Join us on a voyage to the heart of the Ottoman Empire’s legacy, the majestic Istanbul. Nestled between two continents, this historic city is a cradle of cultures and has been an epicentre of Islamic civilization for centuries.
Wander through iconic landmarks like the breathtaking Hagia Sophia Mosque, the resplendent Blue Mosque, and the expansive Topkapi Palace. Experience the spiritual ambience where Sultan Muhammad Al-Fatih and other renowned figures of Islam once trod and left their indelible marks on history.
Our package includes a guided tour of these monumental sites, offering you an immersive dive into the intricate tapestry of Islamic and Ottoman history in Turkey.vJoin us, and be part of this journey of a lifetime.
İstanbul, Türkiye
“Glory be to the One Who took His servant by night from
al-Masjid al-Haram (in Makkah) to al-Masjid al-Aqsa
(in Al-Quds), whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him some
of Our signs. Indeed, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing.”
[The Noble Qur’an, 17:1]
On the authority of Abu Dharr (RA) who said,
‘I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, which masjid was built first?’ He said,
“The Sacred Masjid (al-Masjid al-Haram in Makkah).” I said, ‘And then which one?’ He said, “And then the Furthest Masjid (al-Masjid al-Aqsa in al-Quds)” I said, ‘What was the period between them?’ He said, “Forty (years).” He then said, “Wherever the time for the prayer comes upon you, then pray, for the earth is a place of prostration (masjid) for you.”’
[Al-Bukhari]
Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said,
“When Solomon, son of David, peace and blessings be upon him, built the Sacred House, he asked Allah Almighty for the three things throughout. Solomon asked Allah Almighty for judgment coinciding with His judgment, and he was given it. Solomon asked Allah Almighty for a kingdom none would have after him, and he was given it. And Solomon asked Allah Almighty when he finished the foundations of the Mosque that none would come to it, intending only to pray, but that his sins would be expunged like the day he was born from his mother.”
Source: Sunan al-Nasā’ī 693
The Holy Prophet ﷺ said:
“What an amazing place of worship it is! Surely, there will soon come a time when, for a man to have land equivalent to his horse’s rope from which he can see Bait al-Maqdis will be better for him than the whole world!” or he ﷺ said, “Better for him than the world and everything in it!”
[Mustadrak Al-Hakim]
On the authority of Abu Ishaq who said, ‘I heard al-Bara’ say,
‘We prayed with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ towards Bait al-Maqdis for sixteen months or seventeen months. Then we were made to change (our direction) towards the Ka‘bah.’’
[Muslim]
On the authority of Abu Hurairah that the Prophet ﷺ said,
“Mounts are not saddled (i.e. do not set out on a journey) except for three Masjids: the Masjid of al-Masjid aI-haram (in Makkah), the Masjid of the Messenger ﷺ (in al-MadÏnah) and Masjid al-Aqsa (in al-Quds).”
[Al-Bukhari]
The Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, which served as the residence and administrative centre for the Ottoman Sultans, houses the Sacred Relics chamber. This chamber contains several relics of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, including his blessed cloak, sword and bow, relics attributed to other Prophets (AS), Sahabah (RA) and Sultans are also hosted within the chamber.
The conquest of Constantinople in 1453 by Sultan Muhammad Al-Fatih (Mehmed II) stands as one of the most significant events in Islamic history. After a formidable siege, the city’s formidable walls, which had repelled invaders for a millennium, were finally breached, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire. This victory was not just a military triumph but was also seen as the fulfilment of a prophecy attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. With the city’s capture, it was renamed Istanbul and transformed into a thriving Islamic centre, bridging the East and the West, and symbolizing the might and resilience of the Muslim Ummah.
For centuries, Istanbul (formerly known as Constantinople) stood as the illustrious capital of the Ottoman Empire. From its strategic location between two continents to its vibrant cosmopolitan ambience, Istanbul was the heartbeat of a Muslim Empire that spanned three continents. As the seat of the sultanate, it became a nexus of political power, cultural expression, and intellectual discourse. The echoes of the empire’s grandeur still reverberate through the city’s historic palaces, mosques, and bazaars, painting a vivid tapestry of its regal past.
Before the conquest of Constantinople, Bursa served as the Ottoman Empire’s capital. Several early Ottoman Sultans, including Osman Gazi, the founder of the Ottoman dynasty, and Orhan Gazi, are buried here. Bursa houses the magnificent Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) known for its Seljuk-style architecture and 20 domes.
