This tomb is on the outskirts of Istanbul. Hazrat Abu Ayub Ansari was a close companion of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who died in the assault on Constantinople in 670 AD. He was one of the Ansar, meaning aiders or helpers of the early Islamic history, those who supported Muhammad S.A. after the hijra (migration) to Medina in 622. When the Prophet (ﷺ) emigrated to Madinah, all the Ansar were keen to host the Prophet (ﷺ) in their house. The Prophet (ﷺ) made the decision that he would stay where his camel stopped and it subsequently stopped at the residence of Abu Ayyub Ansari. The Prophet (ﷺ) stayed at his house for 7 months. It was my cherished desire to visit this sacred place and offer Fatiha and prayer. For Muslims, it’s a religious and sacred place. For some, it’s a ‘must’ mosque to visit, and they throng the tomb most of the time. While on my way to the tomb, I found many graves at different locations close to the tomb. I strongly believe that these graves must be the companions and followers of Hazrat Abu Ayub Ansari. These are the oldest and most historic graveyards scattered in small segments close to the main shrine. Some relics like the hair of Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم are on display here. It’s a historic mosque with a mausoleum.