Eyup Sultan & Golden Horn

The Golden Horn (Halic) is an inlet on Marmara Sea dividing the European part of Istanbul into two. It is considered to be the world’s largest natural harbor.As a natural and extremely secure harbor, the Golden Horn has played an important role in the development of Istanbul.In fact, it can be argued that Istanbul would never have existed in such a grand way if it weren't for this superb harbour (and also the superb trading route through and across Bosphorus, by the way).

As the sun’s ray reflect off the waters of the Golden Horn, the wisdom of its name becomes clear. Halic was a popular residential area where Greeks, Jews, Genoese and other non-Muslims settled during the Ottoman period. It was a favorite retreat for the Ottoman state elite and upper class with its mansions and large tulip gardens during the 18th century. Today, the Golden Horn is settled on both sides, with beautiful parks and promenades along the shores where one gaze at picturesque sunsets.

Ideally situated along the shores of the world famous Golden Horn, Halic Congress Center offers an unforgettable scenic location where you can take a break from the city without actually having to leave it. The Center’s unique setting along the banks of the Halic, also known as ‘the Golden Horn’ presents an unforgettably panoramic and spectacular view of historic İstanbul

As one of the few venues in the world where indoor, outdoor and waterfront events can be held simultaneously, the Haliç Congress Center stands out with its low-slung architecture. Spread out over an area of 102,000 m2, with 16,000 m2 of outdoor space, the Halic Congress Center is comprised of four main interconnecting structures called Sadabad, Kuleli, Pera and Halic.

Feshane International Fair Congress and Culture Center in Eyup has all the facilities required for the successful and unforgettable organizations that you will make in Istanbul. Feshane is a place on the coast of the Golden Horn where all kinds of fair, organization, meeting, seminar, concert, gala, party, exhibition and cultural activities can be carried out. Feshane is adding a different color to the Golden Horn with its green areas supported historical structure. Feshane has a special pier opening to the Golden Horn, too. Feshane is built on 56.000 square meters area.

The Feshane Children’s Entertainment Park is located within the international fair centre in the Feshane area of Istanbul. It’s an open-air park that has been designed especially for children, with a number of rides, games and activities to keep them busy. There is also a nearby food market for parents can enjoy.

Miniaturk covers a total area of 60,000 square meters which makes it the world's largest miniature park. If you want, you can also visit what is considered to be a miniature version of Turkey. It is a model of the entire country and a unique experience as well. In a single afternoon, you can see all the sights of Turkey when visiting this particular entertainment venue. Models of storied attractions such as Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque as well as a perfect rendition of the airport are just part of the sights, while the miniature train is a favorite of children everywhere.

Eyup is a district on the European side of Istanbul. The name Eyup comes from Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, the companion and standard bearer of the Prophet Muhammad. Abu Ayyub came to Constantinople with the Arab army during the first attempted Muslim conquest of the city, died, and as his last request was buried there. Seven centuries later, during the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, the tomb was said to have been re-discovered by Ak Semsettin, the spiritual mentor of Mehmed II.

After the city was taken, Sultan Mehmet ordered a tomb constructed over Abu Ayyub's resting place and a mosque, the Eyup Sultan Mosque, constructed in his honor. The first major mosque to be built in Istanbul,it was surrounded by a traditional complex including a bath, school, and kitchen.

From that point on, Eyup became a sacred place. Relics were displayed in the tomb, including a stone said to bear the footprint of the Prophet Muhammad. More mosques, schools, tekkes, and fountains were built.At the height of the Ottoman Empire, Eyup was one of the most recognized urban areas outside the city walls.

Fener and Balat are old-style neighborhoods with traditional wooden houses, Byzantine-era churches and old synagogues, where the Greek Orthodox Patriarch also resides.

The Patriarchate of Istanbul in Fener district is one of the fourteen autocephalous churches within the communion of Orthodox Christianity..Because of its location at the former capital of the Eastern Roman Empire and its role as the Mother Church of most modern Orthodox churches, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has enjoyed the status of "Primus inter pares (first among equals)" among the world's Eastern Orthodox prelates.

For one of the best views in the city, you should head to the Pierre Loti Café in Eyup, which is named after a well known French writer who spent some time in Istanbul.