Istanbul’s skyline is a testament to the artistic and architectural genius of the Ottomans. Towering minarets, expansive domes, and intricate tile work showcase a confluence of Byzantine and Islamic design elements. Master architects like Sinan left an indelible mark on the city, with masterpieces such as the Suleymaniye Mosque and the Selimiye Mosque in nearby Edirne. Each structure tells a story of the era’s innovation, fusing form and function in ways that were groundbreaking for their time, making Istanbul a veritable museum of architectural wonders.
Istanbul’s culinary landscape is as diverse and vibrant as its history. Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, the city boasts a rich variety of food influenced by numerous cultures, from the Byzantines to the Ottomans. Visitors are greeted with an aromatic symphony of spices, herbs, and freshly grilled meats. The bustling bazaars offer an array of delicacies, from savory böreks and succulent kebabs to sweet baklavas and Turkish delight. Istanbul’s rich tapestry of flavors, whether it’s the street food vendors selling roasted chestnuts or upscale restaurants presenting modern interpretations of classic dishes, ensures that every palate, from the traditionalist to the adventurous, is treated to a delightful culinary journey.
Absolutely! Photography is allowed and encouraged at Masjid Al-Aqsa. Capture the breathtaking architecture, serene courtyards, and the unique ambiance of this sacred site. Feel free to snap away and create lasting memories of your visit.
Palestine is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene. You’ll have the opportunity to savor a variety of local delicacies during your visit. In addition, our hotels provide breakfast buffets and dinner daily, offering a range of options to suit different tastes. You’ll have the chance to experience both local flavors and international cuisine, ensuring a delightful culinary journey.
Yes, Wi-Fi is available at our hotels to help you stay connected. Additionally, you have the option to purchase a local data SIM to providing you with internet access throughout the duration of the tour which we will be happy to direct you to.
We advise travellers to consider getting an Airalo eSim, most phones are compatible and it is great value.
See our eSim Guide. www.ziyaratours.co.uk/esim-guide
Absolutely. Sisters are permitted to enter Masjid Al-Aqsa during menstruation. While in regular situations, it may be impermissible for women to stay in the masjid, Masjid Al-Aqsa is considered an exception. The scholars of Masjid Al-Aqsa have given a Fatwa (ruling) declaring the permissibility of menstruating women to visit Masjid Al-Aqsa. We encourage all sisters to embrace the opportunity to be in the sacred space of Masjid Al-Aqsa.
Airport immigration can be a lengthy process, sometimes taking a few hours. However, in some instances, it can be quicker. We advise you to remain patient, have all your necessary documents ready, and follow the instructions given by immigration officers. Your experience and safety are our top priorities, and we appreciate your cooperation during this process.
To ensure your safety and provide a seamless experience, we advise staying within the areas recommended by Ziyara Tours. The main focus will be the Old City of Jerusalem, where Masjid Al-Aqsa is located, along with nearby shopping areas. These locations offer a captivating atmosphere, with historical and cultural richness for you to explore, allowing you to make the most of your visit.
While Masjid Al-Aqsa is a sacred place of worship, it follows specific operating hours. After Isha prayer, the Masjid closes for the night and reopens for Fajr prayer, take advantage of the peaceful early morning atmosphere till nightfall to fully embrace the spiritual essence of the Masjid and surrounding lands.
While it’s always important to exercise caution when in unfamiliar surroundings, you can still enjoy friendly interactions with locals. Feel free to engage in polite conversations, ask for directions, and immerse yourself in the local culture. However, we recommend refraining from exchanging personal contact information for your own privacy and security.
The local currency is the Israeli Shekel. ATMs can be found in close proximity to the hotels, as well as money exchange shops, making it convenient for you to access cash or exchange currencies as needed. Our tour guides will be happy to assist you in locating the nearest facilities for your convenience.
We have arranged comfortable transportation for our group, in the form of coaches. Whether it’s airport transfers or exploring various sites on our itinerary, you can relax and enjoy the journey in air-conditioned comfort. Our aim is to provide a seamless and enjoyable travel experience, allowing you to focus on immersing yourself in the wonders of Palestine and Masjid Al-Aqsa.
Yes, the hotel can assist in arranging laundry services for your convenience. Whether you require laundry or dry-cleaning services during your stay, the hotel staff will be more than happy to assist you with these arrangements, ensuring that you have fresh and clean clothing throughout your journey.
No, your passport will not be stamped, instead, you will receive a visa paper slip that serves as documentation of your entry and allows for ease of travel in the region. This ensures that your passport remains unstamped, and you can travel freely to other countries without any complications. Be sure to carry this slip with you if requirest to show identification.
