Solitude at Eyüp Sultan Mosque
Istanbul, Turkey
January 7, 2009
Istanbul, Turkey
January 7, 2009
The Eyüp Sultan Mosque is one of the most sacred places in the Islamic world. The mosque was built by Mehmet the Conqueror over the tomb of Halid bin Zeyd Ebu Eyyûb – otherwise known as Eyüp Sultan - who was the standard bearer for the Prophet Mohammed as well as the last survivor of his inner circle. The tomb draws a steady stream of pilgrims as well as surprisingly calm young boys dressed up in blue and white finery awaiting their ritual circumcision.
The tomb seemed buzzing with a respectful crowd but the mosque next door was quiet and almost empty save a few solitary worshipers.
