Eyüp Sultan Mosque
Eyüp Sultan Camii
One of Istanbul's most sacred mosques, dedicated to Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, the standard-bearer of the Prophet Muhammad. Ottoman sultans were girded with a sword here when they ascended the throne.
Eyüp Sultan Mosque was built in 1458. It was the first major mosque the Ottomans built in the city after conquering Constantinople. It is dedicated to Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion and standard-bearer of the Prophet Muhammad, who died fighting here during the Arab siege of Constantinople in the 7th century. The current building is a Baroque-style reconstruction from around 1800. The tomb in the courtyard is covered with İznik tiles, and it is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Turkish Muslims. Ottoman sultans came here for the sword-girding ceremony when they took the throne. Entry is free, and women must wear a headscarf. Visits are suspended during prayer times. The surrounding area is a lively street of religious goods, and the cemetery on the hillside behind it can be reached on foot to Pierre Loti Hill. Getting there: take the Golden Horn ferry to Eyüp pier, then walk for 5 minutes.
Opening hours
Open outside prayer times; free admission
Nearby sights
- Pierre Loti Hill
- Chora Church (Kariye Mosque)
- Balat
- Walls of Constantinople
- Fatih Mosque
- Zeyrek Mosque (Pantokrator Monastery)
- Aqueduct of Valens
- Şehzade Mosque