The Eyup Sultan Mosque was constructed in 1458 after the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in 1453. It is located near the Golden Horn Bay in the Eyup District of Istanbul. Interestingly, it was built outside the walls of the city, despite it having already been taken over. The history of this mosque dates back almost a thousand years prior to its construction.
In a hadith from the Qital-e Rome chapter of Sahih Muslim, the Prophet Muhammad declared that the first commander and army to conquer Constantinople would be granted entrance to Paradise. Guided by this hadith, Commander Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, who had aided the Prophet Muhammad during the hijra (migration) to Medina in 622, set out on his final military campaign to Constantinople. However, Abu Ayyub al-Ansari was an elderly man and soon after beginning the campaign, he fell ill and had to withdraw. In his final words, he commanded his soldiers to penetrate deep into enemy territory and bury him beneath the walls of Constantinople. He passed away in the 7th century A.D.
During the last battle between the Ottoman Turks and Eastern Romans in Constantinople, the spiritual teacher of Sultan Mehmet had a miraculous dream which revealed the location of the important place.
Later on, Fatih Sultan Mehmet ordered the construction of a Mosque in front of the important tomb to demonstrate his faith. This became the holiest place for Muslims in Ottoman Istanbul and attracted many pilgrims. The building housing the tomb also preserves some of Prophet Muhammad’s personal belongings. In Ottoman culture, it was a great honor for Sultans to cradle their symbolic swords at this site before departing from Istanbul for campaigns or battles. It was also considered an honor to be buried in the vicinity of Ayyub al Ansar’s Tomb. At present, it is a popular activity for local Muslim tourists to start their visit to Istanbul with a morning prayer in this Mosque as the holiest place in the city. In addition to Ayyub al-Ansari’s Tomb, there are also very old Ottoman graves and tombstones around the Eyup Sultan Mosque.
The Eyup Sultan Mosque and Tomb of Ayyub al-Ansari are two of the most important sites in Istanbul. Not only is the Mosque a symbol of the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, but it also holds great importance to Muslims around the world given its ties to Prophet Muhammad. Visiting the Mosque and Tomb is an opportunity to witness and appreciate the long and rich history of Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire. Additionally, the Mosque and Tomb offer a chance to explore the Islamic culture and customs of Istanbul. From the beautiful architecture of the Mosque and the decor of the tomb to the many stories and legends about the site, visiting Eyup Sultan Mosque and Tomb of Ayyub al-Ansari is a unique and unforgettable experience.
Finally, the Mosque and Tomb are both excellent examples of the Ottoman Empire’s craftsmanship, which can be observed through its intricate details and grand architecture. This is a great opportunity to explore the culture, history and art of the Ottoman Empire. At Tour Maker Turkey, we offer guided tours of the Eyup Sultan Mosque and the Tomb of Ayyub al-Ansari. Our experienced tour guides will provide comprehensive information about the history and culture of the site, and take you through the Mosque and Tomb to learn about its significance.
We also have other tours to nearby attractions such as the Basilica Cistern, Pierre Loti Hill, and Spice Bazaar. So, come join us and experience the fascinating culture and history of this amazing site.