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Istanbul, the magnificent city that spans two continents, is a treasure trove of Islamic history and culture. This 3-day Sahabe & Islamic Heritage Tour invites you to explore the city’s rich Islamic legacy, with a special focus on the Sahabe (companions of the Prophet Muhammad) and their deep connection to the city. Istanbul’s mosques, tombs, and historical sites are not just architectural marvels; they are sanctuaries of faith and key landmarks of early Islamic history. This tour offers a unique opportunity to visit sacred sites and discover the profound spiritual heritage that has shaped the city.
This 3-day Sahabe & Islamic Heritage Tour of Istanbul is perfect for those looking to deepen their understanding of Islamic spirituality, history, and art. Whether you’re a pilgrim, a history enthusiast, or someone seeking to learn more about Islam’s rich heritage, this tour offers an enriching experience that will leave you spiritually uplifted and culturally enriched. Explore the holy mosques, revered tombs, and sacred relics that have shaped the city’s identity as one of the most important centers of Islamic culture.
Highlights
- Begin your journey at the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, one of the most revered sites in Istanbul. This mosque is dedicated to Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad and the first to be buried in Istanbul. Visit the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a key site of pilgrimage for Muslims around the world.
- Eyüp Sultan Complex: Explore the surrounding Eyüp Sultan Complex, which includes the mosque, a library, turbe (tombs), and a graveyard. This area is a spiritual center and an important place for reflecting on the early Islamic history and the lives of the Sahabe.
- Sahabe Tombs Tour Istanbul is home to the graves of numerous Sahabe (companions) of the Prophet Muhammad. The Sahabe Tombs are scattered throughout the city and reflect the deep connection between the Prophet’s companions and this sacred city. Sahabe Tombs in Istanbul: Visit the tombs of other notable companions like Umm Haram, the wife of Ubadah ibn al-Samit, who was the first woman from the Prophet’s family to be buried in Istanbul. Each tomb has its own significance, reflecting the companionship, sacrifices, and contributions these early Muslims made to the spread of Islam.
- Süleymaniye Complex: Explore the mosque’s vast courtyards, its beautiful interior, and the tombs of Süleyman the Magnificent and his wife Hurrem Sultan (Roxelana), alongside other Ottoman figures. Learn about the contributions of the Ottoman Empire to the Islamic world, as well as the mosque’s role as a center of learning, theology, and arts.
- Fatih Mosque, named after the Conqueror Mehmed II, who is responsible for the fall of Constantinople in 1453. The mosque houses the tombs of key figures from the Ottoman period, and its significance as the site of the Ottoman conquest of the city cannot be overstated. Discover how the Ottoman Empire transformed Istanbul into a major center for Islamic scholarship, architecture, and culture, and how these contributions continue to resonate today.
- Spend the morning at Topkapi Palace, the historical residence of Ottoman sultans. In addition to its rich history and art, Topkapi Palace houses one of the most revered collections of Islamic artifacts, including relics of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Built during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, the mosque is famous for its stunning blue tiles and vast dome.
- While exploring the mosque, learn about its historical and religious importance, as well as its connection to Ottoman imperial power and Islamic spirituality. Reflect on the significance of Islamic calligraphy, tile work, and other artistic expressions within Islamic architecture.
- End the day with a visit to the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, which houses an incredible collection of Islamic art, from calligraphy to textiles, and manuscripts. The museum provides an in-depth look at the cultural and artistic achievements of the Islamic world, particularly in the Turkish and Ottoman context.
- Reflect on how Islamic art and culture intertwined with the development of Istanbul as an Islamic metropolis, influencing not only religious life but also daily life in the city.
Itinerary
Greetings at Istanbul Airport in Turkey. TSG staff will be there to greet you and arrange your transfer to the hotel, where you can check in and receive your room key. The rest of the day is yours to wander and discover the delights of Istanbul. You will spend the night in the city.
Please remember that you can spend the night at TSG's optional whirling dervish show.
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, pick up at the hotel between 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. Your tour consultant will provide you with the final timing one day before. After breakfast, we have the Istanbul Islamic and Sahabe Tour.
Istanbul is the home to many religious artifacts because of its lengthy history as a center of religion. Following the Ottoman period, the Islamic religion became dispersed throughout the city. The first mosque in Istanbul was built in Kadikoy, on the Asian side of the city, which was conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1353. The first mosque on the European side of Istanbul was built inside Rumeli Castle in 1452. The Eyup Sultan Mosque (built in 1458) was the first grand mosque built in the city proper.
We will visit the Eyup Sultan Mosque on our Sahabe and Islamic tour, which is at the same time the eternal resting place of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a close companion and the standard-bearer of the prophet Muhammad. The small Sahabe Cemetery just outside Egrikapi Gate may seem like a standard Muslim cemetery, but it is not. Because they were the first Muslims to reach Istanbul and besiege the city, they are well-known in Turkey.
The Suleymaniye Mosque becomes most meaningful when understood in its historical and cultural context. It was built during the latter part of Sultan Suleyman’s prosperous reign, which stretched from 1520 to 1566. After the tour, drop back off at your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
(Breakfast included)
Following breakfast, we check out of the hotel and head to the airport in Istanbul to catch your flight home. One of TSG's adventures comes to an end. However, you can sign up to take advantage of TSG credits, and this is the best way to snag credits and use them for your next trips as a discount, as well as to hear about the hot deals according to your interests.
Trip includes
Included
2 nights’ hotel accommodation - Pullman Hotel or Ramada Hotel Golden Horn
Please Note: If the above hotels are not available then we will provide the similar category hotels.
Professional English speaking tour guide
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Transportation in fully air-conditioned, non-smoking luxury busses
Arrival transfer from Istanbul Airport
Return transfer to Istanbul Airport
Guided Istanbul Islamic and Sahabe Tour
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Why Choose This Tour?
Deep Historical and Spiritual Insight: This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the historical and spiritual depth of Istanbul, with special emphasis on the Sahabe (companions of the Prophet Muhammad) and key Islamic sites.
Immersive Experience: With visits to iconic mosques, tombs, and the Sahabe graves, you will gain a profound understanding of the early Islamic history and its enduring impact on Istanbul and the Muslim world.
Architectural Beauty: Istanbul’s mosques are masterpieces of Islamic architecture. From the grandeur of the Süleymaniye Mosque to the serene beauty of the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, this tour will immerse you in the visual splendor of Ottoman Islamic architecture.
Connection to the Prophet’s Companions: The special focus on the Sahabe tombs gives you a rare chance to connect spiritually with the companions of the Prophet Muhammad and reflect on their contributions to Islam.
Cultural Immersion: Beyond the religious sites, this tour also allows you to experience the city’s Ottoman heritage and Turkish-Islamic art through visits to Topkapi Palace and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts.
Excluded
International flights
Insurance: All types
City tax
Turkey entry visa
Personal expenses: Extras at hotel or additional meals
Tipping: Tips for guides and drivers
Any others expenses which are not mentioned in the "included" section
Availability
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Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before the tour departure.
Request a Private, Customizable Departure
By design, this is a group tour. You can however request a private, customized version of this tour for yourself or your private group of people. Private departures are usually more expensive, but come with these benefits:
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Itinerary can be tweaked and customized.
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