 |
| Eyüp Sultan Mosque |
Built in 1458, the
Eyüp Sultan Mosque (Turkish: Eyüp Sultan Camii] has the honor of being the first mosque built by the Ottomans after the 1453 Conquest of Istanbul. It’s situated in the Eyüp district near the
Golden Horn and
Pierre Loti Hill.
The mosque was constructed next to the supposed burial ground of Abu Ayyub al- Ansari (Turkish: Eyüp Sultan], a close companion of the prophet Muhammad. He came to the city and died in the first attempt to take Istanbul. His grave wasn't discovered until the fall of the city seven centuries later. His tomb is revered by many Muslims and attracts many pilgrims. It also contains some of Muhammad’s personal belongings, including a stone that is said to bear his footprint.
 |
| Eyüp Sultan Mosque |
After the addition of such relics, the area surrounding the mosque became a sacred place. Many
Ottoman officials and princes are buried in the nearby cemetery. The mosque was heavily damaged by an earthquake in 1766, but was restored by Sultan Selim III. If you visit the mosque, be sure to walk or take a cable car up to Pierre Loti Hill for one of the best views in Istanbul.
Directions:
Buses 399B, 399C, 399D
Take the Haliç ferry line from Eminönü or Karaköy to Eyüp
No comments:
Post a Comment