The only stop on our trip to Cyprus was a short stop in Istanbul. We got our visa’s and exited.

Of course, we are the only ones wearing turbans within JFK and Istanbul. We are asked a lot of questions, some sincere, some with suspiciousness.

It is expensive to taxi all the way to our first stop, Eyup Sultan’s Tomb and Masjid. Eyup (Ayub) Sultan (R)was the Sahabi who first housed the Prophet (S) in Madinah. If one recalls the story told in the Sirat un Nabi, the Ansar were all eager and disputing with regards to who should have the honor of keeping the Prophet (S) at their homes.

The Prophet (S) ordered a camel (corrected) to roam and where it shall stop that would be the home where the Prophet (S) would stay. That was Eyup Sultan’s home.

A musjid was built around his tomb in 1458, one of the first constructions after the Ottomans conquered Istanbul.

Taking the metro system and then onto an extremely overcrowded bus we arrive.

We enjoy the wudu at Eyup Sultan’s after a long flight with less than acceptable water conditions and rude (at least to people wearing Turbans) stewardesses.

Entering the Tomb is amazing… people are everywhere, it is very crowded. The feeling of sincerity is deep, most people coming here are locals… this is not a common ‘tourist’ destination. It is very heavy, it is really amazing to be in the presence of a Sahabi.

Words fail.

Eyup Sultan’s Tomb

I suppose because we are wearing turbans people with special problems and very difficult situations approach us to pray for them. Who am I to pray for them? If you don’t believe in intercession, such experiences make its absolute necessity to be clear. I make the intention, for the sake of our Sheykh, to help ease their burden inshaAllah.

We recite fatiha and greet the great Sahabi.

Many other people asked to be buried near Eyup Sultan, including very good servants to the Sultans.

Other artifacts are present, such as the footprint of the Prophet (S). It is difficult to see in photographs due to the fact that it is encased in glass.

We pray Asr and Maghrib at Eyup Sultan Masjid which is very beautiful. This is the ceiling:

There is a small spiral staircase which takes allows me to take a better picture of the front scene:

People take great honor in holding up the thick mat which covers the entrance to allow people to enter or exit.

More to come, inshaAllah.