The Role of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari in the Conquest of Istanbul

The Prophet's Glad Tidings

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said in a hadith: "Istanbul will surely be conquered. How excellent is the commander who conquers it, and how excellent is his army." This glad tiding was the greatest source of Muslim armies' determination to conquer Istanbul for centuries. Abu Ayyub al-Ansari was one of the first to seek this blessed promise.

Abu Ayyub's Istanbul Campaign

Abu Ayyub al-Ansari participated in the siege of Istanbul organized during the Umayyad Caliph Muawiya's reign in 669-670. This noble companion, who was over 80 years old at the time, did not wish to stay behind from jihad in the path of Allah despite his advanced age.

According to narrations, when those around him reminded him of his age and told him to withdraw from the campaign, Abu Ayyub replied: "My old age cannot prevent me from participating in the conquest of the city that the Messenger of Allah promised. I fought alongside the Messenger of Allah, and today I fight for the conquest he foretold."

The Siege and Martyrdom

The siege of Istanbul was long and arduous. Byzantium's strong walls and the weapon called "Greek fire" challenged the Muslim army. During this siege, Abu Ayyub al-Ansari fell ill. Some narrations state he was wounded in battle, while others report he contracted dysentery.

Before his death, he stated in his will: "Bury me as close to the enemy walls as possible. If possible, bury me at the foot of the walls of Istanbul." This will was fulfilled and he was buried right before the walls of Istanbul.

The Tomb During the Byzantine Period

Interestingly, the Byzantines protected rather than destroyed Abu Ayyub's tomb. It is even narrated that during droughts, they came to the tomb to pray for rain. Byzantine historians recorded this tomb as "the sacred tomb of the Muslims." This demonstrates that Abu Ayyub's spiritual greatness was acknowledged even by his adversaries.

Fatih and the Discovery of the Tomb (1453)

Approximately 800 years later, Fatih Sultan Mehmed besieged Istanbul in 1453. His spiritual advisor Akshemseddin was at his side. Immediately after the conquest, Akshemseddin discovered the location of Abu Ayyub's tomb.

According to narration, Akshemseddin located the tomb through spiritual discovery and inspiration. When excavation was carried out, a stone inscribed with "Haza Kabr-i Ebi Eyyub" (This is the tomb of Abu Ayyub) was found. A fresh water spring also emerged next to the tomb. This discovery was regarded as the spiritual crowning of the conquest.

Spiritual Motivation of the Conquest Army

The presence of Abu Ayyub — a noble companion buried in these lands — raised the morale and determination of the conquest army to its peak. The soldiers were aware of how sacred a duty it was to conquer the lands where the Prophet's host had been martyred.

After the tomb's discovery, Fatih Sultan Mehmed immediately commissioned a tomb, mosque, and kulliye. This kulliye became the symbol of the conquest and the spiritual center of the new capital. Thereafter, every sultan's sword-girding ceremony at Eyup Sultan upon ascending the throne became a tradition.

Historical Significance

The presence of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari in Istanbul is the most important factor making the city's position in the Islamic world unique. The primary reason it is considered the fourth holiest site after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem is that a noble companion is buried here.

Today, millions of people every year visit this great companion who was martyred before the walls of Istanbul 1,400 years ago. Abu Ayyub al-Ansari is both the spiritual pioneer and eternal symbol of the conquest of Istanbul.