon Kalfa from the order of Sultan Mahmut I and completed by his brother and successor Sultan Osman III. The architects adopted Baroque architectural elements, the mosque is also distinctive with the absence of an ablution fountain.Nuruosmaniye Mosque is located near the entrance to the Kapalıçarsı (Grand Bazaar), Column of Constantine and the historical Atik Ali Pasa Mosque.

Location: Çemberlitas

Atik Ali Pasha Mosque The Atik Ali Pasha Mosque is an old Ottoman mosque located in the ������������������ Çemberlitas������� neighbourhood of Fatih district in Istanbul, Turkey.

It was built by Grand Vizier Bosnalı Hadım Atik Ali Pasa in 1496, during the reign of Sultan Beyazıt II. The mosque is located near the entrance to the Grand Bazaar, Column of Theodosius and the historical Nuruosmaniye Mosque.

Location: Çemberlitas A&T Travel Magazine

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Rüstem Pasha Mosque The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is located in an old and busy market area of Eminönü neighborhood, by the Golden Horn.

The mosque was built between 1550-1561

by Rüstem Pasha, a Grand Vizier and son-in-law of sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. Its architect was Sinan, the great imperial architect who also built Suleyman’s Mosque nearby. The mosque was damaged in the Great Fire of 1666 and the earthquake of 1776, but restored afterwards. The Rüstem Pasha mosque is well known for its beautiful Iznik tiles of the 16th century, covering entire walls, mihrab and mimbar areas as well. It has an octagonal plan, sitting on a high platform over several old shops where you can reach by spiral stairs. There is a single minaret and a central dome resting on 4 semi-domes with 74 windows around them. These semi-domes and arches are supported by octagonal columns called as “elephant feet” The Rüstem Pasha mosque is one of the most exquisite Ottoman mosques in Istanbul, despite its small size. When you enter inside after taking the shoes off, you’ll be amazed by the vivid colors and floral or geometrical designs of the valuable Iznik tiles (over 2.300 pieces), which some of them were stolen during the centuries.

Location:Eminönü

Laleli Mosque

Arap Mosque Arap Mosque, is a mosque in Istanbul, based upon a former Roman Catholic church devoted to Saint Paul and Saint Dominic. Although the structure was altered during the Ottoman period, it represents the most typical example of Gothic Architecture in Istanbul still extant.

Arap Mosque is in the district of Beyoglu, in the neighborhood of Karaköy, not far from the northern shores of the Golden Horn. It is surrounded by artisan shops.

Location: Galata, Beyoglu

Firuzaga Mosque The Firuzaga Mosque has an interesting history to boast about.

The Sultan Ahmet used to go for various expeditions accompanies by the treasurer of the Ottoman Palace. One of the main duties of the treasurer was placing a prayer rug, known as seccade, to be placed before the beginning of the Friday prayer. Apart from this, the treasurer would always sit on the ground, before the Sultan, to lay his forhead there and ensure that there was no danger to the life of the Sultan. Beyazid II, the son of Mehmet II, was ascended to the throne after the death of his father. It was only after a gap of 10 long years that Firuz Agha, the treasurer of the period, built a mosque at the entry point of the famous street of the Byzantine Empire. The treasurer died in 1512 and his tomb, having engravings of rose figures on the marble, is located in the yard of the Firuzaga Mosque. The Firuzaga Mosque, with a square design of 13.5 m by 13.5 m, is built in the Bursa style and has a dome with eight sides.

According to a famous story, this mosque was built at a place which was once a famous spot of horse races being watched by the Roman emperors.

Location: Sultan Ahmet

Bayezid Mosque

The Laleli Mosque was built by Sultan Mustafa III from 1760–1763, designed in the baroque style by Ottoman imperial architect Mehmet Tahir Aga. The complex was destroyed by a fire in 1783 shortly after its completion and was immediately rebuilt. A fire in 1911 destroyed the madrasah, and subsequent road construction work destroyed many other the auxiliary structures to the mosque. The mosque is seen at the center of this high courtyard ; with a grandeur dome with 24 windows and 2 minarets whic has different cones than other minarets. The mosque is enlighted with 105 windows and the interial walls are covered with coloured porphyry marbles. The mosque was constructed with baroque style. The tombs and the fountain are located at the western corner. The wellknown ones are the tombs of Soltan Mehmed the Third and Soltan Selim the Third..The public house is located at the northern part and is stil used as Bazaar. The basement of the mosque is being used as bazaar at the present even though it was not aimed to be when built.The madrasah of the mosque is unfortunately ruined until present time.

