It is almost impossible to travel to Istanbul without visiting at least a few of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the iconic Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. These two monuments are among the city’s main attractions and it shows, they are almost always busy. Luckily, Istanbul also has places where things feel much calmer, hidden corners where you can take your time and look around in peace. One of those places is Küçük Ayasofya Camii, also known as the Little Hagia Sophia, a serene and modest mosque. It is a place that, in my view, you should definitely include during your stay in Istanbul.
Read this article in DutchHistory of Küçük Ayasofya Camii
Küçük Ayasofya Camii, the Little Hagia Sophia, was built in the sixth century as a Byzantine church dedicated to Saints Sergius and Bacchus. This happened during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, the same emperor who would later be responsible for the construction of the great Hagia Sophia. For a long time it was believed that the Little Hagia Sophia served as a model for its famous counterpart, but modern historians now think that both buildings were constructed around the same time. During the Ottoman period, the building was converted into a mosque. Islamic elements such as a minaret, a mihrab and a minbar were added, and the original Christian character gradually faded. In the eighteenth and twentieth centuries, the mosque underwent extensive restoration and acquired the form it has today.
What can you see in the Little Hagia Sophia?
The first thing you notice is that the Little Hagia Sophia is many times smaller than its famous namesake. And it is exactly this scale that makes the place so special. The vast interior of the great Hagia Sophia can feel overwhelming to many people, but here the small central dome creates a sense of calm instead. From the outside, the building looks rather simple, yet if you look more closely you can clearly see features of Byzantine architecture alongside Ottoman details from a later period. Inside, the soft tones and the subtly painted ornaments around the arches and windows stand out the most. The light falls beautifully into the space, both through the windows in the dome and through the wooden framed windows along the sides of the mosque. Combined with the quiet atmosphere you experience here, it creates a deeply serene setting.
What you need to know before your visit
If you would like to visit the Little Hagia Sophia, you can simply walk in during visiting hours, outside prayer times. As in all mosques in Istanbul, you will need to take off your shoes before entering. Women are expected to cover their shoulders and knees and to wear a headscarf or scarf, while for men modest clothing is sufficient. If you do not have a scarf with you, there is usually one available to borrow at the entrance. Admission is free.
Do not forget to explore the area around the mosque
The Little Hagia Sophia is located in the historic Sultanahmet district, one of the city’s richest cultural areas and one of the most enjoyable neighbourhoods to explore, within easy walking distance of many of Istanbul’s best known sights. Right around the mosque you will find winding streets lined with small cafés and little shops. Just a few minutes away are the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and Topkapi Palace. A bit further on lies the Basilica Cistern, a beautiful underground water reservoir from Byzantine times. There is more than enough to see and do in this remarkable city.
