Visiting Eyup Sultan Mosque as a Tourist: Dress Code, Rules and Tips

Eyup Sultan Mosque is not as famous as the great mosques of Sultanahmet, but it is one of the most meaningful places to visit in Istanbul. It is not a museum: it is a living place of worship where prayers are held every day and thousands of Muslims come to pray. This guide is for first-time visitors, especially non-Muslims: who may enter, what to wear, what to keep in mind and how to plan your visit.

Can Non-Muslims Enter the Mosque?

Yes. Like mosques throughout Turkey, Eyup Sultan Mosque is open to everyone outside prayer times. Entry is free; no ticket or guide is needed. During prayer times, however, the mosque belongs first to those praying. If you arrive then, either wait until the prayer is over or stand quietly at the back without passing in front of worshippers.

What to Wear

• Women: A headscarf is required, and loose clothing that covers the shoulders, arms and knees is best. Carrying your own scarf is the easiest option.
• Men: Shorts and sleeveless tops are not appropriate; wear trousers that cover the knees.
• Shoes: Shoes are not worn inside the mosque or the tomb. Take them off at the entrance and carry them in your hand or a bag. Clean socks are a good idea.

When to Go

Muslims pray five times a day, and the times change with the seasons. The most comfortable time to visit is between the noon and afternoon prayers, or on a weekday morning. On Fridays the mosque is very crowded at noon for the Friday prayer, so as a tourist we suggest avoiding that time. See our prayer times page for today's times.

How to Behave Inside

• Keep quiet inside and set your phone to silent.
• Do not walk in front of someone who is praying, and do not photograph people at prayer.
• You may sit on the carpets, but try not to stretch your feet towards the qibla, the direction of the prayer niche (mihrab).
• Do not eat or drink.
• Photography is fine in the courtyard and outdoors; do not use flash inside.

The Tomb: Resting Place of a Companion of the Prophet

The mausoleum across from the mosque is the grave of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, the Companion who hosted the Prophet Muhammad in his home in Medina. Turks call him Eyup Sultan. The tomb is a very sacred place for Muslims, and visitors come here to pray. Non-Muslim visitors may also see it respectfully. The tomb is small inside and can be crowded: wait patiently in line, do not take photos inside and do not block people who are praying. Read his story in this article.

What to See

• The tomb's tiles: The entrance of the mausoleum is covered with Ottoman tiles from different centuries.
• The mosque: The present building was constructed at the end of the 18th century under Sultan Selim III.
• The courtyard and plane trees: With its centuries-old plane trees and pigeons, the courtyard is the most peaceful corner of Eyup.
• Historic cemeteries: Graveyards full of Ottoman tombstones; see the Graveyards of Eyup Sultan.
• Pierre Loti Hill: A historic café with a Golden Horn view, reached by cable car; see our cable car guide.

Getting There

From Sultanahmet or Eminonu you can easily get there by the T5 tram or the Golden Horn ferry. You will need an Istanbulkart for public transport. For a detailed route see our guide from Sultanahmet and Eminonu.

Small but Important Tips

• If you wish to donate, use only the official donation boxes inside the mosque.
• You can try local dishes at the cafés and restaurants around the square.
• During Ramadan and the Eid holidays Eyup Sultan is very crowded, a special experience for those who want to see the atmosphere.
• For a more detailed plan, read our first visit guide.