Eyüp Sultan Mosque

The Eyüp Sultan Camii or Eyüp Sultan Mosque in Istanbul’s Eyüp district is the oldest and holiest mosque in Turkey. It is known for its two half domes and elegant interiors which feature chandeliers. Within the mosque complex is a mausoleum where Prophet Muhammad’s standard-bearer and friend Abu Ayyub al-Ansari is believed to have been buried. Large crowds also visit the mosque for the Eyüp Cemetery which is right up the hill.

Rebuilt in the Baroque style of architecture using pale honey-coloured stones, the mosque was initially built during the 15th century by Ottoman Turks; its minarets were all reconstructed, with the eastern one being made to look like the original. One of its walls that faces the mosque features panels of Iznik tiles, as do the walls of the vestibule that leads to it. Several Ottoman Sultans, court officials, prominent religious figures, intellectuals etc. have been buried here. The Pierre Loti Café is also situated at the top which serves Turkish coffee and offers views of the Golden Horn.