Little Hagia Sophia Mosque (church) (Turkish: Küçük Ayasofya Camii), formerly the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Greek: Ἐκκλησία τῶν Ἁγίων Σεργίου καὶ Βάκχου ἐν τοῖς Ὁρμίσδου, Ekklēsía tôn Hagíōn Sergíou kaì Bákchou en toîs Hormísdou), is a former Greek Eastern Orthodox church dedicated to Saints Sergius and Bacchus in Constantinople, built between 532 and 536, and converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire.
This Byzantine building with a central dome plan was erected in the sixth century by Justinian; despite its Turkish name, it likely was not a model for Hagia Sophia ("Holy Wisdom"), with which its construction was contemporary, but it is nonetheless one of the most important early Byzantine buildings in Istanbul. It was recognized at the time by Procopius as an adornment to the entire city, and a modern historian of the East Roman Empire has written that the church "by the originality of its architecture and the sumptuousness of its carved decoration, ranks in Constantinople second only to St Sophia itself".
Michael Oon | May 1, 2018
This quaint little mosque is right down the hill from the Blue Mosque. IT is said to have been built 500AD. Previously a church but now a mosque. It has beautiful decorations and the floor is covered in a turquoise coloured carpet. Certainly, worth a visit if you want some peace and quiet.
Pavol Hvizdos | May 2, 2018
Beautiful historical place. Entrance free of charge. Enjoy art and intricate decorations. Close to the other historical places in Istanbul.
trydeletingme1 | Feb 27, 2018
I wish I could have given this place 5 stars, however my visit here was ruined by a one toothed scammer. This scam artist has been mentioned before and is still present at Little Hagia Sofia. He is a one toothed man wearing soiled clothing who hangs around the place. Once I entered the Mosque, this scam artist approached me and claimed he that was a volunteer and offered me a tour, which I refused. However, the man continued to follow me around the Mosque and tried to demand 80 lira for his tour, even though I was ignoring him and trying to avoid him. The man only left after I started to call the police. It seems that the staff at the Mosque are aware of him and are supporting him (given that he has been present for so many years). If you decide to go here and this man approaches you, promptly call the police.
Olgay Celik | May 19, 2018
I love the ambience of the litte hagia sophia mosque. I entered and I kept silence. It was awesome.
Keluarga Pelancong | Apr 4, 2018
Smaller version of Ayasofya. Walk a little bit from Sultanahmet square. Not a touristy spot. But I like the mosque so much. The interior is special.
Ahmad Jamalo | Jun 2, 2018
This Byzantine building with a central dome plan was erected in the sixth century by Justinian, likely was a model for Hagia Sophia ("Holy Wisdom"), and is one of the most important early Byzantine buildings in Istanbul. It was recognized at the time as an adornment to the entire city, and a modern historian of the East Roman Empire has written that the church, "by the originality of its architecture and the sumptuousness of its carved decoration, ranks in Constantinople second only to St. Sophia itself".
Romāns Zatermanis | Jun 23, 2018
The old man, who's been said to be a scammer was present. But at this point you can say who's real traveller and who's an ordinary tourist. If you're latter - you might find him disturbing, but if you're really into history of Istanbul, you will take his tour and give him a reward. I was here for an hour and heard much of the stories which bears this small Hagia Sophia mosque. Be openminded and you can still hear good and verified history facts and if you do not feel to hear his guidance, just say you will not be able to pay for the guided tour. I think he will understand.
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