Fethiye
Fethiye is the perfect launching pad to explore the many tourist attractions and things to do along Turkey’s Turquoise Coast. This harbor side town is in a prime position for heading out to the surrounding beaches or going inland to discover the crumbling remnants of this region’s ancient Lycian culture. If it’s all about location, Fethiye provides it all. The town itself is a prosperous but laid-back kind of place; just what you need to return to after a day’s hectic sightseeing of mighty rock-cut tombs and mountain-top UNESCO-protected ruins or sunbathing bliss, boating, and paragliding action.
The Lycians ruled over this stretch of Turkey’s coast from 200 BC, and Fethiye stands on the site of the important Lycian city of Telmessos. There are plenty of monuments scattered throughout the city, but the most famous is the rock-cut Tomb of Amyntas in the south of Fethiye. On Kaya Caddesi, as you walk up the hill towards the tomb, you can see Lycian sarcophagi along the way. More Lycian sarcophagi are also by the town hall in the city center.
When the Romans conquered Turkey, they allowed the independently-minded Lycians self-rule, but that didn’t stop them making their own mark on the Lycian cities. Fethiye has small and only partially excavated theater was built in the 2nd century BC, when Telmessos had become part of Rome’s Asia Minor dominion. It would have originally seated 6,000 spectators. Climb up to the top tier of seating for great views across town and over the sea beyond. The park opposite the theater is a good place to relax and seek some shade on a summer days.
It may be small, but Fethiye Museum is an excellent place to get a grip on Lycian history, especially if you’re planning to head on to attractions such as Tlos and Letoon. Brilliant information panels clearly explain Lycian culture, and the exhibits of pottery, jewelry, and stele are beautifully displayed. The museum pride and joy is the Trilingual Stele (inscribed with Lycian, ancient Greek, and Aramaic) found while excavating Letoon. This stone helped archaeologists to finally crack the Lycian language.
Turkey’s most famous beach is 15 kilometers from Fethiye. The calm turquoise water, sheltered from the sea, with its white sand beach rimmed by dense pine forest, are impossibly perfect, which is why people have been flocking here for years now. Some of Ölüdeniz’s sheen has been shaken off over the past two decades as package tourism arrived on the scene, but the lagoon area has not seen the ugly construction development of other tourism hotspots, and the village attached to the lagoon is still a low-story unobtrusive affair. If you don’t want to swim or sunbathe then the other big activity here is paragliding. Mt. Baba (Baba Dag) dominates the scenery inland, and paragliders launch themselves off the peak throughout the summer months. Even beginners can have a go with a tandem paragliding flight.
Up until the 1920s, Kayaköy (ancient Karmylassos), 8 kilometers from Fethiye, had a thriving mixed population of Greeks and Turks who had lived together for centuries. The 1923 Population Exchange changed all of that, uprooting ethnic Greeks across Turkey and sending them to live in Greece and making ethnic Turks who lived in Greece abandon their lives there. The exchange created heartbreak and much trauma among those who were made to leave, and the somber results of this are no better seen than in Kayaköy. The dilapidated, eerie stone village that snakes across the hillside here has been left to slowly decay since its Greek owners said goodbye. Among the ruins is the Katapongagia Church and Taxiarchis Church, which both still have some beautiful interior decoration.
