Little Hagia Sophia Mosque | Istanbul

The Little Hagia Sophia Mosque (Turkish: Küçük Ayasofya Camii) is a beautiful and historic mosque located in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul. It is often considered a smaller and less famous counterpart to the Hagia Sophia due to its similar architectural style, which combines elements of Byzantine and Ottoman designs. The mosque is an important landmark in Istanbul for both its historical significance and its architectural beauty.

Overview and History

The Little Hagia Sophia was originally built as a church during the Byzantine Empire under the reign of Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century, around the same time as the construction of the Hagia Sophia. It was known as the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Turkish: Sergios ve Bakhos Kilisesi), dedicated to the Christian martyrs Saint Sergius and Saint Bacchus.

Byzantine Era: The church was completed around 536 AD and was one of the most important churches in the Byzantine capital. Its architecture served as an early precursor to the grand design of Hagia Sophia, particularly in its use of a central dome supported by pendentives and its nave design.

Ottoman Era: After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the church was converted into a mosque. It was named the Little Hagia Sophia because of its architectural similarity to the grand Hagia Sophia, which had been converted into a mosque after the fall of Constantinople. The mosque retained its basic structure, but Ottoman additions were made, such as the minaret.

Modern Era: Today, the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque is still in use as a mosque and is open to visitors. Though less famous than the Hagia Sophia, it remains a key example of the cultural and religious transitions that took place in Istanbul following the Ottoman conquest.

Architecture and Design

The Little Hagia Sophia Mosque is a stunning example of Byzantine architecture that was later modified with Ottoman additions. Its design has several key features that reflect both Byzantine Christian and Ottoman Islamic influences.

1. Byzantine Architecture

Dome: Like the Hagia Sophia, the Little Hagia Sophia features a large central dome that is supported by pendentives—a characteristic feature of Byzantine architecture. The dome gives the interior a sense of height and spaciousness.

Centralized Plan: The church was originally built on a centralized plan, which was later adapted into the mosque layout. The building has a square or nearly square floor plan, with the central dome at the core of the structure.

Nave and Aisles: The nave and aisles were designed to direct the focus to the altar in the Christian church. After conversion into a mosque, the mihrab (prayer niche) was placed at the center of the nave.

2. Ottoman Modifications

When the Ottomans took control of the church and converted it into a mosque, they made several modifications to fit the building's new use:

Minaret: A traditional Ottoman minaret was added to the structure, typical for a mosque. The minaret served as a muezzin’s call to prayer and also became one of the defining features of the mosque's architecture.

Mihrab: The mihrab (prayer niche) was installed in the central apse, orienting the prayer space towards Mecca. The design of the mihrab is an Ottoman addition, reflecting Islamic tradition.

Mimbar: The mimbar (pulpit) for the imam is located near the mihrab, which is another feature typical of Ottoman mosques.

Calligraphy: The walls and interior are decorated with Ottoman-era Islamic calligraphy, including the names of the Prophet Muhammad and the first four caliphs.

3. Interior Decorations

Mosaic Remnants: Although much of the original Christian mosaics were covered or removed during the mosque conversion, some Byzantine mosaics remain visible on the upper parts of the walls, providing a glimpse into the church’s Christian past.

Marble Columns and Capitals: The church’s original columns and capitals are still visible in the mosque, showcasing the classical Byzantine style. The columns are made of marble and are exquisitely carved, reflecting the high quality of Byzantine craftsmanship.

Ottoman Tile Work: The Ottoman influence is also evident in the tile work, which is a feature of many mosques in Istanbul. The tiles feature intricate geometric and floral patterns that were typical of the Ottoman style.

Significance

1. Historical Importance

The Little Hagia Sophia stands as an important symbol of the transition from Christian Byzantium to Islamic Ottoman rule. It represents the continuity and change that occurred after the Fall of Constantinople in 1453. This mosque is one of the many sites in Istanbul that reflect the city's deep and diverse historical layers, blending Christian and Islamic cultural and architectural influences.

2. Architectural Significance

The mosque is considered an early and important example of Ottoman adaptation of Byzantine church architecture. It provided the template for the design of other important Ottoman mosques, particularly in terms of the use of the central dome supported by pendentives.

3. Religious and Cultural Symbol

As a mosque today, the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque is a place of worship for Muslims in the area, and it continues to serve as an active religious site. Its dual history as a church and a mosque gives it a unique status, bridging both Christian and Islamic heritages in Istanbul.

Visiting the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque

The Little Hagia Sophia Mosque is open to visitors and remains an active mosque, so it’s important to dress modestly and observe the rules of respect during prayer times. Here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting:

Prayer Times: Visitors should be aware of prayer times, as the mosque is still an active place of worship. It is closed to tourists during the five daily prayers but is generally open at other times.

Entrance: There is no entrance fee to visit the mosque, as it remains a place of worship.

Location: The mosque is located near the Sultanahmet Square, within walking distance of other famous sites such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. It is easily accessible by public transport.

Conclusion

The Little Hagia Sophia Mosque is a charming and historic mosque that offers visitors a glimpse into Istanbul’s rich past, where Byzantine and Ottoman influences coexist. Whether you're an architecture lover, a history enthusiast, or someone simply seeking to explore a less crowded but equally beautiful mosque in Istanbul, the Little Hagia Sophia is a must-see. Its unique blend of Byzantine and Ottoman styles, combined with its fascinating history, makes it a captivating site for those wanting to discover more about Istanbul’s cultural and religious evolution.