Eyup Sultan Mosque

Istanbul · 1 tour & ticket

Address

Merkez Sultan Cami, Camii Kebir Sk. No:23, 34050 Eyüpsultan/İstanbul

Tours & Tickets for Eyup Sultan Mosque

Istanbul

Istanbul Sahaba Tombs Private Half-Day Guided Tour

From 88€

84€

About Eyup Sultan Mosque

Eyup Sultan Mosque sits just outside the old city walls at the top of the Golden Horn, in the Eyup district that grew up around it. The mosque marks the burial place of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad who, by tradition, died during the Arab siege of Constantinople in the 7th century. When Mehmed II conquered the city in 1453, his men reportedly located the grave, and the sultan had a mosque and tomb built on the spot. That makes it one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Istanbul and one of the holiest in Turkiye, a place with a very different feel from the tourist-heavy monuments down on the historic peninsula.

The complex you see today largely dates to a rebuild ordered by Selim III around 1800, after the original structure was damaged, so the mosque itself reads as Ottoman Baroque rather than early classical. The real focus for most visitors is the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, its walls lined with Iznik tiles, set in a courtyard shaded by old plane trees where people come to pray and pay respects. For centuries this was where Ottoman sultans were girded with the sword of Osman on their accession, a coronation-style ceremony that tied the whole empire's authority to this corner of Istanbul.

This is an active place of worship, not a museum, so it's busiest on Fridays and during religious holidays, and it's best visited outside prayer times. Entry to the mosque and tomb is free, though modest dress is expected: cover shoulders and knees, and women should bring a headscarf. Many people combine the visit with the ride or walk up to Pierre Loti Hill for the view back over the Golden Horn, reached by a short cable car from beside the cemetery. The surrounding streets are full of small shops selling religious items and the local sweets Eyup is known for.

FAQs

Is there an entry fee for Eyup Sultan Mosque?

No, entry to the mosque and the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari is free, as it's an active place of worship. You may still want a paid ticket for the nearby cable car up to Pierre Loti Hill if you plan to combine the two.

What should I wear to visit?

Dress modestly, since it's a working mosque and an important pilgrimage site. Shoulders and knees should be covered, women should bring a headscarf, and you'll need to remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall. Scarves are sometimes available at the entrance if you don't have one.

When is the best time to go?

Any day outside prayer times is fine for a quiet look around, but avoid Fridays and religious holidays if you want to skip the biggest crowds, as those are the busiest for worshippers and pilgrims. Mornings on weekdays tend to be calmest.

How do I get there and what's nearby?

The mosque is at the top of the Golden Horn in the Eyup district, reachable by ferry, bus, or a short taxi ride from the old city. Most visitors pair it with Pierre Loti Hill, a short cable car ride away, for the view over the water and the historic Eyup cemetery on the slope below.