The Eyup Sultan Mosque is the holiest site in Istanbul and one of the most sacred places in the Islamic world.
History
Eyup Sultan Mosque was erected by Mehmet the Conqueror over the tomb of Halid bin Zeyd Ebu Eyyûb (known as Eyup Sultan), the standard bearer for the Prophet Mohammed as well as the last survivor of his inner circle of trusted companions.
It is popularly accepted that while serving as commander of the Arab forces during the siege of 668 to 669, Eyup was killed and buried on the outskirts of the city. One of the conditions of peace after the Arab siege was that the tomb of Eyup be preserved.
The burial site was “discovered” during Mehmet the Conqueror’s siege on the city, although the tomb is mentioned in written accounts as early as the 12th century.
A little village of tombs mushroomed on the spot by those seeking Eyup Sultan’s intervention in the hereafter, and it’s still considered a privilege to be buried in the nearby cemeteries.
The Girding of the Sword ceremony was traditionally held here. In this Ottoman enthronement rite, Osman Gazi’s sword was passed on, maintaining continuity within the dynasty as well as creating a connection with the Turk’s early ideal of Holy War.
What to See
Eyup is a popular spot animated by the small bazaar nearby, crowds relaxing by the spray of the fountains, and little boys in blue and white satin celebrating their impending circumcisions. Unfortunately, it’s a natural magnet for beggars as well.
The baroque mosque replaces the original that was destroyed in the earthquake of 1766, but the real attraction here is the turbe, a sacred burial site that draws masses of pilgrims waiting in line to stand in the presence of the contents of the solid silver sarcophagus or meditate in prayer.
A mosque and a tomb of the Abo Ayoup Al ansari where burred. The cable car is near and take you up the mountain to a good prize restaurant with a wonderful view to the golden Horn.
at this most historic mosque lies buried, in its precints, perhaps the most revered and historical Islamic personality, Hazrat Ayub al Anmsari whom the Beloved Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him spent seven months withTherer is a huge clamour to see the grave of this most Noble Perssonality but a trip there especially to make duaa (lieft hands in prayer)…
the design and the architecture of this mosque is really wonderful..it is not a very big mosque but worthy to visit.
This was our first Mosque and loved that is wasn't one of the tourist ones – it was free! This active Mosque has a very interesting cemetery and Ottoman-style streets nearby. There was a religious celebration for young boys while we were there that was informative. There is a cable-car also that affords a most beautiful view of the city…
İf you like to visit outside of the old town area ı highly recomend you visit this great Mosque and Pierloti Cafe. Great area and you see more locals…
Highly recommended to take the Golden Horn Ferry to Eyup and then visit this shrine as well as take the cable car to the top of the hill (it's then best to return to the mosque by walking back down through the very interesting cemetery as opposed to dealing with the long return lines for the cable car).
The mosque is besides the tomb of Hazrat Ayub Ansari (R.A) a great Sahabi.
If you ever go to Eyup Sultan Camii, make sure to visit the famous Pierre Lotti Park at the peak of the mountain. You can get there by a cable car. He was a French writer in the 1800's who fell in love with a girl from the Harem and stayed on for the rest of his life.
Eyup sultan was a very close companion of Prophet Mohammad.peace be upon him. I visited his tomb as well.
I took the ferry from eminimu. Lovely ride up the golden horn. The mosque, one of Islam's most holy pilgrimage sites, is peaceful and open. For me, the best part of the visit was a walk uphill though the cemetery, rewarded with a tea at Pierre Poti Cafe and it's views of the Golden Horn and all of Istanbul.