This ravine, 30 kilometers from Fethiye, is cut deeply into the mountains of the Akdaglar Range. Most visitors come to trek the gorge, which has wooden boardwalks along part of the trail high above the river. The last section of the trail is reached by fording the swift-running river itself and then walking through the narrow fissure to the end. Cushion-strewn tea houses are beside the river here if you don’t fancy walking through the freezing cold water. There are also canyon and rafting trips along the river for the more actively-inclined tourist
In the hills southeast of Fethiye, the ruins of the Lycian city of Pinara are chiefly interesting for their honeycombed cliff of more than 900 rock tombs and monolithic house tombs. The site was so inaccessible that the tomb-builders had to be lowered on stages secured with ropes. The beautiful scenery that surrounds the ruins is lushly stunning, especially around the theater area overlooked by snow-topped peaks and rimmed by verdant forest. This is one of the quieter Lycian sites in the area and rarely gets busy with tourists
This UNESCO-protected ruin was an important Lycian religious center dedicated to the Greek goddess Leto who, according to local mythology, was banished to Lycia by Zeus’ jealous wife Hera after an affair with the great Greek god. The three temples here are dedicated to Leto and her twin children by Zeus, Apollo and Artemis. The site is incredibly atmospheric and a wonderful accompaniment to a visit to Xanthos, the ancient capital of Lycia. In particular check out the well-preserved mosaic in the floor of the Apollo temple
Xanthos was the capital of ancient Lycia, sometimes called “the oldest republic in the world.” This league of 20 cities was governed by a popular assembly and a president who ruled from Xanthos. The site is now protected by UNESCO. Although many of Xanthos’ most beautiful monuments were taken to England in the 19th century, some fine mosaics are still in situ, and the theater, agora, and acropolis can still be seen. Beyond the Roman theater, to the left of the road, is the plinth that once held the Nereid Monument, an ionic temple with rich sculptural decoration (now displayed in the British Museum). To the right of the road is the Hellenistic city gate. The city walls, considerable stretches of which are still visible, probably date from the 3rd century BC
This lovely beach, secreted between two sharp cliffs, is home to the Jersey Tiger Butterfly. One of the joys of Butterfly Valley is that it is unreachable by road. You either have to trek there from Faralya village, high above on the cliff, or take a boat (during summer they leave a couple of times daily) from Ölüdeniz. Great hiking opportunities are in the lush forested gorge behind the beach, though most people are happy to just stretch out on the sand.
High up in the hills that surround Fethiye, Tlos is another Lycian city ruin. Crowning the rounded acropolis hill are the remnants of an Ottoman fortress. The Lycians weren’t the only ones to appreciate a good mountain stronghold position, and this fortress was used by various local brigands during Ottoman rule. On the east side of the acropolis, the remains of the Lycian and Roman city walls can still be seen. Beyond, lie the scattered ruins of houses and public buildings, including a hall-like edifice (possibly an indoor market), an agora, necropolis, and a restored theater
Patara is home to Turkey’s longest strip of sand, so it’s the perfect spot for a beach break. This was also once an important city in the Lycian League, and plenty of ruins are just off the beach area when you’ve had enough of the sand and sea. The ruins of ancient Patara are entered through a Roman era triple-arched gate near a well-preserved theater, colonnaded street, a bath complex, and plenty of tombs. The city was used right up to the Byzantine period, and a basilica can also be seen. Patara’s other claim to fame is it’s also the birthplace of St. Nicholas of Myra (modern Demre, near Kaş), the 4th-century bishop, who became “Santa Claus
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Kusadası
Kusadası is a popular package-tour destination and, as the coastal gateway to Ephesus, Turkey’s busiest cruise port. Lacking the sights and ambience of Bodrum and the mix of Marmaris, Kuşadası remains a runner-up on the Aegean party scene, but the Irish pubs, discos and multilingual touts certainly create a memorably ribald atmosphere. If you prefer to mix your Ephesus visit with nightlife and sea views rather than the rural ambience of Selçuk then Kuşadası could be the right choice, offering some good hotels and restaurants, a surprisingly non traditional bazaar and two quieter old quarters.
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Province of Bitlis is located at the Eastern Anatolia Region and is surrounded by Siirt from south, by Muş from west, by Ağrı from north and by Van Lake from east. It is an important city with its castles and Turkish Islam creations.
A transition climate with the severe and terrestrial climate of the east and the Mediterranean climate dominates Bitlis where winters are cold and snowy, summers are hot and dry.
