10 Historic Sites to Visit Around Eyup Sultan

1. Pierre Loti Hill

Located on the hill just behind Eyüp Sultan, Pierre Loti offers the most beautiful Golden Horn panorama of Istanbul. Named after the French writer Julien Viaud (Pierre Loti) who frequently visited this spot, you can reach the hilltop by cable car or on foot. Sipping tea at the historic cafe while gazing at the magnificent panorama of the Golden Horn is an unforgettable experience.

2. Zal Mahmut Pasha Complex

One of the works of Mimar Sinan, the Zal Mahmut Pasha Complex is within walking distance of Eyüp Sultan. Built in 1577, the complex comprises a mosque, madrasah, tomb, and fountain. The acoustic properties and elegant architecture of the mosque are particularly noteworthy.

3. Mihrimah Sultan Complex (Eyüp)

Designed by Mimar Sinan for Mihrimah Sultan, the daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent, this complex is one of the elegant examples of Ottoman architecture. The madrasah section today hosts cultural events.

4. Eyüpsultan Cemetery

The most important cemetery of the Ottoman Empire, Eyüpsultan Cemetery is the final resting place of many notable figures, from sultans to poets, grand viziers to scholars. The calligraphic art on the gravestones is an open-air museum in itself.

5. Feshane

The historic Feshane building on the Golden Horn shore was used as a fez production factory during the Ottoman period. Today it hosts exhibitions, fairs, and cultural events. It can be reached from Eyüp on foot or by a short drive.

6. Cafer Pasha Madrasah

Built by Mimar Sinan in 1575, this madrasah is currently used as a traditional Turkish handicrafts workshop. Courses in calligraphy, illumination, marbling, and tile art are held here.

7. Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Tomb

The tomb of Sokollu Mehmed Pasha, one of the Ottoman Empire's greatest grand viziers, is located in the hazire of Eyüp Sultan Mosque. Designed by Mimar Sinan, the tomb is notable for its elegant tile decorations.

8. Bostan Pier and Golden Horn Shore

The waterfront walkway along Eyüp's Golden Horn shore is ideal for both exercise and breathing in the historic atmosphere. Along the shore, there are cafes, parks, and observation terraces.

9. Eyüpsultan Toy Museum

A wonderful stop for families with children, the Eyüpsultan Toy Museum exhibits the history of toys from the Ottoman era to the present. The museum also features interactive workshops.

10. Historic Eyüp Bazaar

In the historic bazaar around the mosque, you can find religious books, prayer beads, souvenirs, and traditional delicacies. This bazaar culture, which has continued since the Ottoman period, is an inseparable part of the Eyüp visit.