Eyüp Sultan Cemetery - Free Audio Guide

Eyüp Sultan Mezarlığı, in the Eyüp district of Istanbul beside the historic Eyüp Sultan complex on the Golden Horn, is a centuries‑old cemetery associated with the tomb of Abu Ayyub al‑Ansari (known locally as Eyüp Sultan), a revered companion of the Prophet. Originating in the early Ottoman period and expanded over subsequent centuries, the site became the preferred burial ground for Ottoman elites, scholars and notable figures and preserves rich examples of Ottoman funerary architecture, mausoleums and ornate gravestones. It holds deep religious and cultural significance as a site of pilgrimage, memory and ritual practice in Istanbul’s urban landscape. Key attractions include the tomb complex, historic mausolea and terraced graveyards with views toward the Golden Horn. The complex maintains defined visiting hours and active religious schedules; access to open cemetery grounds is generally free while some enclosed tombs or chambers may have restricted entry or customary donations. Terrain is uneven and many pathways include steps, limiting full accessibility in places.