Eyup Sultan Mosque and Ottoman Sultans' Visits

Fatih Sultan Mehmet

Fatih Sultan Mehmet, after conquering Istanbul in 1453, had the tomb of Hz. Abu Ayyub al-Ansari discovered and built a tomb and mosque over it. This formed the foundation of the Eyüp Sultan Complex. Fatih laid the spiritual foundations of Istanbul at this sacred site. Along with the original mosque, a madrasa, bathhouse, and soup kitchen were also built.

Sword-Girding Tradition

Every Ottoman sultan who ascended the throne performed a sword-girding ceremony at Eyüp Sultan Tomb. This ceremony was the Islamic equivalent of a coronation in the West. The sultan would come from the palace to Eyüp by boat in a grand procession, and the Sword of Hz. Omar would be girded by the Sheikh al-Islam or a prominent religious scholar. This tradition continued until the last sultan, Vahdettin.

Selim III and Reconstruction

Selim III holds a special place in the history of Eyüp Sultan Mosque. He had the mosque, which was severely damaged in the 1766 earthquake, completely demolished and rebuilt between 1798-1800. The structure we see today is largely the work of Selim III. This new building, reflecting a synthesis of Baroque and Ottoman styles, was one of the most important architectural projects of its era.

Other Sultans and Their Contributions

• Suleiman the Magnificent: Added new structures to the complex
• Mahmud II: Had the tomb restored and tile panels added
• Abdulhamid II: Built fountains and charitable works
• Abdulmecid II: Donated calligraphy works to the mosque
• Every sultan showed special devotion to Eyüp Sultan and left their era's mark on the site