Audio GuideEyüp Sultan Mosque

Eyüp Sultan Mosque is a soulful landmark on the banks of Istanbul’s Golden Horn, just outside the city’s old walls. Its story reaches back over fourteen centuries. It is named after Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, who was a close friend and supporter of the Prophet Muhammad. Abu Ayyub journeyed to these lands in the late seventh century and is believed to be buried at this very site, making the area one of the most respected in the Muslim world.

Meysam Tabrizi

Following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror chose this sacred ground to build the city’s first mosque complex outside the old city walls in the late fifteenth century. Later, the mosque you see today was completely rebuilt at the dawn of the nineteenth century, combining serene classical Ottoman architecture with graceful touches of Ottoman Baroque style—think slim white stone, gilded marble, engraved calligraphy, and rich foliate carvings throughout.

Abdullah Anati

The main dome floats above an octagonal bed of pillars, a design once favored by Sinan, the Ottomans’ great architect. Both inside and out, you will see panels of Iznik tiles, famous for their deep reds and lively blues, some dating back nearly five centuries. Ritual objects and relics said to be connected to the Prophet Muhammad are kept here, adding extra layers of meaning.

TRACK ONE

Eyüp Sultan was the chosen spot for the Sword of Osman ceremony, when new Ottoman sultans were crowned. The walled courtyard and shaded plane tree have long welcomed gatherings for important events, from Ramadan feasts at sundown to lively circumcision celebrations for young boys.

Surrounding the mosque is a maze of old tombs. Many Ottoman notables and royal family members wished to rest near this place, believing it brought them closer to blessings. The mosque’s complex also once held schools, public baths, and kitchens to feed the poor. Today, visitors come from all over—drawn by history, faith, and the living traditions that still echo through Eyüp Sultan’s soaring spaces.