The Eyüp Sultan Mosque is a historic and sacred mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. It is located near the Golden Horn, outside the city walls. It was built in 1458 on the site where Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion and standard-bearer of the Prophet Muhammad, died during the first Arab siege of Constantinople in 670. His tomb is a place of pilgrimage for Muslims, and the mosque also contains some relics of the Prophet Muhammad. The mosque was rebuilt in 1800 in the Ottoman Baroque style, and has two minarets and a large courtyard. The mosque played a role in the coronation ceremony of the Ottoman sultans, who came here to receive the sword of Osman at the start of their reigns.
The mosque is open to visitors every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, except during prayer times. The entrance is free, but donations are welcome. Visitors should dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the mosque. Women should cover their hair with a scarf, which can be borrowed at the entrance. Photography is allowed inside the mosque, but flash and tripods are not.
To get to the mosque, you can take the T5 tram line from Alibeyköy to Çibali and get off at Eyüp stop. The mosque is a short walk from there. You can also take a bus from Eminönü, Taksim or other parts of the city. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Eminönü or Karaköy to Eyüp pier and enjoy the scenic view of the Golden Horn.
Some tips for visiting the mosque are:
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
- Explore the Eyüp Cemetery behind the mosque, which has many beautiful and historic tombs of Ottoman dignitaries and royals.
- Climb up to Pierre Loti Hill, which offers a panoramic view of the Golden Horn and the city. You can take a cable car or walk up the hill.
- Enjoy a cup of Turkish tea or coffee at one of the cafes near the mosque or on Pierre Loti Hill.
- Browse through the shops selling religious items, souvenirs and handicrafts around the mosque.
There are also guided tours available for those who want to learn more about the history and significance of the mosque. You can book a tour online or join one at the entrance of the mosque.
Some prohibitions for visiting the mosque are:
- Do not eat or drink inside the mosque.
- Do not make noise or disturb other visitors and worshippers.
- Do not touch or damage any part of the mosque or its decorations.
- Do not enter areas that are restricted or closed to visitors.
Some things to see inside and outside the mosque are:
- The tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, which is covered with a green cloth and surrounded by candles and flowers.
- The relics of the Prophet Muhammad, which include his sword, cloak, footprint and hair.
- The mihrab (niche indicating the direction of Mecca) and minbar (pulpit) of the mosque, which are decorated with tiles and calligraphy.
- The dome and ceiling of the mosque, which have intricate patterns and paintings.
- The fountain in the courtyard, where worshippers perform ablutions before prayer.
- The Cülus Yolu (Accession Road), which is lined with tombs and monuments of Ottoman sultans and officials.