Location: Laleli

The Bayezid II Mosque is an Ottoman imperial mosque located in the Beyazıt Square area of Istanbul, Turkey, near the ruins of the Forum of Theodosius of ancient Istanbul.

The Beyazidiye Camii was commissioned by Ottoman Sultan Bayezid II, and was the second large imperial mosque complex to be erected in Istanbul after the Conquest. As the earliest complex, the Fatih Mosque was subsequently destroyed by earthquakes and completely rebuilt in a different style, the Beyazidiye complex is thus of considerable historical and architectural significance. Little is known about the architect other than that he also built a caravansary in Bursa; however, the polished style of the mosque itself indicates experience with earlier Ottoman and western architectural techniques. The surrounding külliye complex (madrasah, primary school, imaret -public kitchen-and hammam), date from 1501 to 1506.

The dome was partially rebuilt after an earthquake in 1509, and Mimar Sinan conducted further repairs in 1573–74. The minarets burned separately in 1683 and 1764. An inscription above the courtyard entrance suggests that repairs were also conducted in 1767.

Location: Beyazıt Square 16 May 2011

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Koca Mustafa Pasa Mosque Koca Mustafa Pasha Mosque is a former Eastern Orthodox church converted into a mosque by the Ottomans. The church, as the adjoining monastery, was dedicated to Saint Andrew of Crete, and was named Saint Andrew in Krisei or by-the-Judgment.

Although heavily transformed during both the Byzantine and the Ottoman eras, it is one among the few churches in Istanbul still extant, whose foundation goes back to the sixth century.

Location: Kocamustafapasa

Merkez Efendi Mosque Merkez Efendi Mosque is now located within an area surrounded by a belt of numerous cemeteries which used to be a completely deserted area outside the walls. This first Mosque and tekke building is a very simple and plain one and was manually built by Merkez Efendi and by some connected people.

This Mosque outside the city walls was furnished in the first half of the 16th cebtury with trusts by Sah Sultan, sister of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, and the architectural structure was enlarged and improved. Furthermore the mosque and uniting room were renewed by architect Mimar Sinan and a hamam was added, so that it has become a complete complex in the course of time. It is known that the turbeh could not preserve its original structure till today and was re-built by Sultan Mahmut II. According to its authentic architecture. The façade of the turbeh facing west has become a pilgrimage identity.

Location: Mevlanakapı surdısı

Mihrimah Sultan Mosque

Ortaköy Mosque Ortaköy Mosque officially the Büyük Mecidiye Mosque of Sultan Abdülmecid) in Besiktas, is situated at the waterside of the Ortaköy pier square, one of the most popular locations on the Bosphorus. The original Ortaköy Mosque was built in the 18th century. The current mosque, which was erected in its place, was ordered by the Ottoman sultan Abdülmecid and built between 1854 and 1856. Its architects were Armenian father and son Garabet Amira Balyan and Nigogayos Balyan who designed it in Neo-Baroque style. Within the mosque hang several examples of Islamic calligraphy executed by the Sultan Abdülmecid himself, who was also a hattat -master calligrapher-.The wide, high windows let the ever-changing light reflections of the Bosphorus shine in the mosque.

Location: Ortaköy

Kuzguncuk Mosque Kuzguncuk is a neighborhood in the Üsküdar����� ������������ district on the Asian side of the Bosphorus in Istanbul, Turkey. The neighborhood is centered on a valley opening to the Bosphorus. There was no mosque in the center of the neighborhood until 1952, when the Kuzguncuk Mosque was built in the courtyard of the Armenian church. The Üryanizade������������������������������������������������������������� Mosque along the shore on the northern edge of the neighborhood was built as a mescit (small mosque) in 1860.

Location: Kuzguncuk

Semsi Pasa Mosque

The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is an Ottoman mosque located just inside the Edirne Kapisi on the Byzantine land walls of Istanbul, Turkey. Located on the peak of the Sixth Hill near the highest point of the city, the mosque is a prominent landmark in Istanbul. The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque was designed

by Mimar Sinan for the favorite daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent, Princess Mihrimah. Its building took place from 1562 to 1565. The complex has been severely damaged by earthquakes several times (including 1719, 1766, 1814 and 1894), and although efforts were made to restore the mosque, its attendant buildings received less attention. The dome was further damaged during 1999 Izmit��������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������� earthquake, and required restoration, along with the upper half of the minaret.

