Eyüp Sultan Mosque

The story of Eyüp Sultan Mosque begins with the conquest of Istanbul. After the conquest in 1453, Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror had a mosque and complex built on the site believed to contain the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion of Prophet Muhammad. This first structure, completed in 1458, fell into disrepair over time; it was demolished during the reign of Sultan Selim III and replaced by the structure standing today. Construction began in 1798 and was completed in 1800.

During the Ottoman period, every new sultan would pass through the Cülûs Road upon his ascension to the throne, come here, and gird on the Sword of Osman Gazi. This tradition reveals how central the place was, not only religiously but also politically. Today, the mosque continues to be actively open for worship, welcoming hundreds of thousands of local and foreign visitors every year.

The most suitable times to visit Eyüp Sultan Mosque are during the spring and autumn months. In these periods, from March to May and September to November, the weather is very favorable for both walking and photography. In summer, crowds significantly increase; especially at the peak of the tourist season, preferring early mornings offers a calmer experience.

During Friday prayers and religious holidays, the area around the mosque becomes extremely crowded. While these times offer a unique atmosphere for those who wish to experience this intensity, those seeking a quiet visit should consider these hours. Visits after morning prayers, before the day gets crowded, are often the most peaceful.

Eyüp Sultan Mosque can be easily reached from different parts of Istanbul using various transportation options. One of the most practical options is the T5 tram; you can get off at the Eyüpsultan stop on the Topkapı–Alibeyköy line and reach the mosque with a short walk. From the same stop, it is also possible to access the cable car station that goes up to Pierre Loti Hill.

Those who wish to come by bus can use the 50K and 50Y lines departing from Eminönü and Fatih. The ferry option is both enjoyable and practical, especially for those who want to see the Golden Horn view; Golden Horn ferries departing from Eminönü dock at Eyüp Pier. Those who prefer the metro can reach the area by transferring via the M7 line.

It is possible to create a great itinerary for those who want to explore Eyüpsultan in a single day. You can start your day with a visit to the Eyüp Sultan Mosque and Tomb; early mornings are ideal for spending some time in the courtyard, feeling the architecture and spiritual atmosphere of the structure. Afterwards, you can examine the Caferpaşa Madrasa, which is right next to the mosque.

Before noon, you can use the cable car to go up to Pierre Loti Hill. After taking a break at the famous tea garden on the hill and enjoying the Golden Horn view, if you wish, you can choose the path that passes through the historical cemetery on your way down. For lunch, stopping at local restaurants in the narrow streets of Eyüpsultan, and spending the rest of the day visiting historical structures in the vicinity such as the Zal Mahmut Paşa Mosque, would be a good option.

Eyüp Sultan Mosque and its surroundings offer a very rich area for photography enthusiasts. The mosque's courtyard gate and ablution fountain area are ideal for capturing impressive shots, especially in the morning light. Angles where both minarets are visible in the same frame produce classic but always striking photos.

Pierre Loti Hill is a separate photo spot with its panoramic views framing the Golden Horn and the opposite shore; images obtained from here at sunset are particularly valuable. The historical cemetery surrounding the complex offers interesting compositions for those looking for a different atmosphere. The colorful tiles and Ottoman Baroque decorations at the tomb entrance are perfect subjects for detail photography.

Since Eyüp Sultan Mosque is an active place of worship, some rules must be observed during the visit. You are expected to remove your shoes when entering the mosque and female visitors are expected to cover their heads; headscarves can be provided at the entrance. During prayer times, tourists' entry into the mosque may be restricted, so it is recommended to plan your visit according to prayer times.

It is important to maintain a quiet and respectful demeanor during the tomb visit. Be careful not to disturb people praying when taking photos. Choosing comfortable shoes will facilitate the visit due to the narrow streets and cobblestones around the complex. Keep in mind that crowds can significantly increase during religious holidays and special days.

Eyüpsultan also offers various options for visitors regarding food. In the streets around the mosque, there are small restaurants and kebab shops serving traditional Turkish cuisine. Especially on weekends, the area becomes lively with both local and foreign visitors, and street food comes to the forefront.

The tea garden on Pierre Loti Hill offers a unique experience with both its view and atmosphere. Watching the Golden Horn accompanied by Turkish tea has become an indispensable part of a visit to Eyüpsultan. Bakeries and simit sellers near the mosque can also be preferred for a short break.