Where is the Eyüp Sultan Camii and Külliyesi?
Eyüp Sultan Camii is one of Istanbul’s most sacred and most visited mosques. Located on the shore of the Golden Horn in the Eyüpsultan neighborhood, it is not merely a mosque but also a vast külliye. The külliye, together with the mosque, includes a türbe, medrese, hamam, and fountains, forming a complete historical treasure.

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Who Was Eyüp Sultan?
Eyüp Sultan, whose real name was Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, was a particularly distinguished companion of our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who hosted him in his home in Medina. This companion, who carried the Prophet’s banner, fell ill and passed away during the first campaign to conquer Istanbul while the city was under siege; he was declared a martyr. His tomb was buried at the site where the mosque now stands. For this reason, both the mosque and the türbe are considered highly sacred by Muslims. After the conquest of Istanbul, Fatih Sultan Mehmet ordered the discovery of Eyüp Sultan’s tomb and commissioned the construction of this magnificent mosque in his memory.
The History of Eyüp Sultan Camii
Eyüp Sultan Camii was built in 1458 by the order of Fatih Sultan Mehmet. It is among the first large mosques constructed in Istanbul by the Turks. Over time, it has endured earthquakes and fires and has been restored several times, yet it has always preserved its beauty and significance.

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Eyüp Sultan Today
Today, Eyüp Sultan Camii and its surroundings are filled with worshippers, those offering prayers, and children visiting the area. Especially during Ramadan and on holiday mornings, the site becomes extremely crowded. Pigeons fly in the courtyard while people pray in silence. Visitors to the türbe enter with reverence. Children sitting in the park sometimes visit the Eyüp Toy Sellers’ Bazaar, and at other times they marvel at the mosque’s decorative elements.
Why Should We Visit Eyüp Sultan?
🕋 To Experience Spirituality:
Eyüp Sultan Camii and its türbe offer a uniquely tranquil atmosphere where one can listen to the heart. Those who visit the türbe pray silently and make wishes. Spending time in the mosque is like embarking on a spiritual journey.
📜 To Encounter History:
Eyüp Sultan has been a sacred site since the conquest of Istanbul, where Ottoman sultans visited before ascending the throne. Walking here is like taking a step into the past.
🎈 To Experience Traditions:
The Eyüp Toy Sellers’ Bazaar is a colorful world where traditional toys from centuries past are kept alive. Here, the joy of the past meets the imagination of the present.
🎨 For Art and Observation:
The mosque’s ornate windows, calligraphy, and tiles are like open-air works of art. Take a notebook and try drawing these beauties with your own eyes!

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What to Do in Eyüp Sultan
🕯️ Visit the Türbe:
Offer prayers at the türbe of Eyüp Sultan and learn the visiting customs to show respect for the past.
👀 Follow the Historical Traces:
Discover the artistic legacies of the Ottoman era by examining tombstones, wall decorations, and the courtyard layout.
🧸 Explore the Toy Sellers’ Street:
Wooden horses, wind roses, puppets… The Toy Sellers’ Bazaar is a colorful adventure for children!
🚡 Take the Cable Car to Pierre Loti Hill:
Ride the cable car near Eyüp Camii to view the Golden Horn from above. Take beautiful photographs and enjoy the panoramic view.
🎨 Set Up an Art Corner:
Sit in the mosque courtyard with a notebook and pencil to sketch the architecture and create drawings inspired by what you see.
📷 Learn by Capturing Memories:
Photograph the pigeons, tiles, and historic gates to create your own small “Eyüp Album.”

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References:
-“Eyüp Sultan Camii ve Türbesi.” İstanbul Müftülüğü.
-“Eyüp Sultan Camii ve Külliyesi.” İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi Kültür Envanteri.
-“Eyüp Sultan ve Camii.” Kültür Portalı.
-Eyice, Semavi. “Eyüp Sultan Camii.” Türkiye Diyanet Vakfı İslâm Ansiklopedisi.

