Sultans, Saints and Scholars
Tour Pricing
Tour Details
This deeply powerful tour of Sultanahmet will have you encountering some of Türkiye’s most iconic landmarks. But we seek to go past the touristic surface into the symbolism of every feature of the Ayasofya, the Blue Mosque and Süleymaniye, as well as learning about the living scholarly tradition of this incredible city - Istanbul beyond the famous historical ruins!
1. Day: 5 August
Süleymaniye - Eminönü - Beyazıt - Sultanahmet - Ayasofya
We will begin at the resting place of one of Istanbul’s most important spiritual figures, Abül Vefa, before making our way to the Süleymaniye Mosque for prayer, with its glorious panoramic view and famous acoustics. A nearby delicious Turkish lunch is next, followed by the stunning tile work of Rüstem Paşa Mosque. Our next stop will be a bespoke Turkish tea-tasting experience at the Egyptian Bazaar of Eminönü - a real feast for the senses! The streets surrounding the bazaar will take us, via Mosques, sultans, saints and living scholars, to Beyazit Mosque, famed for being built from only pure wealth. From here, we will walk the path towards the highlight of our tour - the Sultanahmet square - passing the ancient Constantine Column and tomb of sultan Abdul Hamid II along the way. Sultanahmet square offers a chance to see more living experts in the Islamic sciences at work, as well as the grave of a companion of the Prophet and a mosque containing pieces of the holy black stone of the Kaaba in Mecca. But, after dinner, we will of course experience the stars of the show - Ayasofya and the Blue Mosque - in full, discovering the secrets of their past and present, and hearing their incredible joint adhan and congregational prayer. Experience all this and more on our Sultans, Saints and Scholars tour…
