Monday, August 15, 2016

THE CHURCH OF SERGIUS AND BACCHUS( KÜCÜK AYASOFYA - LITTLE HAGIA SOPHIA MOSQUE)


A predecessor to the Hagia Sophia,this church represents one of Byzantium's most innovative architectural creations. One of the oldest religious sites in the city, during the Ottoman period it was known as the little Hagia Sophia.

Byzantine Emperor Justinian( r.527-65) was among the saints' devotees. According to legend,when Justinian was a young man, he was condemned to death for plotting against Emperor Anastasius. But Sergius and Bacchus appeared to the emperor in a dream,convincing him to release Justinian. After they were martyred in Syria,Justinian wanted to make this a creation for their souls.

Sultan Beyazit later converted this monastery to a bedesten ( a covered market) and an education center of Islamic art. Today, it is also famous site housing local artists' ateliers.

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