Eyüp Sultan Mosque

The Eyüp Sultan Mosque sits on the Golden Horn shore in the Eyüp district of Istanbul and is built around the shrine associated with Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad. The present mosque complex dates in origin to the Ottoman period after the conquest of Constantinople and has been an important pilgrimage site since the 15th century.

The mosque and shrine complex were first established under Ottoman patronage in the decades after 1453; the initial foundation is commonly dated to the reign of Mehmed II. The complex has been repaired and rebuilt several times since then and expanded into the wider külliye that stands today.

The mosque lies on the lower slopes of the hills that border the Golden Horn, northwest of Istanbul’s historic peninsula, within the Eyüp neighbourhood and a short tram or bus ride from the city’s central districts.

• Visitor etiquette: Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside of prayer times but should dress modestly and follow local rules during services.
• Best time to visit: Peak local activity coincides with Friday prayers and religious holidays, while early mornings are generally quieter for sightseeing.

What to See #

• Holy Tomb (türbe): The tomb chamber (türbe) traditionally identified as the burial place of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, which is set within the mosque complex and draws pilgrims.
• Mosque courtyard and portico: The mosque courtyard and portico, rebuilt and repaired at several points since the 15th century, provide the main prayer spaces and a covered forecourt used by visitors and worshippers.
• Eyüp Cemetery: Eyüp Cemetery on the hills behind the mosque, containing many Ottoman-era tombs with carved stone and domed grave markers, forming an extensive funerary landscape.