Little Hagia Sophia Mosque (Kucuk Ayasofya Camii) is one of the oldest and most beautiful Byzantine buildings in Istanbul. Built in the 6th century as the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, it stands in a quiet neighbourhood below the Hippodrome, a short walk from the crowds of Sultanahmet, and is still an active mosque today.
History of Little Hagia Sophia Mosque
The church was built between 527 and 536 by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I and his wife, the empress Theodora. It was dedicated to Saints Sergius and Bacchus, two Roman soldiers who were martyred for their Christian faith and later became popular saints in the East. The church stood next to the Palace of Hormisdas, where Justinian had lived before he became emperor.
According to tradition, Justinian built the church in gratitude to the two saints. The story says that when Justinian was accused of plotting against his uncle, the emperor Justin I, Sergius and Bacchus appeared to Justin in a dream and vouched for his innocence, saving Justinian's life.
Because it was completed shortly before the great Hagia Sophia, the building is often described as a forerunner of it, and this is how it came to be known as Little Hagia Sophia.
From church to mosque
The church remained in use throughout the Byzantine period. After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, it was converted into a mosque in the early 16th century, during the reign of Sultan Bayezid II. The conversion was carried out by Huseyin Aga, the chief of the palace's white eunuchs, whose tomb stands in the courtyard. A portico, a minaret and a madrasa with rows of small rooms around the courtyard were added at this time.
Architecture of Little Hagia Sophia
The building is one of the most architecturally impressive in the city. Its plan is an octagon set inside an irregular square, crowned by a central dome. Between the eight main piers, pairs of columns form curved and straight bays, with a gallery on the upper level.
- Look up at the dome, divided into sixteen segments that alternate between flat and concave sections.
- Look for the long Greek inscription carved along the frieze above the lower columns. It honours Justinian and Theodora and names Saint Sergius.
- Note the finely carved column capitals, some still bearing the monograms of Justinian and Theodora.
The building was restored in the 2000s, and its bright, whitewashed interior now gives a clear view of its Byzantine structure.
Visiting Little Hagia Sophia Mosque
How to get there
The mosque is in the Kucuk Ayasofya neighbourhood, south of the Hippodrome, close to the Sea of Marmara shore. From Sultanahmet Square, walk downhill for about ten minutes. It is easy to combine with the Blue Mosque and the Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque nearby.
Etiquette and tips for your visit
- Little Hagia Sophia is an active mosque, and entry is free.
- The mosque closes to visitors during prayer times, so plan your visit around them.
- Dress modestly: cover knees and shoulders; women should cover their hair.
- Take off your shoes at the entrance and speak quietly inside.
- Take a moment in the peaceful courtyard, a world away from the busy streets of Sultanahmet.
What to see near Little Hagia Sophia
The streets around Little Hagia Sophia are among the most rewarding in the old city for a slow walk, with far fewer visitors than the main squares.
- Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque: a small masterpiece by the architect Mimar Sinan, built in the 1570s on the slope above, with outstanding Iznik tiles and small fragments said to come from the Kaaba in Mecca.
- The Hippodrome: the old chariot-racing ground of Constantinople, with the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column and the Walled Obelisk (see our guide to the Istanbul Obelisk).
- The Sea of Marmara shore: walk down to the coastal road for sections of the Byzantine sea walls and views of ships waiting to enter the Bosphorus.
- Kumkapi: the old fishermen's quarter to the west, known for its fish restaurants and meyhanes.
For other Byzantine landmarks worth seeing, read our guide to churches to visit in Istanbul, or explore the area with a guide on our Istanbul old city tour.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Little Hagia Sophia?
The building was completed shortly before Hagia Sophia and shares features with it, such as a central dome, so it became known as Little Hagia Sophia, Kucuk Ayasofya in Turkish.
When was Little Hagia Sophia built?
It was built between 527 and 536 by Emperor Justinian I and Empress Theodora as the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus.
Is Little Hagia Sophia Mosque free to visit?
Yes. It is an active mosque and entry is free, but visitors should avoid prayer times and dress modestly.
When did Little Hagia Sophia become a mosque?
It was converted into a mosque in the early 16th century, during the reign of Sultan Bayezid II, by the palace official Huseyin Aga.
End your sightseeing day on the water
After the old city, see the palaces and mansions from the Bosphorus on a private sunset yacht cruise, only for your group.