Eyüp, the Ottoman district and walk on the city walls - Small Group

General information

Destination
Istanbul, Turkey

Program details

Experience two unmissable Istanbul attractions in one with this memorable journey into the great city’s rich past, walking first through the historic Eyup district and then exploring the magnificent fortified walls of old Constantinople.



Plunge yourself into Istanbul’s multilayered history by taking a guided stroll through the Eyup neighbourhood. The fact that it is beyond the city walls meant that it has long been used as a place of burial, and the tombs and cemetery included in our itinerary are testament to the way its geographical location has shaped the area. Visit the Mosque of Eyub al Ansari, reputedly the final resting place of the eponymous companion and standard bearer of Prophet Muhammad and venerated site of Muslim pilgrimage. See the mausoleum of Sokollu Mehmet Pasha, the man who came from a humble family of shepherds in what is now Bosnia and rose to become Grand Vizier; the mausoleum of Sutlan Resat and the Tekke (convent) of the Kalendari Sect. The walk then continues uphill through the Eyup cemetery and ends on Pier Loti Hill.



In the afternoon we head for the ancient city walls, starting with a visit to the Yedikule Fortress and its impregnable dungeons, which witnessed the imprisonment and execution of many who fell foul of the Ottoman regime. Best of all is the chance to walk on the top of the wall and gain a sense of the redoubtable strength of this venerable structure.

Step back into Istanbul’s past with this stimulating full-day walking tour.



Duration

8 hours



Start/opening time

8-8:30am



End/closing time

4-4.30pm