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.
Very historical place for Muslims. Plenty of places to eat and lots of shops nearby selling all sorts.
This is the one of my favorite mosque in Istanbul. the location is a little faraway from Sultanahmet area, I went to there by bus, it takes about 10min by bus. and I returned by ship. Many women visited there, more than another mosque. very quite, and very cozy place.
the old design of the mosque is fabulous. also it has the abo ayoub alansari radi allah 3anho kaber.
We found this mosque Advise our reception , You should give a visit! very nice mosgue in where you can smell history
.. amazing very beatuful !
when you firstly visit the place you will jump back in history, to attend may be the ceremony of a new Sultan inauguration or the funeral of an Ottoman noble. Then you will jump back to the present for the feeling of not being a tourist surrounded by Turkish locals came to pray in the mosque.
Located near the "muslim district", there is plenty to enjoy outside the mosque. The mosque itself is said to be the 4th most important in the world, but for a non-muslim, and in a city with so many hundreds of mosques, hardly a required stop.
Beautiful mosque complex with astonishing tombs, enormous hillside graveyard and beautiful interior of the mosque itself. Spend time sitting in the lovely square outside watching the flow of people called to prayer come.
Eyup Mosque stands outside the city walls at the location where Hz Eyyubu El-Ensari, a noted Islamic individual, died in the assault on Constantinople in 670 AD
This is a traditional mosque. Visit here if you would like to see the grave of one of the follwers of Prophet Mohammed. He guarded him and defended him. Muslims can pray here.