Places To Visit;
Ahlat
Ahlat Province is founded at the shores of Van Lake and is at 60 km. distance to the city center. There are 14 vaults, 2 castles most of which are the remains of the 13th century, 5 historic graveyards from the Seljukian period, 1 historic graveyard from the Ottoman Period, 4 separate graveyards to the north of the Yuvadamı village remained from the period between BC 2000 and BC 1200 years, 2 mosques and 1 bath from the Ottoman Period. The Emirlik Bayındır Bridge (Emirate Development Bridge) in the district should be visited. The major historic presence of the district is the historic “Seljukian Graveyard” which was founded over nearly 200 acre area. Beside the coffer tombs with or without tombstones in the graveyard each displaying the property of monumental structure, the underground graveyards in the style of chamber tombs which is the burial style of the Central Asian Turkish culture is encountered in this graveyard. The Vaults, which are located among other important historic structures are the monumental tombs of the governors and the rulers of the period, which had developed with the effect of Islamic culture and are composed of small mosques constructed over the underground tomb chamber.
Ahlat also has the most beautiful beach at the perimeter of the Van Lake. The district displays the improvement capacity at the fields of shore tourism and water sports and it is possible to swim for 4 months at the beaches of the district. Also the Sütay Plateau located at the north of the district has a potential for the improvement of the plateau tourism. The hand crafted “Ahlat Bastonu” (Ahlat Walking Stick is famous through the entire country.
Castles
Bitlis Castle:The Bitlis Castle is located at the steep slope, which is adjacent to the shopping mall in the city center. The castle was constructed in BC 312 by the order of Alexander the Great and one of his commanders Leis Bedlis had completed the structure. As the interior part of the castle is filled with earth, it is not possible to wander inside the castle. However, there is a wonderful panoramic view from the peak of the hill.
Tatvan Castle:The castle was constructed by Zal Paşa, one of the viziers of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman at the Tuğ quarter of Tatvan.
Ahlat Shore Castle:The castle was from the Urartu Period but collapsed because of a severe earthquake in 1224. The castle was reconstructed in 1556 by the order of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman. In the present day, only the castle is standing while the interior building are in ruins.
Adilcevaz Shore Castle:The castle is constructed over the steep rocks at the shore of the Van Lake. The castle has a tower and the historic records indicate that there was the Süleyman Han Mosque, ammunition cellar, grain granaries, water cisterns, mehterhane (military musicians) tower and 70 houses inside the castle. There are only the ruins of these structures in the present day.
Mosques and Vaults
The Ulu (Great) Mosque, Gökmeydan Mosque, Kızıl (Scarlet) Mosque, Külliye of Şerefiye Mosque in the Bitlis Province is the structures worth seeing. Some of the other mosques and vaults in the province are; Dörtsandık, Ayne’l -Badrid, Şeyh Hasan, Alemdar, Kureyşi, Taş, Hatuniye, İskender Paşa, Emir Bayındır, Tuğrul Bey and Kale Altı Mosques.
Emir Bayındır Vault, Küfrevi Vault, Çifte (double) Vault, Emir Ali Vault, Usta – Şagirt Vault, Şeyh Babo (Üryan Baba) mausoleum.
Theological Schools
The most important theological schools of the province are the İhlasiye Theological School, Nuhiye Theological School, Şerefiye Theological School and Yusufiye Theological School.
Inns and Caravanseraies
Hatuniye (Hazo) Inn The inn is located adjacent to the same named bridge. It was told that the building was constructed by Hamu Hatun (Lady Hamu) who was the daughter of Sultan Evhadullah Han of Abbasi civilization in 11th Century.
Papşin (Hüsrev Paşa) Inn The inn is located on the Bitlis – Tatvan highway. There are rumors that the structure was constructed by Beylerbeyi Hüsrev Paşa in 16th Century.
Başhan Inn The inn is located on the Bitlis – Tatvan highway. There are rumors that the structure was constructed by Beylerbeyi Hüsrev Paşa in 16th Century.
El – Aman Caravanserai The El – Aman Caravanserai is one of the greatest caravansaries of Anatolia and is composed of shops, a mosque and a bath together with a Külliye. El – Aman Caravanserai was constructed by Hüsrev Paşa in 16th Century.
The other major inns and caravanseraies inside the border of the province are as follows: Şerefiye, Arasa, Yusufiye, Duhan and Kokoz Zal Paşa caravanseraies.
