Eyüp Sultan Mosque

The Eyüp Sultan Mosque is in Eyüp. It takes its name from Ayyub al-Ansari, whose tomb is there. The real name of this Companion, known as Eyüp Sultan, is Khalid ibn Zayd Abu Ayyub al-Ansari. Hazrat Ayyub al-Ansari is the Companion who hosted our beloved Prophet in his home when he first migrated from Mecca to Medina.

In 1458, only five years after the Conquest of Istanbul in 1453, a complex was built on the site by the Ottoman sultan Mehmed II. According to legend, while talking with his teacher Akşemseddin, Mehmed asked how the grave of Eyüp Sultan would be found. Akşemseddin said, "I see a light at the foot of that hill on the opposite shore. We will dig there, and a white marble will come out. Eyüp Sultan must be there." In the area that was dug, a white marble inscribed "Haz-a kabri Halit İbni Zeyd" (This is the grave of Khalid ibn Zayd) was found. Upon this, they planted two saplings, one at the head and one at the foot of the grave found, and left the area. Mehmed II, receiving this news, ordered the area to be enclosed and fountains to be built in every section. He also had the planted saplings moved next to the fountains at the entrance of the mosque.

The Eyüp Sultan Mosque is the first stop for those who come to Istanbul. The tour usually starts here with the dawn prayer. On blessed nights, it is a place where people pray and make supplications until morning. The mosque is surrounded by various shops and cafés, offering visitors the opportunity to shop and rest. In addition, visitors to the mosque have the chance to visit the Tomb of Eyüp Sultan to pray and find spiritual peace.

The Eyüp Mosque is Istanbul's first selâtin mosque (a mosque built by Ottoman sultans)