Overview:

Kucuk Ayasofya Mosque is located in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, Turkey. Built between 1597 and 1603, this small mosque was built as an expansion of the nearby Hagia Sophia Mosque, which served as the grand imperial mosque of the Ottoman Empire for four centuries. The mosque was designed by the renowned Ottoman architect Sinan, and it is noted for its beautiful Ottoman-style architecture and its interesting history. Kucuk Ayasofya is believed to have been the site of the first prayers delivered in Istanbul after the fall of Constantinople in 1453. The mosque is also believed to be the final resting place of Malik-i Shane, the court treasurer for the famous Ottoman Conqueror Mehmet the Conqueror. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

1. Küçük Ayasofya Mosque is an Ottoman-era mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. 2. Built in 1537 by sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, it is one of the oldest surviving mosques in Istanbul. 3. It is known for its graceful domes and its interior walls which are decorated with Iznik tiles from the 16th and 19th centuries. 4. The mosque is symmetrical, with each minaret having a balcony with a round opening in the center. 5. Its adjacent courtyard is one of the largest and most beautiful Ottoman-era courtyards in Istanbul. 6. The shrine of Ömer Bey, a commander of Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror, is situated in the courtyard. 7. Inside the mosque, visitors can admire the marble mihrab, minbar, and pulpit, which were all added in the 16th century. 8. The courtyard and outside walls of the mosque are decorated with exquisite marble columns as well as the great Ottoman-era coats of arms. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

KUCUK AYASOFYA MOSQUE, also known as Little Aya Sofya Mosque, is an eminent mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. The distinctive architectural characteristics of the mosque have made it a popular tourist attraction. It is located right next to the entrance of the Grand Bazaar, one of Istanbul's most popular marketplaces, and has been since its earliest beginnings in the early 13th century. The original foundation of the mosque is believed to be Byzantine in origin and dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel. A much larger mosque was built on the foundations of the original during the Ottoman period. It was built by Sultan Mahmud II in 1817, and redesigned in the traditional Ottoman style by the famous Ottoman architect, Karabiyesiz Mehmet Aga, who was also responsible for the construction of the nearby Grand Bazaar. The mosque is renowned for its richly carved stone masonry and intricate interiors. It has four domes that rest atop four fluted columns and four minarets, ornately decorated with tiles. The mosque contains a single hallway with four rows of domed chambers connected to each other. These chambers are arranged in two rows along the length of the colonnade and two rows along the width of the colonnade, creating an impressive symmetrical pattern. The main prayer hall is located at the center of the mosque and includes two niches as well as a Mihrab for the prayer of Muslims. Due to its proximity to the Grand Bazaar and its significant presence in Istanbul, the Kucuk Ayasofya Mosque is considered an important landmark in the city. It is a popular destination for tourists as many of Istanbul's leading tourist attractions such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia are located within walking distance of the Mosque. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Kucuk Ayasofya Mosque, also known as Little Hagia Sophia Mosque, is an Ottoman mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. 2. It is located near the Bosphorus in the district of Sultanahmet, adjacent to the Hagia Sophia which was previously a Byzantine church and then an Ottoman mosque before it being turned into a museum in 1935. 3. The mosque was originally built by the 16th century Ottoman Sultan, Selim II. 4. The exterior of the mosque is covered with green and blue tiles made from Iznik ceramic. 5. It is one of the few remaining examples of classic Ottoman architecture in the city. 6. The interior of the mosque is decorated with ottoman-era mosaics and splendid marble pillars. 7. Kucuk Ayasofya Mosque is still used as a place of worship and often holds special ceremonies such as weddings. 8. It is an important part of Turkey's Islamic and Ottoman heritage, and a striking landmark of Istanbul. One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era