Eid al-Adha in Istanbul: Prayer at Hagia Sophia, Qurbani, and Family Picnic

بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Eid Mubarak to all our readers - May Allah accept and bless you and your families!! We spent Eid al-Adha 2025 in Istanbul and we wanted to share our incredible day. From Fajr and Eid Salah in Historic Hagia Sofia, to Qurbani in Eyup Sultan, and a picnic in a National Garden in Başakşehir with friends and family. We hope this will inspire your journey through the Muslim World.

Introduction: Why Eid al-Adha Is So Important for Muslim Families

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the unwavering faith of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail (AS) as an act of obedience to Allah. In recognition of this devotion, Allah provided a ram to be sacrificed instead.

Our beloved Prophet (SAW) upheld this tradition and emphasized its spiritual rewards. Performing Qurbani not only honors the legacy of obedience and devotion but also helps feed those in need. For families with children it really important to continue to pass on these valuable traditions to keep attached to our Islamic history and legacy.

For Muslim families around the world, Eid al-Adha is a time of reflection, devotion, and unity. It is a day to gather for congregational prayer, perform the Qurbani (sacrifice of an animal), share meals with loved ones, and provide for those in need. The spiritual and communal significance of this day cannot be overstated.

What Is It Like to Pray Eid Salah at Hagia Sophia?

Going to Hagia Sophia for Eid Salah was one of the things we looked forward to most when planning this visit to Istanbul. We were all filled with excitement, especially knowing we’d begin our Eid day in one of the most historically significant mosques in the Muslim world.

We started our day early by attending Fajr at Hagia Sophia. Eid Prayer here begins just a few minutes after sunrise, so it’s crucial to arrive early if you want a spot. The mosque gets incredibly crowded on Eid, which is no surprise given its deep Islamic history. As we’ve mentioned in previous journals, Fajr at Hagia Sophia is epic on its own due to the spiritual atmosphere and architectural beauty of the mosque, so you will get the best of both if you get there early.

A Brief History of Hagia Sophia and Its Place in Muslim History

Originally constructed in 537 CE as a cathedral by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque in 1453 following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. For nearly 500 years, it served as a central mosque of Istanbul before becoming a museum in the 20th century. In 2020, it was officially reconverted into a mosque, renewing its status as a place of Islamic worship.

Hagia Sophia represents a bridge between two ummahs — and continues to be a symbol of Istanbul’s layered history. Praying here during Eid made us feel deeply connected to centuries of devotion and change. We are going to be doing a deep dive into the history of Hagia Sophia soon in an upcoming blog so make sure to stay tuned.

After Salah, we enjoyed the traditional Turkish lentil soup that was handed out after Fajr and Eid prayers — a heartwarming and nourishing gesture. We took some time to relax in the square between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, which includes seating areas perfect for reflecting and chatting with other families. After soaking in the atmosphere, we hopped on the tram for the next part of our day.

Where Can You Perform Qurbani in Istanbul?

Doing your own Qurbani can be challenging in a foreign country. Between finding a suitable location, arranging transport, and figuring out where to sort and store the meat — it can be quite a process, especially for a big family. Even within central Istanbul, Qurbani locations are scarce due to limited space and high demand. Most facilities are located far on the outskirts making it difficult to get there, and we always like our children to at least witness this vital part of the day.

We always recommend speaking to locals when trying to organize something specific like this. That’s how we discovered a designated Qurbani site in Eyüp Sultan, a historic district just a 15-minute tram ride from Sultanahmet. Eyüp Sultan is not only convenient but also home to several Qurbani facilities, making it one of the few areas in Istanbul that accommodate this ritual well.

We’ll be writing a full post on Eyüp Sultan soon — it’s a beautiful area steeped in Islamic heritage and definitely worth visiting with your family. For now, we’ll just say that performing our Qurbani here.

It is very easy once you find the spot to do your Qurbani. Just pick your animal, negotiate a bit, and they will slaughter, clean and give it to you in bigger pieces, then you can take it to a local butchery to cut down further or do yourself if you have the tools.

Başakşehir

After completing our Qurbani, we went back home to clean up, rest, and eat before heading out again in the afternoon. A friend invited us to join a picnic at the Başakşehir National Park.

Başakşehir is an up-and-coming expat-friendly district located on the outskirts of Istanbul. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the city center or about an hour by train. We chose to take the train, which was a comfortable and budget-friendly option. Public transport in Istanbul is reliable, clean, and safe, costing only about 70 cents per person — ideal for large families like ours.

What Makes Başakşehir National Park Ideal for Muslim Families?

Başakşehir National Park, known locally as Başakşehir Millet Bahçesi, is one of the largest green spaces in Istanbul. The park was inaugurated in 2018 as part of Turkey’s initiative to create urban green spaces that promote health and community well-being.

Spanning over 360,000 square meters, the park includes walking and biking paths, picnic areas, playgrounds, cafes, and fountains. There are multiple masjids and prayer areas within walking distance, making it incredibly convenient for Muslim families spending the day here. The park’s layout promotes relaxation, with shaded seating and open fields perfect for children to play and families to gather.

We enjoyed our time here thoroughly. The kids met new friends and had plenty of space to run around. We shared a simple picnic and drank chai as the sun began to set. It was a beautiful ending to a spiritually rich and joyful day.

Final Reflections: Is Istanbul a Good Place to Celebrate Eid?

Eid al-Adha in Istanbul was a unique and unforgettable experience. From the spiritual weight of praying at Hagia Sophia to the fulfillment of performing Qurbani and the warmth of sharing a picnic with friends in Başakşehir — every moment reflected the heart of this blessed day.

For Muslim families considering Istanbul as an Eid destination, we highly recommend it. The city offers a beautiful blend of Islamic history, modern convenience, and warm community spirit. Whether it’s your first time visiting or a return trip, spending Eid here adds another layer of meaning to your journey.

Don’t forget to check out our full vlog on YouTube for a real-time look at our day, and subscribe to our blog for more Muslim family travel guides, halal food tips, and Islamic heritage experiences.

Please message us or leave a comment on our website or YouTube/Instagram channels to tell us about your favorite destinations for Eid, and let us know if you have questions we can help with. EID MUBARAK!!

Please see our list of blogs to learn more, and you can contact us directly at muslimfamilynomad@gmail.com for any questions and even set up a consultation.

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