The Eyüp Sultan circumcision tradition: combining your son’s sünnet with an Istanbul trip

Where does this tradition come from?

Eyüp Sultan is the resting place of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, the Companion who hosted the Prophet (peace be upon him) in his home after the Hijra to Medina. In Ottoman times, new sultans were girded with a sword here when they came to the throne. Because of this spiritual weight, Istanbul families come to Eyüp Sultan at the big turning points of life: boys before their circumcision, newlyweds, young men leaving for military service.

Bringing a boy in his festive outfit to Eyüp Sultan for prayers before his circumcision remains one of Istanbul’s most living family traditions. On weekends you can see dozens of little “princes” in capes and hats in the courtyard.

How does the visit day go?

1. Getting ready: Your son puts on his sünnet outfit at the hotel, and the family dresses in their best clothes.
2. Visiting the tomb: Recite al-Fatiha and make du’a at the tomb of Eyüp Sultan. Keep quiet, wait your turn, and women cover their hair.
3. Prayer: If the timing works, pray in congregation at the mosque. Check times in our prayer times and sightseeing plan.
4. Photos: The courtyard and the shade of the plane trees are favourite photo spots. Photography inside the tomb is not appropriate.
5. Celebration: Finish the day with a family meal and sweets nearby. You can also take the cable car up to Pierre Loti hill for tea with a view over the Golden Horn.

Where can I buy a sünnet outfit?

A sünnet outfit usually includes a white or coloured suit, a cape, a plumed hat, a small sceptre and a sash embroidered with “Maşallah”. You will find them at different prices in children’s clothing shops around the Grand Bazaar, Mahmutpaşa and Eminönü, and in the market streets around Eyüp Sultan. Bring your son’s measurements and buy the outfit a few days before the visit.

For prayer beads, prayer mats and gifts, see our Islamic souvenirs guide.

Having the circumcision itself done in Istanbul

Some families also want the circumcision to take place in Istanbul. It is a medical procedure and must be done by a doctor in a hospital or licensed clinic. Choosing the hospital and doctor is your decision; we do not give medical referrals.

• A child needs a few days of rest after the procedure, so plan the Eyüp visit and sightseeing before the circumcision.
• During recovery, a quiet room close to the lift makes life easier; tell us when you book.
• Do not book your flight right after the procedure; wait for the follow-up check your doctor recommends.

Municipalities and foundations sometimes organise group circumcision celebrations for families in need. These usually require a local application and are not open to visitors.

How to get to Eyüp, and when to go

From Sultanahmet, take the T1 tram to Eminönü, change to the T5 Eminönü–Alibeyköy tram and get off at Eyüpsultan Teleferik; the trip takes about 40–50 minutes in total. With a large family and a boy in costume, a taxi or private car may be more comfortable. See our Istanbul public transport guide.

• Quietest time: Weekday mornings.
• Busiest: Weekends, school holidays and Friday prayer time.
• Other Companions’ tombs nearby: To extend the visit, read our Companions’ tombs and Eyüp Sultan route.