Eyüp Sultan Mosque
Eyüp Sultan Mosque is one of Istanbul's oldest and most significant mosques. Built in the 16th century to honor the Prophet Muhammad's companion, Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, this mosque is a symbol of Ottoman architecture, featuring a beautiful design and intricate decorations. Surrounded by a lovely garden, it is a popular destination for visitors and tourists alike.
Abu Ayyub al-Ansari and His Legacy
Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a respected companion of the Prophet Muhammad, hosted him during his migration from Mecca to Medina. He was martyred in 49 AH (669 AD) during the Muslim attempts to conquer Constantinople in the Umayyad era.
History and Construction of Eyüp Sultan Mosque
In 1458, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror ordered the construction of Eyüp Sultan Mosque. However, it did not retain its original structure due to a severe earthquake in 1766 that caused extensive damage.
General Features of the Mosque
The mosque’s design features a square layout with a large dome, 16 meters in diameter, surrounded by eight smaller domes. The mosque includes two separate courtyards: one designated for ablution and another featuring an ancient sycamore tree known for hosting various royal ceremonies.
Spiritual Significance of Eyüp Sultan Mosque
The mosque holds great historical and spiritual value due to the presence of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari’s tomb, known in Turkey as "Eyüp Sultan." According to Ottoman historical accounts, his tomb was discovered during excavation in Istanbul after its conquest, overseen by Sheikh al-Islam Akşemseddin under Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror's directive.
Earthquake and Restoration Efforts
In 1800, a new mosque was built on the site by Sultan Selim III. Reflecting the Baroque architectural style of that era, the restoration gave Eyüp Sultan Mosque a unique architectural character.
Location of Eyüp Sultan Mosque
Eyüp Sultan Mosque is situated in the Eyüp Sultan area on Istanbul’s European side, near the Golden Horn and just outside the old Constantinople city walls.
Visiting Hours
The mosque is open 24 hours daily. Visitors can reach it by taking buses from Yenikapı or Eminönü, or by using buses along the E-5 route and alighting at Ayvansaray-Eyüp, then walking a few minutes to reach the mosque.
Top Activities When Visiting Eyüp Sultan Mosque
- Begin by walking around the mosque to capture photos of its surroundings and discover nearby landmarks.
- Admire the main entrance, which features Quranic verses and showcases Ottoman architectural elements.
- Step into the mosque's courtyard, enjoy the intricate columns and decorated walls, and relax on the benches. Capture photos of the central fountain and the ablution area, designed like a tent with a dome, pillars, and marble walls.
- Enjoy the mosque's interior, especially the dome’s colorful decorations and surrounding balconies with arched windows. Be sure to visit the tomb within the mosque and take photos, and perform prayers in the main hall.
Explore nearby attractions, such as Istanbul Cable Car and Pierre Loti Hill, which are just a 9-minute walk away. At Pierre Loti, you can enjoy a coffee with beautiful views of the Golden Horn. The mosque is also across from the Haliç Congress Center and just an 8-minute drive from the famous Istanbul Dolphinarium.