Eyup Sultan mosque, located outside the city walls of Istanbul near the Golden Horn is the burial place of a beloved companion and standard-bearer of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), Hazrat Abu Eyubal-Ansari (R.A). Hazrat Eyub gave his life during the siege of Constantinople in the 670s and the mosque was constructed some 700 years later. Original architecture of the mosque was a beautiful representation of the Ottoman designs, built in 1458 it could not withstand an earthquake and by the late 18thentuary, was in the state of ruin. Sultan Selim III ordered the whole structure other than the minarets to be demolished and then reconstructed.
 Why is it popular?
• Muslims pay respect and recite Surah Fateha at the mausoleum and it is considered the most important Islamic shrine in Turkey. Very popular among the Muslim tourists, it is beautifully decorated with Iznik tiles.
• Some history buffs come to view the past coronation site of the Ottoman Sultans (same place). It was here that the next Sultan was given the sword of Osman, entitlement to being called Padisha (king of kings).

Pierre Loti
This place, named after an exotic novelist and French naval officer, is a stop close to the Eyub mosque and is also a must on your itinerary.he used to write his novels at this place which overlooks the Golden Horn and gives spectacular scenery. A cable car takes you to the top of the hill where one finds the Tarihi Kahve, Aziyade Restaurant, YeşilKafe,Nargile Evi and the Turqu House Hotel that can house and entertain a great number of tourists.


The grave of a traveling dervish ‘Iskandar Dede’ is also present in the tourist area of the hill. Two water wells are located in front of it, one of them is the famous ‘Dilek Kuyusu’ translated to ‘a water well for wishes’, it is said that people who look into it, can see the wishes they keep in their hearts. All in all, it is a perfect place to sip some Turkish beverages as you admire the beauty of Istanbul and the Bosporus. The café Pierre Loti is furnished in Turkish mannerism, while the red and white checked tablecloths are a reminder of the French customs that Pierre Loti, the Frenchman reflected.

Even when full of people (as it mostly is), this place gives serenity to the tourists who find solace in the view. Behind the restaurant, a recreational area offers Nargile, Hamams and other coffee shops as well.

How to reach there?
From the Old Town /Sultanahmet or Taksim to Eyup quarter, a taxi will take 30-40 TL. From Eyup quarter, there are two options:
• Funicular- costing about 5 TL.
• Climbing/Trekking: this will be a little steep and through a very interesting old graveyard. It takes around 20 minutes.
The reason we’ve placed the two together is because of their close locations, while viewing one, you can visit the other as well. The graveyard is also an exotic place, with tombstones that go centuries back, it is a fascinating place.