Ayub Sultan

I recently vısıted the masjıd and grave of Ayub Sultan, companion and host of the beloved Prophet Muhammed (SAW). The site was obviously one of great prominence for tourists as well as the Turkish natives. Crowds of people swarmed everywhere, prayers were whispered, children played, newlyweds smiled, while tourists were endlessly snapped photos. The masjid was very unique. There had been an older masjid in its place, but when Mehmed the conqueror found it, it was in ruins. He then built the current one in its place. The masjid has a courtyard with a huge old beautiful tree where Mehmed used to give his inaugaration speech. There is a speacial room that houses the tomb of Ayub. Many people crowd into the small space to say prayers for the famous Sahabah. There are two musallah one for the men and the other for women. The women also, however, have a second musallah upstairs that overlooks people below-like a bridge. Behind the masjid the is graveyard nestled in a steep hillside that leads to the famous Pierre Lotte. The hill is a STEEP climb and many people opt to use a speacial cable car. But walking truly has its rewards. There is great view and the tempeature is just right. The graves around you give the air a sense of tranquility. At the Pierre Lotte cafe you can reward your hard work by eating a deliciously cold ice cream along with thirst quenching water---YUM!!!