Eyup Sultan Guide for Visitors From the Arab World

Eyup Sultan is one of the places visitors from the Arab world most want to see in Istanbul, because the Companion Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, who hosted the Prophet in his home in Medina, rests here. This guide is for visitors from Arab countries, to help them feel at home at Eyup Sultan. It explains how Turkish mosques work, how prayers are held and the practical details that make a visit easier.

How Prayers Are Held in Turkish Mosques

• School of law: Prayers in Turkish mosques are generally led according to the Hanafi school. You may pray according to your own school; simply follow the congregation.
• Times: The call to prayer follows the calendar of the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet). See our prayer times page for daily times.
• Dhikr after prayer: After the obligatory prayers, reciting tasbih and supplications together as a congregation is a common Turkish custom. Join in if you wish, or make your own supplication.
• Friday sermon: Most of the sermon is delivered in Turkish. If you want to know its meaning in advance, our site publishes each week's sermon in Arabic: Friday Sermons.
• Ablution: There are ablution facilities in the mosque courtyard.

Women Visitors

There is a prayer area set aside for women in the mosque, and women also visit the tomb. A headscarf and loose clothing are all that is needed. On busy days, weekday mornings are more comfortable for families.

Visiting the Tomb

The mausoleum was built over the grave of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1458. Visitors greet the dead with the greeting the Prophet taught for visiting graves, pray for the Companion and reflect on his life. Supplication is made to Allah alone. For hours and etiquette see our tomb visiting guide, and for his life this article.

Food

Meat dishes served in restaurants in Turkey are generally halal. Around Eyup Square there are kebab houses, pide bakeries and traditional restaurants that suit families. Do not hesitate to ask restaurant staff about anything you want to be sure of. For suggestions see our places to eat guide.

Getting There

• From the airport: Our guides for Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen Airport give step-by-step routes.
• In the city: The T5 tram and the Golden Horn ferries are the easiest options. You will need an Istanbulkart for public transport.
• Taxi: Make sure the meter is on; telling the driver "Eyüp Sultan Camii" is enough.

Practical Information

• Language: Some shopkeepers know a few words of Arabic, but Arabic is not widely spoken. A translation app on your phone will help.
• Money: The Turkish lira is used; card payment is widespread.
• Crowds: Eyup Sultan is very crowded at the Friday prayer, on kandil nights, Ramadan evenings and the Eid holidays.
• Ramadan: For the Ramadan atmosphere at Eyup Sultan, read our Ramadan guide.
• Nearby: Pierre Loti Hill, the Golden Horn shore and the historic cemeteries; see our first visit guide.