The only bath structures that could withstand throughout the age are the Han (Khan) Baths belonging to Şerefhan nation in the city center of Bitlis Province and the Paşa Bath which was constructed by Hüsrev Paşa in 16th century. However Han Sarayı (palace of the Khan) Bath inside the castle and the Saray (Palace) Bath in the Zeydan quarter lay in ruins . The ruins of baths inside the El Aman Caravansary and Ahlat and Adilcevaz Castles have historical importance.
Lakes
Van Lake Half of the Van Lake is remain in the borders of the Bitlis Province. Waters of the Van Lake contain salt and soda. The districts of Ahlat, Adilcevaz and Tatvan are established at the shoreline of Van Gölü. There are lots of beaches, accommodation facilities and restaurants at the shore.
Nemrut Mountain and Crater Lakes Nemrut Mountain was located inside the borders of Tatvan District, to the north of the province. The mountain is 2935 meters high and display volcanic characteristics. Nemrut Mountain is a natural wonder and is being visited by numerous local and foreign tourists, especially in the summer season every year. The Nemrut Lake is located inside the crater area of Nemrut Mountain and is the first greatest crater lake of our country and is the second greatest crater lake of the world. The mountain is 27 km. away from Bitlis and is 13 km. away from Tatvan and could be easily reached by Tatvan – Çekmece Village and Ahlat – Serinbayır village roads by private car.
Thermal Springs
As Bitlis city center and the surrounding area are located on the fault line, there are numerous thermal hot springs inside the borders of the province. Some of these thermal springs are; Güroymak (Çukur) Thermal Spring, Ilıcak (Germav) Thermal Spring, Nemrut Mountain Thermal Spring, Alemdar, Köprü Altı, Çim Çölmüğü, Arap Köprüsü (Arabian bridge), Yılan Dirilten (Snake Resurrection), Acı Su (Bitter Water) etc.
Ornithology Areas
Nemrut Gölü Bird Area, Sodalıgöl Bird Area and Van Gölü Bird Area are in Bitlis.
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Siirt is a valuable place to be seen with climate that four seasons passes by most beautiful way, , productive soils that every kind of vegetable and fruit breed, blankets and carpets that hand made and produced by eye – straining work, curative Pervari honey, large seeded peanut, Zivzik Narı and carpets that hand made and produced by eye – straining work, curative Pervari honey, large seeded peanut, Zivzik Narı that has unique tasting, natural beauties, historical creations, Islamic saints died in city.
Thermal springs, tombs, historical Mosques, Castles and bridges are take important place in historical and touristic values of Siirt city. Previously known as Saird, in pre-Islamic times Siirt was an episcopacy of the Byzantine Church. An illuminated manuscript known as the Syriac Bible of Paris may have originated from the Bishop of Siirt’s library, Siirt’s Christians would have worshipped in Syriac, a liturgical language related to Arabic still in use by the Chaldean Rite, other Eastern Christians in India, and the Nestorians along the Silk Road as far as China. The Chronicle of Seert was preserved in the city; it describes the ecclesiastical history of the Persian realm through the middle of the seventh century. From 1858 to 1915 the city was the seat of a bishop of the Chaldean Catholic Church. Most of the city’s Chaldeans including their archbishop were killed during the massacres of 1915. Siirt has a very hot and dry summers and cold and wet winters. During winter months there is frequent frost and occasional snowfall.
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Bayburt is a small wonder, is located on the historical Erzurum – Trabzon Silk Road that connects Eastern Anatolia Region to the Black Sea Region. This small capital of the Turkish province of Bayburt is where time has stopped.
A strategic point on the famous `Silk Route`, Bayburt has been the rendezvous of the `East` and the `West` in the past. Visited by Marco Polo and the celebrated Turkish excursionist Evliya Çelebi, mentioned by Xenophan in his book, “Anabasis”- the city had always been in the eye of the world and is founded among the banks of Çoruh River and the history of the city extends to year BC 3000. It stands on both side of the Çoruh Nehri in the shadow of its great fortress, partly destroyed in 1829.
The main mosque, the Ulu Cami, was built in the 16th century.
