Following the grave’s discovery, Eyup Sultan Mosque Istanbul was built on the location in 1458. However, even though it was repaired multiple times, it started to decay and was substantially damaged during the big earthquake in 1766. It stayed in a ruinous state for a couple of decades, but in 1798, III. Selim ordered its restoration. The mosque’s construction ended in 1800 and the Eyup Sultan Mosque we know today was created in Baroque style. It got repaired again in 1823 when its minaret on the sea side was damaged from lightning bolts. The mosque got its last repair during Adnan Menderes’ presidency.
During the reign of the Ottoman Empire, many sultans used to come to Eyup Sultan Mosque and pray before big battles. It was also where the coronation ceremony took place for centuries, where new sultans were girded with the sword of Osman.
Inside the Eyup Sultan Mosque
The mosque was built by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. Its gorgeous architecture is proof of Mimar Sinan’s talent. The sense of scale, when you enter the mosque, is immense. The dome measures 17.5 meters in diameter and has 2 half domes. The honey-colored bricks that are used in most of the mosque, plush carpets, and beautiful low-hanging crystal chandeliers are also very attractive.
The Sinan Pasha Pavilion in front of the main door was taken down in 1798 while the mosque was being rebuilt. In its place, there is a set that is surrounded by bars, and the set is under the shadow of the famous grand Eyup Sultan Mosque tree. Since Sultan III. Selim was a Mevlevi, there are Mevlevi head scarves over the bars, on the 4 corners of which are 4 fountains. Eyup Sultan Mosque, eyup sultan mosque Istanbul, eyup sultan mosque opening hours, how to get to eyup sultan mosque from Sultanahmet, Eyüp Sultan Mosque & Square, eyup sultan mosque turkey, how to get to eyup sultan mosque from Sultanahmet, eyup sultan mosque/masjid, eyup sultan mosque history
Ebu Eyup el-Ensari’s mausoleum is just next to the mosque too, adding to the religious importance of the place. It would not be a stretch to say that this mausoleum almost attracts more attention than the mosque itself. The wall of the mausoleum facing the mosque is covered by various Iznik tiles. Another famous religious relic that draws Muslims from across the world is the Prophet Muhammed’s footprint.
There is also the Eyup Cemetery near the mosque. Since being buried near the Eyup Sultan Mosque is seen as a big honor, there are the graves of many important people here. Among the Eyup Sultan Mosque burials are grand viziers, court officials, military men, poets, and intellectuals, such as Adile Sultan, Ferhad Pasha, Sokollu Mehmed Pasha, and Lala Mustafa Pasha. After Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem, this mosque is the 4th most sacred place for Muslims.
Eyup Sultan Mosque & Square has a very mesmerizing atmosphere, especially during your first visit. It is very clear how this place has been attracting people from different religions and cultures for centuries. People praying in harmony, the gorgeous architecture, packs of cats and pigeons, the adhan in the background, and many different mausoleums, and religious relics all come together to create a feeling of holiness, and it is even more apparent during the Ramadan month.
You can visit the many small shops around the Eyup at the end of your trip to buy small Islamic gifts and wares like Qurans and prayer beads if you want to remember this mystic trip all your life.
No, but it is pretty common for female visitors to hide their hair as recommended in Islam. Therefore, you should have a turban or a scarf with you.