 Abu Ayyub al-Ansari (Eyüp Ensari), the friend and standard-bearer of Muhammad, is said to be buried in the Eyüp Sultan Mosque.Ottoman believers considered this site to be third holiest in the world, after Mecca and Medina.Ottoman Sultan/Caliphs acceded to their title in a ceremony in the Eyüp mosque, as this location was more sacred than any location in the capital, being the tomb of a companion of the prophet provided a "blessing bestowal" from the closest circle of Muhammad.