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LITTLE HAGIA SOPHIA MOSQUE (the Church of the Saints Sergius and Bacchus)

This Byzantine church with a central dome plan was erected in the 6th century and was a model for the Hagia Sophia, the main church of the Byzantine Empire. It is one of the most important early Byzantine architectural example in Istanbul.

The construction of the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, between 527 and 536 AD (only a short time before the erection of the Hagia Sophia between 532 and 537), was one of the first acts of the reign of Justinian I.

After the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans in 1453, the church remained untouched until the reign of Bayezid II. Then (between 1506 and 1513) it was converted into a mosque.
Due to the increasing threats to the building's static integrity, it was added to the UNESCO watch list of endangered monuments some in 2002. The World Monuments Fund added it to its Watch List of the 100 Most Endangered Sites in 2002, 2004, and 2006. After an extensive restoration which lasted several years and ended in September 2006, it has been opened again to the public and for worship.
However it is very close to Sultanahmet historical area the church of Little Hagia Sophia is one of the least visited monument in the area and the church, its environment is really attractive and peaceful especially with the café and small workshops in courtyard.

Useful information
*The Small HAgia Sophia mosque is right behind the Blue Mosque located in the Kucuk Ayasofya street, after passing through the Arasta Bazaar, and continuing straight about 500 meters you will see its characteristic flattish dome rising at the base of the hill.
Since it is still active mosque it is open every day of year from 08.00 am to 08.00 pm. But it is closed during the praying time temporarily for visitors.
*Women need to cover the head and therefore it is convenient to carry a scarf with you if you do not want to use the one offered in the mosque and both men and women need to be dressed properly which means shoulders and legs are asked to be covered.
*No entrance fee

Book the tour for LITTLE HAGIA SOPHIA MOSQUE / CHURCH OF SERGIOS and BACCHUS

 
 
ok BASILICA CISTERN ok DOLMABAHCE PALACE ok SPICE BAZAAR
ok BLUE MOSQUE ok EMINONU SQUARE ok SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE
ok BOSPHORUS ok GALATA TOWER ok PRINCES ISLAND
ok CAMLICA HILL ok GRAND BAAZAR ok TOPKAPI PALACE
ok CHORA MUSEUM ok HAGIA SOPHIA ok WOODEN SUMMER HOUSES
ok ANADOLU KAVAGI ok BEYLERBEYI PALACE ok LITTLE HAGIA SOPHIA
ok PAMMAKARISTOS CHURCH ok POYRAZKOY ok RUMELI FORTRESS
ok HIPODROME ok GOLDEN HORN and PIERRE LOTI HILL ok ORTAKOY
ok MAIDEN TOWER ok TAKSIM SQUARE & ISTIKLAL STREET  
 
 
 
LITTLE HAGIA SOPHIA MOSQUE / CHURCH OF SERGIOS and BACCHUS
LITTLE HAGIA SOPHIA MOSQUE / CHURCH OF SERGIOS and BACCHUS
LITTLE HAGIA SOPHIA MOSQUE / CHURCH OF SERGIOS and BACCHUS
 
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Historical Treasuries
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Little Hagia Sophia Mosque
 
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Highlights of Istanbul
Cruise tour with private boat in Golden Horn and Bosporus
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The fortress of Europe
Anadolu Kavagi
 
Prince’s Islands Tour
Princes' Islands Tour
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