Eyüp Sultan Mosque
A 19th-century mosque built on a much older site, housing the tomb of Ebu Eyüp el-Ansari, companion of the Prophet Muhammad. A major pilgrimage spot, especially crowded on Fridays and holidays.
The Eyüp Sultan Mosque sits in the heart of the Eyüp district, on a site that has been sacred for centuries. The current building dates from the early 1800s, replacing earlier structures. Still, the complex feels older—its courtyard surrounded by plane trees and filled with the smell of incense from the nearby türbe (tomb). Inside the mosque, the atmosphere is more restrained than some of the grand imperial mosques, but the real draw is the mausoleum that holds the supposed tomb of Ebu Eyüp el-Ansari. He was a standard-bearer and close companion of the Prophet Muhammad, and his presence draws pilgrims from across the city. Expect crowds, particularly on Fridays and during religious holidays. The neighborhood itself is pleasant to wander, with a hilltop cemetery and the Pierre Loti café nearby for a tea break.
“To stand by the tomb of the Prophet's companion in one of Istanbul's most revered spots.”
Avoid Fridays and religious holidays unless you enjoy shoulder-to-shoulder crowds; weekdays after 10am are quieter.
Pierre Loti Hill Teleferique
Cable car to the Golden Horn viewpoint — cafe terrace over Eyüp and the old city.
Good to know
- Is Eyüp Sultan Mosque free to visit?
- Free. Free; very busy on Fridays and religious holidays
- How long should you spend at Eyüp Sultan Mosque?
- ~1h
- When is the best time to visit Eyüp Sultan Mosque?
- Morning
- Is there a dress code at Eyüp Sultan Mosque?
- Headscarf required. Scarves and long robes are provided at the entrance. Visitors are asked to remove shoes before stepping onto the mosque's carpets.
