The Spirit of Istanbul: Walking Tour of the Ottoman City

How often have you visited a place and found yourself drawn to it by something unexplainable; a lure that reaches beyond its external grandeur? What do the walls whisper today, of history’s past and the people who once made their presence? Every place has an external physical form, but what lies beneath is a dimension waiting to be discovered.

Join us as we team up with Abu Ayyub for a specially curated tour, exploring the sacred history of Istanbul.

Tour Guide

“After having spent over a decade overseas I decided to combine my passion for history together with my reverence for Islamic Sciences to help bring our history alive. For too long, our history has been taught and understood from either a Western-centric lens or an academic viewpoint which has subsequently obscured the spiritual dimensions of the people and places of the past. This is no more evident than in the history of Istanbul and the Ottomans. I believe that it is essential that Muslims must strive to reclaim the narrative and tell stories from our own voices.”

~ Abu Ayyub currently lives in Istanbul with his family.

Itinerary

Sultan Eyup: Grave of Abu Ayyub al Ansari 

There is a saying among the Ottomans that, “Everything begins and end with Eyup.” 
Abu Ayyub al Ansari (ra) was one of the leading companions of RasulAllah ﷺ. He participated in the early Muslim campaign against Constantinople where he would be buried after his death. His grave became the spiritual center of the Ottomans and even today he is remembered for his sacrifice to Islam and his love for RasulAllah ﷺ. No tour to Istanbul is complete without a visit here.

Fatih Camii     

The Fatih Mosque was originally built in 1463 to commemorate the Opening of Constantinople by Sultan Mehmet al Fatih ten years earlier. As one of the most important mosques it was also a great center of learning and remains to be to this day. Prepare to be awed by this impressive symbol of victory. 

Suleymaniye Mosque

Considered one of the most beautiful works by the great Ottoman Architect Mimar Sinan, the Suleymaniye is a pinnacle of the principle of ihsan. It also represents the Ottomans at the height of their power and continues to inspire visitors centuries later.

Mihrimah Sultan Camii (Europe) Walls of Constantinople

Built for the daughter of Sultan Suleyman and one of two mosques with the same name, this exquisite example from the long tradition of woman inspired endowments is an often-missed gem.

Beyazid Camii

One of the oldest purpose-built mosques in the city, the mosque combines aspects of both pre-conquest and post-conquest features and remains a secluded retreat from one of Istanbul’s busiest districts.

…And More

The tour will also explore several unique neighborhoods, the old walls of Constantinople and a quick guide to the Grand Bazaar. Traditional Turkish lunch is included.