Places to Visit ;
Aydıntepe Underground City is located in the Aydıntepe district of Bayburt. The city is composed of galleries carved in the rocks, chambers with pillars and more extensive areas, which are connected to these chambers. Only a small section of this underground city is open for visit.
The discovered findings are exhibited at the Erzurum Archeological Museum. Çiftetaş – II Hill is located at the Çiftetaş Village was assumed to be a natural formation but after the excavations executed in between 1993 – 1995 some ancient remains were found. These findings are exhibited at the Bayburt section of the Erzurum Archeological Museum.
Bayburt Castle is located on the north of city center and dates back to 2000 B.C. It is being renovated by Turkish Ministry of Culture and has footprints of Byzantine, Romans, Arabic and Komnenos dynasty. Dede Korkut Thomb is located around Masat Village.
Clock Tower and Korgan Bridge are located in Aksar District and were built in the Ottoman era. Ulu Camii (Grand Mosque) was built by Ghiyath ad-Din Mas’ud II, the ruler of the Sultanate of Rûm. In 1967 the mosque was restored. Ferahşat Bey Camii, Yakutiye Camii and Pulur Ferahsat Camii mosques are interesting to see. Sirakayalar Waterfalls is located in Sirakayalar village and offers a beautiful scene.
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Yalova is a city located in northwestern Turkey, near the eastern coast of the Sea of Marmara, and is the capital of the Yalova Province. Yalova has a city population of 100.863, while the population of the Yalova Province is 118.998 Yalova has a number of tourist attractions, such as the “Yalova Atatürk Mansion” used by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the modern Turkey, during his visits to the city.
The city is famous for its hot springs in Termal district, which gets its name from the Latin word thermae. Another attraction is the Karaca Arboretum on the way to Termal.
The first settlement in the region dates back to the Prehistoric Period, in around 3000 BC. The Hittites ruled the region in the 21st century BC, followed by the Phrygians in the 13th century BC. The region was conquered by the Romans in 74 BC. Following the division of the Roman Empire in 395, the region of Yalova remained under the sovereignty of the Byzantine Empire. In 1302, Yalova was incorporated into the territory of the Ottoman Empire. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk occasionally lived in Yalova in his final years. In one of his speeches he famously said: “Yalova is my city
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Bartın is a city in northern Turkey, the capital of the province of Bartın. Formerly a district of Zonguldak Province, Bartın has been made into a province seat in 1991 with the constitution of its province, including 4 districts: the Central Bartın, Amasra, Kurucasile, and Ulus). Bartın is a member of the Norwich-based European Association of Historic Towns and Regions (EAHTR).
Main sights include the castle, two churches, bedesten, the Kuskayasi Road Monument and inziva (seclusion) cave in the city center. Sections of the ancient city like the forum, the council palace, the road of honor, the theatre, the acropolis and a necropolis are now below the ground.
