Highlights

• Begin your journey at the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, one of the most revered sites in Istanbul. This mosque is dedicated to Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad and the first to be buried in Istanbul. Visit the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a key site of pilgrimage for Muslims around the world.
• Eyüp Sultan Complex: Explore the surrounding Eyüp Sultan Complex, which includes the mosque, a library, turbe (tombs), and a graveyard. This area is a spiritual center and an important place for reflecting on the early Islamic history and the lives of the Sahabe.
• Sahabe Tombs Tour Istanbul is home to the graves of numerous Sahabe (companions) of the Prophet Muhammad. The Sahabe Tombs are scattered throughout the city and reflect the deep connection between the Prophet’s companions and this sacred city. Sahabe Tombs in Istanbul: Visit the tombs of other notable companions like Umm Haram, the wife of Ubadah ibn al-Samit, who was the first woman from the Prophet’s family to be buried in Istanbul. Each tomb has its own significance, reflecting the companionship, sacrifices, and contributions these early Muslims made to the spread of Islam.
• Süleymaniye Complex: Explore the mosque’s vast courtyards, its beautiful interior, and the tombs of Süleyman the Magnificent and his wife Hurrem Sultan (Roxelana), alongside other Ottoman figures. Learn about the contributions of the Ottoman Empire to the Islamic world, as well as the mosque’s role as a center of learning, theology, and arts.
• Fatih Mosque, named after the Conqueror Mehmed II, who is responsible for the fall of Constantinople in 1453. The mosque houses the tombs of key figures from the Ottoman period, and its significance as the site of the Ottoman conquest of the city cannot be overstated. Discover how the Ottoman Empire transformed Istanbul into a major center for Islamic scholarship, architecture, and culture, and how these contributions continue to resonate today.
• Spend the morning at Topkapi Palace, the historical residence of Ottoman sultans. In addition to its rich history and art, Topkapi Palace houses one of the most revered collections of Islamic artifacts, including relics of the Prophet Muhammad.
• Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Built during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, the mosque is famous for its stunning blue tiles and vast dome.
• While exploring the mosque, learn about its historical and religious importance, as well as its connection to Ottoman imperial power and Islamic spirituality. Reflect on the significance of Islamic calligraphy, tile work, and other artistic expressions within Islamic architecture.
• End the day with a visit to the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, which houses an incredible collection of Islamic art, from calligraphy to textiles, and manuscripts. The museum provides an in-depth look at the cultural and artistic achievements of the Islamic world, particularly in the Turkish and Ottoman context.
• Reflect on how Islamic art and culture intertwined with the development of Istanbul as an Islamic metropolis, influencing not only religious life but also daily life in the city.