Ayvansaray Sahabe Tombs
Acting on the Prophet's promise, Muslims launched campaigns to capture Istanbul during the Umayyad and Abbasid periods. During the reign of Muawiya, the first expedition to Istanbul took place in 668. Many companions, including Hussein, Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, Abdullah ibn Abbas, Hafir, Abu Shayba al-Hudri, Abdullah ibn Umar, and Abdullah ibn Zubayr, participated in the expedition in order to fulfill the Prophet's prophecy, but they were unsuccessful. The strong walls of Istanbul could not be breached. In subsequent years, Muslims managed to besiege Istanbul again but failed to achieve victory.
When the Ottomans conquered Istanbul on May 29, 1453, the graves of the companions who had reached the walls during the Muslim sieges and were martyred were found by those with miraculous powers. During the Ottoman period, tombs and grave monuments were built for these companions, who were the spiritual protectors of the walls. The most famous of these companions is undoubtedly Abu Ayyub al-Ansari. Today, the tomb of the companion, located in the Eyüpsultan district and giving its name to the district, is one of the most visited tombs in Istanbul. Many companions are buried on the border between the Fatih district and the Eyüpsultan district. The number of companion graves in the area indicates that Muslims fought particularly hard to enter the city from this area.