The history of the antique Parthenios city dates back to 1200 BC, when its area was inhabited by the Gasgas tribe. In the following centuries, the region had entered under the dominance of Hittites, Phrygians, Cimmerians, Lydians, Persians and Macedonians. Later it was part of the Roman Empire and then of the Byzantine Empire, until it fell to the Seljuk Turks and the Candarogullari State between the 11th and the 13th centuries AD. Bartın was conquered by the Ottoman sultan Bayezid I in 1392. Places to Visit ; Ancient Cities There are numerous ancient city ruins inside the borders of historic Paphlagonia region. Ancient cities of Sesamos (Amasra), Kromna (Kurucaşile) and Erythinoi (Çakraz) are located inside the borders of Bartın. The castle, two churches, bedesten, Kuşkayası Road Monument (Unique in the world) and inziva (seclusion) cave inside the city center are among the visual parts of the ancient city. The sections of the ancient city like forum, council palace, road of honor, theatre, acropolis, necropolis are below ground. Beaches İnkumu, Amasra, Çakraz, Kızılkum, Mogada, Güzelcehisar and Bozköy beaches are not only the most important beaches of the province, but also in West Black Sea Region. Bartın Houses The wooden Bartın Houses display the architectural characteristics of the art movements brought forth to Turkey by the Tanzimat Fermanı (Reforms Decree). Marinas The marinas of Amasra and Kurucaşile are suitable to yachts for over night stay. Kurucaşile, is known as being the place where the mountains touch the sea and the place where the first wooden boat constructed in the world had flayed. This district persists its fame with the construction of the most beautiful wooden schooners in Turkey. Kastamonu – Küre Mountain National Park lies between Kastamonu and Bartin, in the western Black Sea region. The nearest large town is Zonguldak, on the west, and the park is off the coastal road running west towards Bartin. This park has the variety of flora and fauna but is also one of the places least affected by industrialisation. Around the area are Azdavay, Pinarbasi, Ulus, Bartin, Kurucasile, Amasra and Cide districts. The main animal species found here deer, roe deer, bears, wolves, foxes, jackals, rabbits, wild boar, singing birds, birds of prey and reptiles. Recommended places to visit are Ilica Waterfalls, Valla Canyon, Aydos Canyon, and Ilgarini Cave. Caves The Gürcüoluk cave in Çakraz and the Sipahiler cave in Kayadibi exhibits wonderful spectacles with the formations of stalactites, stalagmites, travertine and bulb.
Places To Visit ;
Ancient Cities
There are numerous ancient city ruins inside the borders of historic Paphlagonia region. Ancient cities of Sesamos (Amasra), Kromna (Kurucaşile) and Erythinoi (Çakraz) are located inside the borders of Bartın.
The castle, two churches, bedesten, Kuşkayası Road Monument (Unique in the world) and inziva (seclusion) cave inside the city center are among the visual parts of the ancient city. The sections of the ancient city like forum, council palace, road of honor, theatre, acropolis, necropolis are below ground.
Beaches
İnkumu, Amasra, Çakraz, Kızılkum, Mogada, Güzelcehisar and Bozköy beaches are not only the most important beaches of the province, but also in West Black Sea Region.
Bartın Houses
The wooden Bartın Houses display the architectural characteristics of the art movements brought forth to Turkey by the Tanzimat Fermanı (Reforms Decree).
Marinas
The marinas of Amasra and Kurucaşile are suitable to yachts for over night stay. Kurucaşile, is known as being the place where the mountains touch the sea and the place where the first wooden boat constructed in the world had flayed. This district persists its fame with the construction of the most beautiful wooden schooners in Turkey.
Kastamonu – Küre Mountain National Park lies between Kastamonu and Bartin, in the western Black Sea region. The nearest large town is Zonguldak, on the west, and the park is off the coastal road running west towards Bartin. This park has the variety of flora and fauna but is also one of the places least affected by industrialisation. Around the area are Azdavay, Pinarbasi, Ulus, Bartin, Kurucasile, Amasra and Cide districts. The main animal species found here deer, roe deer, bears, wolves, foxes, jackals, rabbits, wild boar, singing birds, birds of prey and reptiles. Recommended places to visit are Ilica Waterfalls, Valla Canyon, Aydos Canyon, and Ilgarini Cave.
Caves
The Gürcüoluk cave in Çakraz and the Sipahiler cave in Kayadibi exhibits wonderful spectacles with the formations of stalactites, stalagmites, travertine and bulb.
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Ortaköy Mosque has one of the most picturesque settings of all of the Istanbul mosques
OVERVIEW
Ortakoy (Ortaköy) Mosque
Located just before the Bosphorus Bridge, the Ortaköy Camii, Turkey (Ortaköy Mosque Turkey) has to have one of the most picturesque settings of all of the Istanbul mosques. Indeed, Ortaköy Mosque photos, with the bridge the background are often used to demonstrate that particular Istanbul juxtaposition of traditional and modern.
Ortakoy (Ortaköy) Mosque History
Built on the sight of an 18th century mosque (built by Mahmut Ağa, the son-in law of Grand Vizier Ibrahim Pasha), the current building was completed in 1855, to serve as the Büyük Mecidiye Camii (Grand Imperial Mosque) to the Ottoman Sultan Abdülmecid. It was designed by Armenian architect, Garabet Balyan, and his son Nigoğayos Balyanl, who were also responsible for the nearby Dolmabahce Palace.
