During Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror's siege of Constantinople (now Istanbul), Aksemseddine discovered the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad. The Turksih Army considered this an early sign of the conquest's success. After the conquest of Constantinople, Mehmet the Conqueror ordered a mausoleum to be built around the tomb, and a mosque was constructed right next to it. Around the area of the holy tomb and the mosque, a Turkish neighbourhood was formed which developed rapidly. This holy township became the first settlement area of the Turks. It was named after Eyup Sultan, the companion of the Prophet Muhammad.

The spiritual importance of Eyup Sultan was acknowledged by the State as well, and the sword girding ceremonies of the Ottoman sultans were held at this site. For centuries, Eyup Sultan has been a spiritual citadel in Istanbul. The tomb of Eyup Sultan has become the biggest yearning and dream of the residents of Istanbul, who wanted to have their last slumber near him. And throughout the Ottoman era, those who have felt this yearning have gathered around him. With the surrounding graves and tombs, the area became the most favoured ""City of the Dead"" in Istanbul. People have made numerous architectural donations around the Eyip Sultan Mausoleum, and the Eyup district was covered with various works reflecting the spirit and elegance of the Ottoman period.