Turkey is a unique country with rich religious and cultural heritage and it acts as a bridge between the East and the West. The modern day Turkey is the custodian of some of the most sacred relics of the Prophet Mohammed that consists of his footprint, bow, and his mantle. The relics are well preserved in the Holy Relics room within the Topkapi Palace in the Pavilion of the Holy Mantle. According to a study titled “Global Muslim Lifestyle Tourism Market 2012: Landscape & Consumer Needs”; Turkey has become the second most-visited country by Muslim tourists, after Malaysia.

As per an accouchement made by the Turkish Culture and Tourism Minister Mr. Ömer Çelik; the total number of tourist arrivals to Turkey in 2014 increased by 5.5% as compared to 2013. A total of 36,837,900 tourists visited Turkey during the year 2014, an increase of 5.52% from 34,910,098 tourists in 2013. It further states that there are around 5 million Turkish citizens who are residents in different countries in Europe but visit Turkey each year. If these numbers are added up, then the total number of visitors to Turkey will be around 42 million.

Control over Islamic World

Throughout the history of the Caliphate, the holy relics of the Prophet Mohammed had an astounding effect on the followers of Islam, and whoever possessed the relics led the Islamic world. Ottoman Sultan Selim I gained control of the heart of the Islamic world with the conquest of the Mamluk Sultanate in the 16th century. Thus the Caliphate remained within the Ottoman Sultanate for the next 400 years, until its abolition in the wake of World War I.

Holy Halal Tourist Sites

Topkapi Palace:

Today, the Holy Relics Room within the Pavilion of the Holy Mantle in Topkapi Palace remains as one of the most religious Halal tourist destinations, where the Quran has been recited continually for more than 500 years. The palace also showcases the sword wielded by the first four Caliphs, a turban worn by Joseph & Moses’ staff, and the keys to the Kaaba, in Mecca.

Tomb of Eyup Sultan:

The Tomb and Mosque of Eyup Sultan up along Istanbul’s Golden Horn, is the fourth most holy sites in Islam. The mosque sits atop the site where Eyup al-Ansari, Mohammed’s standard bearer and closest friend, is believed to have been buried, having fallen during the Arab assault of 670.

Mevlana Museum:

Mevlana Museum in Konya is one of wonderful sites in Turkey that is flocked by mystics of all faiths. They go there to pay respects to Celaleddin i-Rumi, better known as Mevlana. Within the dervish lodge of the Mevlevi Order lies the sufi’s tomb, a place of pilgrimage for all who are inspired by his writings.

If you want to go for a halal tour package then Turkey has lots of things to offers. You can enjoy the best of amenities that any modern Islamic country could offer, and at the same time you go down in the history when you see those sites of historical and religious importance.