Little Hagia Sophia, Fatih: Photos, Reviews & Location

Landmark domed mosque in a former 6th century Byzantine church with an Ottoman-style interior.

At a glance

#12 of 37 Tourist attractions in Fatih #16 of 28 Mosques in Fatih

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.70

0.9 km from the center of Fatih

Rating breakdown

5 ★80%
4 ★13%
3 ★4%
2 ★1%
1 ★1%

Küçük Ayasofya Mahallesi, Küçük Ayasofya Camii Sokagi No:20, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

istanbul.diyanet.gov.tr

+90 212 491 16 63

Photos of Little Hagia Sophia (102)

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Quick facts

What is the rating of Little Hagia Sophia?: Little Hagia Sophia is rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 4,230 reviews.
How does Little Hagia Sophia rank in Fatih?: Little Hagia Sophia is #12 of 37 Tourist attractions in Fatih by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Little Hagia Sophia located?: Küçük Ayasofya Mahallesi, Küçük Ayasofya Camii Sokagi No:20, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye — 0.9 km from the center of Fatih.
How can I contact Little Hagia Sophia?: Phone: +90 212 491 16 63 · Website: istanbul.diyanet.gov.tr

Reviews (8)

classfriend 2023 Oct 03

Very small compare to the hagia sofia but a beautiful mashid. Specially if you look at it from the sea bank behind it. Truly amazing at sunset. Glad I didn’t miss this one. It was around 5pm and there wasn’t many people at all.

luciana toma 2023 Sep 27

Little Hagia Sofia is a former Orthodox church from the Byzantine period that currently functions as a mosque.
The small Hagia Sofia was built by Justinian I in the year 536, he also being the one who built Hagia Sofia and many other buildings that are true architectural landmarks in Istanbul and beyond. The architecture of the Little Hagia Sofia Church is unique and does not resemble at all the one that characterizes Hagia Sofia. The building has an octagonal nave located in an irregular quadrangle, covered by a dome with a diameter of 17 meters. The special plan of the Little Hagia Sofia was reused in the Church of San Vitale in Ravena, which was built in 547. The church was converted into mosque in 1513, 60 years after the fall of Constantinople. The transformation of the church into a mosque was done at the behest of Huseyin Aga, the chief eunuch from Topkapi Palace in the first part of the 16th century. Today, the church continues to function as a mosque and receives visitors every day except during prayer times.
Although it is a mosque, the inside of the building has an old inscription in Greek dating from the Byzantine period. The inscription glorifies Justinian and his wife Theodora. it can be visited for free, a quiet place, you can sit in the yard where there is also a terrace

Safad Al Safadi 2023 Aug 13

It’s a beautiful little mosque with a cute garden that’s 10 minutes away from the sea. I advise you to sit in the garden and have some Turkish tea after your visit.

Ryan Conway 2023 Jul 21

Not as grand as the others but still worth a visit. Don’t rush your visit, take it all in, learn and be respectful. Remember no shoes, ladies need to cover up.

yusuf mohideen 2023 Jul 16

It’s so cute that there’s a smaller version of Hagia Sofia with a much smaller crowd as well! The inside has much simpler designs with blue and white colours compared to the original Hagia Sophia. There’s a whole area of small art shops nearby as well as souvenir stores for you to visit and buy from and the people there are super friendly and nice and you can always strike up a conversation with them. As always, just remember to check the tourist visiting hours as they shouldnt clash with the prayer times.

N KADIR 2023 Jun 07

This mosque doesn’t get busy so finding it empty and having it all to yourself is the most extraordinary experience.

Nikita Staroseltsev 2023 Apr 18

Great history and worth to see it but the location is not very convenient if you will go from the top to the bottom and climb it up again. Need to make appropriate route. Lovely and quiet place by the way. Mosque in the same style as Hagia Sophia and deserved it’s name as a Little Hagia Sophia

J L 2023 Apr 09

The small Hagia Sophia mosque, also known as the Mosque of Sokollu Mehmed Pasha, is a hidden gem in Istanbul that should not be missed. Located in the historic district of Sultanahmet, this mosque was once a Byzantine church known as the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, built in the 6th century.

The mosque's architecture is a unique blend of Byzantine and Ottoman styles, with a central dome and four smaller domes surrounding it. The interior is decorated with intricate calligraphy and geometric patterns, while the exterior features stone masonry and delicate minarets.

One of the highlights of this mosque is its peaceful and serene atmosphere, which offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can sit and admire the beautiful architecture, or take a moment for quiet contemplation.

Despite its smaller size, the small Hagia Sophia mosque is an important landmark in Istanbul's history and is worth a visit for anyone interested in the city's cultural heritage. Its location, tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, adds to its charm and makes it a unique destination for travelers seeking a more authentic experience.

Overall, the small Hagia Sophia mosque is a must-see attraction in Istanbul that offers a glimpse into the city's rich and diverse history. Its blend of architectural styles and peaceful atmosphere make it a true gem and a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of modern city life.