Eyüp Sultan Mosque, at the head of the Golden Horn, is one of the most sacred places in Istanbul. It stands beside the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, and for centuries it has drawn pilgrims from across the Islamic world. Its courtyard, shaded by an old plane tree, and the fountain whose water many visitors consider blessed make it a peaceful contrast to the busy sights of Sultanahmet.
Who was Eyüp Sultan?
Eyüp Sultan is the Turkish name of Khalid ibn Zayd Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, an important figure in early Islam. When the Prophet Muhammad arrived in Medina, he stayed at Abu Ayyub's house, and Abu Ayyub later served as one of his standard-bearers.
In old age, Abu Ayyub joined an Arab expedition against Byzantine Constantinople in the 7th century. He fell ill and died during the campaign and, according to tradition, asked to be buried as close to the city walls as possible. The site of his grave was later forgotten.
After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmed II asked his teacher, the scholar Aksemseddin, to find the grave. Once it had been identified, a tomb was built over it, and the area around it became a place of pilgrimage that it remains today.
History of Eyüp Sultan Mosque
Mehmed II built the first mosque beside the tomb in 1458, making it the first great mosque complex the Ottomans built in Istanbul after the conquest. For centuries, new sultans came here at the start of their reign for the ceremony of girding the sword, a ritual that marked their accession to the throne.
The original mosque was badly damaged by the earthquake of 1766 and could no longer be used. Sultan Selim III had it rebuilt on the old foundations, together with its minarets; work began in 1798 and was completed in 1800. The building you see today dates from that reconstruction.
What to see at the Eyüp Sultan complex
- The tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari: the most visited part of the complex, decorated with fine Ottoman tiles. Visitors queue quietly to pray or pay their respects.
- The courtyard and plane tree: the old plane tree and the fountain are a favourite place to sit and watch the life of the mosque.
- The prayer hall: bright and elegant, in the late Ottoman style of Selim III's time.
- Eyüp Cemetery: the hillside above the mosque is covered with Ottoman tombstones of statesmen, scholars and ordinary residents.
Eyüp is also a place for family celebrations. At weekends you may see boys in white and gold costumes, brought here by their families to pray before their circumcision ceremony.
Visiting Eyüp Sultan Mosque: rules and etiquette
Eyüp Sultan is an active and very important place of worship, so visitors should be especially respectful.
- Avoid visiting during prayer times, when the mosque is closed to tourists. Friday midday prayers and religious holidays are particularly busy.
- Dress modestly: no shorts or short skirts, and cover your shoulders.
- Women should cover their hair with a scarf.
- Take off your shoes before entering the prayer hall and the tomb.
- Do not smoke in the courtyard.
- Do not photograph people at prayer, and follow any signs restricting photography, especially inside the tomb.
Visiting hours for tourists depend on prayer times, which change through the year, and are shorter on Fridays. Check them locally before you go.
How to get to Eyüp Sultan Mosque
Eyüp lies outside the old city walls, at the far end of the Golden Horn.
- By ferry: the Golden Horn ferry line stops at Eyüp and is the most scenic way to arrive.
- By bus or taxi: buses run along the Golden Horn from Eminonu, and a taxi from Sultanahmet usually takes around half an hour, depending on traffic.
- With a guide: for a guided look at the city's Islamic heritage, see our Islamic Istanbul tour.
Combine your visit with Pierre Loti Hill
After visiting the mosque, walk up through the cemetery or take the cable car to Pierre Loti Hill for tea or Turkish coffee with a wide view over the Golden Horn. If you are exploring Istanbul's great mosques, also see the Suleymaniye Mosque and the Blue Mosque.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Eyüp Sultan Mosque important?
It stands beside the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion and standard-bearer of the Prophet Muhammad, which makes it one of the holiest places in Istanbul for Muslims.
Can tourists visit Eyüp Sultan Mosque?
Yes. Visitors are welcome outside prayer times, provided they dress modestly, take off their shoes and, for women, cover their hair.
Is there an entrance fee for Eyüp Sultan Mosque?
No. Like most mosques in Istanbul, Eyüp Sultan Mosque is free to visit.
How do I get from Eyüp Sultan Mosque to Pierre Loti Hill?
You can walk uphill through the historic cemetery or take the short cable car ride from near the mosque to the top of the hill.
End your sightseeing day on the water
After the old city, see the palaces and mansions from the Bosphorus on a private sunset yacht cruise, only for your group.
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