Küçük Ayasofya Mosque
Küçük Hagia Sophia Mosque is a mosque in the Küçük Hagia Sophia district of Istanbul. Hagia Sergios and Bakhos Church were built by Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Emperor Justinian I and his wife Theodora between 527-536 and by Sultan II. Beyazıt Topkapı Palace was converted into a mosque during the reign of Darüssaade Ağa Hüseyin Ağa. Block stones measuring 3 meters by 1.8 meters were used in its foundation. It has a main dome with 8 corners. It is known as the oldest Byzantine Period structure in Istanbul. In the southern part of the garden, there is the Hüseyin Ağa Madrasa, which has a large garden with 24 rooms and a fountain in the middle. The Madrasa was restored by the Yesevi Foundation and was put at the service of Turkish handicrafts. Nearby is the Kesikbaş Hüseyin Ağa tomb. The building underwent two repairs in 1836 and 1956, various lead and plasterwork was renewed, and its single minaret was significantly repaired. According to legend, the church takes its name from an event that took place when Anastasius I was the Roman Emperor of Nature. During the reign of Anastasius I, a social uprising took place against the emperor, and Justinian I's name was also involved in this rebellion. Thereupon, Justinian I is sentenced to death by the emperor. However, the night before the morning of the sentence, St. Sergius and St. Bacchus enter the dreams of Emperor Anastasius I and testify in favor of Justinian I. This dream or vision has such an impact on the emperor that he reconsiders the justice of the decision. Anastasius I recanted his decision and pardoned Justinian I. After Justinian I ascended to the throne, he built the church, which currently serves as the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque, in the name of St. Sergius and St. Bacchus as a votive church to pay his debt of gratitude to the Saints who made the decision to spare his life by Anastasius I.