It is neo-Baroque in style, with an ornate exterior, and large windows that allow light to flood into its plainer interior. The main chamber is small and square shaped, its edge 12.25m in length. The ceiling is a dome shape, covered in pink mosaics. There are two tall minarets, each with a single sherefe (minaret balcony). Attached is the two storey Hünkar Kasrı (sultan’s summer palace). It has recently undergone a major refurbishment.
What are the Ortakoy (Ortaköy) mosque opening hours?
Like most mosques, it is open from around 9am to 6pm, but closed to visitors during prayer times. There is no Ortaköy Mosque ticket price, but donations are welcome.
What else is nearby Ortakoy (Ortaköy) Mosque?
If you visit the mosque, make sure to spend some time exploring the surrounding neighbourhood, which was once a sleepy fishing village. The mosque itself is set at the end of a pretty open air square, around which are some of Istanbul’s best nightlife and dining options. If you visit on a Sunday, you can also explore the craft market that takes place in the side streets each week. Reflecting the historically cosmopolitan nature of the area, there is also the Aya Fokas (St Phocas) Greek Orthodox church and the Etz-Ahayim synagogue nearby.
How to get to Ortaköy Mosque Istanbul
To get to Ortakoy by public transport, take a 40, 40T or 42T bus from Taksim, or from Kabatas, you can take the the 22, 22RE or 25E bus.
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Eyup Sultan Mosque is a very special and holy mosque for the Islamic world.
OVERVIEW
Eyüp Sultan Mosque
The Eyüp Sultan Camii (Eyüp Sultan Mosque) is one of the most holy and important mosques in all of Turkey. It is so revered because it located on the site of the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (Eyüp Ensari in Turkish) – who was both a friend and standard bearer for the Prophet Muhammed, and was killed during the first Arab siege of Constantinople (674-678).
Interior of Eyup Sultan Mosque which is one of the most holy and important mosques of Istanbul.
Interior of Eyup Sultan Mosque, Istanbul
Eyup Sultan Mosque history
The mosque was erected on the instruction of Fatih Sultan Mehmet II (aka Mehmet The Conqueror), five years after he seized Constantinople for the Ottomans in 1453. However it fell into disrepair and was further ruined by earthquakes. It was rebuilt in a Baroque style using attractive pale honey-colored stone in 1800. The interior is elegant in design and the decorated dome of Eyup Sultan Mosque measures 17.5m in diameter and is supported by two half domes.
What else is there to see near the Eyup Sultan Mosque?
The tomb of Eyüp is perhaps more interesting than the mosque itself. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 9:30am-4:30pm, it is covered in tile panels from a number of different periods, which create a beautiful, if overwhelming effect.
The Eyüp Cemetery, which leads up the hill from the mosque, is a pleasant leafy area to stroll through. At the top is the Pierre Loti Café, where you enjoy a Turkish tea or coffee with stunning views out across the Golden Horn (best enjoyed at sunset). The café is named after the French novelist and Turkophile who used to come here for inspiration.
Dome of Eyup Sultan Mosque located near by Pierre Loti Hill.Dome of Eyup Sultan Mosque, Istanbul
Ideas for visiting the Eyup Sultan Mosque
There’s a cable car (teleferik) that runs from the shore of the Golden Horn to the top of the hill. A good idea is to take this to the top, before walking down through the cemetery to the mosque at the bottom of the hill. If you’re feeling energetic, you can then carry on wandering through the colorful and cosmopolitan neighborhoods of Ayvansaray, Balat, and Fener, heading back towards Eminönü and Sultanahmet.
How to get to Eyup Sultan Mosque
Eyüp is a conservative neighborhood on the Golden Horn (so make sure to dress appropriately when visiting). It can be reached via the Haliç Hattı ferry line from Üsküdar, Karaköy, or Eminönü. There is no Eyup Sultan ticket price but donations are welcome.
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