Little Hagia Sophia Mosque : The Elegant Traces of Early Byzantium
Nestled within the cozy texture of an Ottoman neighborhood, near the shores of the Sea of Marmara in the Historical Peninsula, the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque (formerly the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus) is one of the oldest and most important Early Byzantine structures in Istanbul. Although often referred to as a miniaturized Hagia Sophia, the structure stands out for its unique architectural grace and originality within Byzantine art.
Historical Depth: From Justinian to the Ottomans
Little Hagia Sophia was constructed during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I and his wife Theodora, just before the construction of Hagia Sophia, between 532 and 536 AD. The building was dedicated to saints who played a significant role in the emperor's life.
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A Lesson in Early Byzantine Architecture: Some historians suggest that Little Hagia Sophia served as a prototype for Justinian's architects to test the dome and plan systems they would later implement in the colossal Hagia Sophia. Consequently, the structure reflects the architectural brilliance of Hagia Sophia on a smaller scale.
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Conversion to a Mosque: After the conquest of Istanbul, the structure remained a church for a long time. It was converted into a mosque in the early 16th century during the reign of Bayezid II, by Kapı Ağası Hüseyin Ağa. With this conversion, Ottoman-Islamic architectural elements such as a mihrab, minbar, and a madrasah were added.
Architectural Features: The Dance of the Octagon
The Little Hagia Sophia Mosque deviates from the customary rectangular basilica plan, featuring a central plan scheme that showcases the complex geometry of Early Byzantine architecture.
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Unique Plan: Although the exterior of the structure is an irregular rectangle, the interior is centered on an octagonal naos (main worship area) topped by a dome. The octagon is surrounded by four large arches and niches, which give the space a dynamic flow and sense of movement.
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Dome and Galleries: The dome rests upon columns strategically placed at the corners of the octagon. The two-story surrounding galleries (revaklar), served as the area where the imperial family and important dignitaries worshipped during the Byzantine era.
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Marble Work: One of the most striking features in the interior is the masterfully carved marble column capitals found in the galleries and at ground level. These capitals bear the elegant acanthus leaf motifs of Byzantine art from the period, along with the monograms of Emperor Justinian and Empress Theodora.
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Kufic Inscriptions: The inscriptions running around the building, which originally contained Greek writings, have been enriched with Ottoman Kufic calligraphy due to the additions made after its conversion to a mosque.
Tip for Tourists: Visiting the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque means delving deep not only into Istanbul's Ottoman past but also its glorious Byzantine history. Unlike the grand scale of Hagia Sophia, the intimate and elegant interior of this structure offers a chance to see the intricacies of Early Byzantine architecture up close. Be sure to focus on the details on the column capitals and the geometric flow created by the central plan.
Are you ready to witness an elegant period of history in this miniature architectural marvel of Byzantium?