Four minarets reach for the Lyon sky. They mark the Eyüp Sultan Mosque, a beacon of Turkish culture. This mosque is not just a place of worship. It’s a symbol of community. It stands as the second-largest mosque in the Lyon area.
The Eyüp Sultan Mosque derives its name from a significant figure. Abū Ayyūb al-Ansari was a companion of the Prophet Muhammad. The Turks revere him. They call him Eyüp Sultan. He spread Islam to the very walls of Constantinople. In Istanbul, a municipality bears his name. There, you will find the original Eyüp Sultan Mosque. It is also where his tomb rests.
Legend says the tomb was rediscovered in 1453. Mehmet II was leading the Ottoman siege. Beset by failures against Constantinople’s walls, he sought guidance. His teacher, Akşemseddin, brought news. He had a dream. The Prophet revealed the tomb’s location. This discovery boosted the Ottomans. They captured the city soon after.
The Eyüp Sultan Mosque in Lyon mirrors this legacy. It represents the Turkish presence in the Rhône-Alpes region. Around 145,000 Turks reside here. Lyon itself hosts about 30,000 Turks and Franco-Turks. They arrived in the 1970s. They first settled in the city center. Later, they moved to the outskirts. They established deep roots in the region.
Today, over a hundred mosques stand testament to the Turkish community. Some connect to the Turkish government’s DITIB. The Eyüp Sultan Mosque is different. It is part of independent European federations. It stands as a cultural and religious hub.
Step inside. You will find a 4,800 square meter complex. It includes a 750 square meter prayer hall for men. A beautifully adorned mezzanine serves the women. The Eyüp Sultan Mosque is more than just a religious site. It is a community center. Classrooms buzz with activity. Children and adults learn about Islam, Arabic, Turkish, and French. There is also tutoring. A university session meets in a dedicated library. Since 2014, the Maison d’Arqam Muslim school has also called this place home.
The Eyüp Sultan Mosque runs independently. A restaurant, tea room, and barber shop operate here. A solidarity grocery store also helps fund the mosque’s activities. The mosque reflects Ottoman charm. Its four minarets blend tradition with modernity. Four minarets once signified imperial mosques in Ottoman culture. This design choice emphasizes the mosque’s importance.
The dome is impressive. It spans 16 meters in diameter. Covered in traditional lead, it evokes Istanbul’s atmosphere. Marble is a key element here. Beige marble covers the facade. Pink marble adorns the columns. Gray marble graces the pulpit. The mihrab features finely carved gray marble. This material creates a majestic feel.
Look up to the dome. You can admire artwork inspired by Istanbul mosques. The Sura Ya-Sin encircles its base. Openings allow light to stream in. The word “iqra” separates these windows. This word means “read” or “proclaim.” It is the first word revealed to the Prophet.
A chandelier hangs from the dome’s center. It features lamps shaped like ostrich eggs. This is another Ottoman tradition. Mimar Sinan, a 16th-century architect, used ostrich eggs to repel spiders. Sultan Soliman imported these eggs for mosques. Today, the chandeliers carry Koranic verses. They also include divine names.
Calligraphy is everywhere. A tughra adorns the facade. This is a calligraphic monogram. It represents Ottoman sultans. Marble pieces feature Islamic calligraphy. Verses from the Quran decorate the mosque. The thuluthi style dominates. It was a favorite of the Ottomans.
Circular panels called lehva decorate the space. Six lehva appear in the prayer hall. They bear the names of Allah and prophets. Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad are represented. These names show Islam’s respect for prior prophets. This mosque is an innovative building. It blends tradition and modernity. It serves the Muslim community. The Eyüp Sultan Mosque also hosts many activities. Kermesses, university meetings, and orientation fairs take place here. The Millî Görüş association supports interfaith dialogue. The current president of the CRCM Rhône-Alpes is a member. We encourage you to explore and appreciate this mosque.