Eyüp Sultan Mosque, at the head of the Golden Horn, is one of the holiest Islamic sites in Istanbul and draws pilgrims from across Turkey and the Muslim world. The mosque itself was built in 1458, five years after the Ottoman conquest, and has been rebuilt and expanded multiple times since. The tomb of Eyüp el-Ensari, the Prophet's companion, stands in the courtyard and is a constant site of prayer.
The neighbourhood around the mosque has a different character from the rest of Istanbul — quieter, more conservative, with shops selling prayer beads, religious books, and the white robes worn by pilgrims who have returned from Mecca. The walk uphill through the cemetery to Pierre Loti Café takes about 20 minutes and offers excellent views. Take the ferry from Eminönü to Eyüp along the Golden Horn — the journey passes the old city walls and the Balat neighbourhood.