The Semsi Pasha Mosque is an Ottoman mosque located in the large and densely populated district of Üsküdar. The Semsi Pasha Mosque was designed

by Ottoman imperial architect Mimar Sinan for Grand Vizier Semsi Pasha and builted at 1580. The Mosque is one of the smallest to be commissioned by a Grand Vizier in Istanbul, however it is its miniature dimensions combined with its picturesque waterfront location which have made it one of the most attractive mosques in the city. The Mosque is a celebrated example of the chief architect›s skill in organically blending architecture with the natural landscape.

Location: Üsküdar

Location: Edirnekapı A&T Travel Magazine

May 2011 17

Cover Story

Eyüp Sultan Mosque

Tesvikiye Mosque The Eyüp Sultan Mosque is situated in the district of Eyüp on the European side of Istanbul, near the Golden Horn, outside the Walls of Istanbul . Built in 1458, it was the first mosque constructed by the Ottoman Turks following their conquest of Istanbul in 1453.

The mosque rises next to the place where Abu Ayyub al-Ansari the standard-bearer of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, is said to have been buried during the Arab assault on Istanbul in 670. His tomb is greatly venerated by Muslims, attracting many pilgrims.

Some of the personal belongings of Muhammad are preserved in the tomb.

Location: Eyüp

Fatih Mosque

The Tesvikiye Mosque is a neo-baroque structure located in the Tesvikiye neighbourhood ofSisli district in Istanbul. It was originally commissioned in 1794 by Sultan Selim III, but most of the current mosque that stands today was completed in 1854 during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecit I. It was during this time that several well-known structures in Istanbul were being built or renovated, including Ortaköy Mosque and Dolmabahçe Palace, in styles imported from Europe. It is the front of the mosque, constructed during a renovation in the late 19th century, that gives it a unique appearance, with huge white columns. It has become a sort of stand-out symbol in the upscale, bustling quarter of Nisantası.

Location: Tesvikiye

Mihrimah Sultan Mosque

The Fatih Mosque is an Ottoman imperial mosque located in the Fatih district of Istanbul. It was one of the largest examples of Turkish-Islamic architecture in Istanbul and represented an important stage in the development of classic Turkish architecture. The Fatih mosque complex was a religious and social building of unprecedented size and complexity built in Istanbul between 1463-1470 by the order of Fatih Sultan Mehmed.

The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is an Ottoman mosque located in the historic center of the Üsküdar municipality in Istanbul. The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is one of Üsküdar’s best-known landmarks and takes its nicknames from the ferry landing near which it stands. It is the first of two mosques built by Mihrimah Sultana, daughter of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and wife of Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha. It was designed

by Mimar Sinan and built between 1546 and 1548. It is a massive structure on a raised platform and already shows several hallmarks of Sinan›s mature style a spacious, high-vaulted basement, slender minarets, a single-domed baldacchino flanked by three semi-domes ending in three exedrae and a broad double portico.

Location: Fatih

Location: Üsküdar

Dolmabahçe Mosque

Yeni Valide Mosque

Dolmabahçe Mosque’s original construction was initiated

by Bezm-i Alem Valide Sultan, the mother of Sultan Abdülmecid (1823-1861). Upon her death, it’s construction was continued by her son. It is located in the southern part of the Dolmabahce Palace, situated on the coast. The mosque was opened for prayer services on March 23rd, 1855. Its architect is Garabet Balyan, a member of the Balyan family who built various structures for the Ottoman Empire.

The Yeni Valide Mosque is an Ottoman mosque in the Üsküdar district of Istanbul.

It was built between the 1708 and 1710 on the iskele road by Emetullah Râbi’a Gülnûs Sultan, mother of Sultan Ahmed III. The main part of the building is square in shape and covered with a flattened main dome and four half domes.

The mosque has two minarets with two balconies each. Calligraphy inside the mosque is the work of Hezarfen Mehmet Efendi.

Location: Üsküdar

Location: Dolmabahce 18 May 2011

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