Conquerors and Companions

We start this majestic tour among some of the great sultans of old, paying our respects, before praying in one of Mimar Sinan’s finest works, Şehzadebaşı Mosque, known for its skillful muezzins. A visit to one of the oldest religious structures standing in the city, once a church, now a grand mosque by the name of Molla Zeyrek, will be followed by lunch at a renowned Turkish restaurant nearby, before heading to one of the flagship stops on the tour - Fatih Mosque. Its rich history as a university complex, imperial base and survivor of earthquakes makes for a spectacular story. We will continue on to the district of İsmailağa, famed for its religiosity and Islamic schools, visiting two more sultans on the way. A short walk to the shores of the Golden Horn will bring us to the historic Christian quarter of Balat, where we will observe some of the finest Christian architecture on offer worldwide, as well as the ingenious solutions of the Ottomans in converting ancient Churches to Mosques. Arguably the finest example of this on our tour, the Kariye Mosque, stands between key religious destinations for both Christians and Muslims. Newly renovated, this former monastery, with its impressive mosaic work, is an archive in itself, and will lead us into the sacred district of Ayvansaray. In the culmination of this spiritual tour, experience the blessings of the resting places of some of the companions of the Prophet near the walls which they attempted to breach some 1350 years ago, including Ka’b ibn Malik, Jabir ibn Abdillah, and, most notably of all, Abu Ayyub al Ansari and his stunning complex. We will conclude with prayer in an ancient mosque resembling a fort and dinner at a hidden gem of Syrian cuisine, reflecting on the profound influence of Syrian migrants and refugees in the Fatih district. All this and much more awaits you on our Conquerors and Companions tour…