Little Hagia Sophia Church The Little Hagia Sophia, also referred to as Vize Hagia Sophia, is a unique church-mosque structure located in various regions of Turkey. Constructed in the basilica style during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, between 527 and 565 AD, it stands out for its wooden roof, unlike many Byzantine buildings that typically used stone and brick. The church features uncommon architectural elements not often seen in later Byzantine architecture, along with delicate pencil drawings and watercolor decorations from the Ottoman period of the 14th century. Vize Hagia Sophia represents a significant masterpiece in the evolution of Byzantine architecture. Its remarkable design combines two distinct floor plans—a basilica at the lower level and a Greek cross at the upper level—making it unique as the sole example of this type near Constantinople. During the era of the Ottoman Empire, Gazi Süleyman Pasha transformed Vize Hagia Sophia into a mosque. Before this conversion, the building mainly functioned as a prayer area. The structure underwent its most recent restoration between 2007 and 2008, and today it primarily serves as a site for visitors. The building, which is rectangular in shape but nearly square, features three apses topped with domes resting on hexagonal drums. Its distinctive design includes columns supporting the dome and Corinthian pillars with marble tops that branch into three sections. Certain elements of the structure resemble those of the Hagia Sophia. The main entrance is through the narthex, which leads to three doorways. Historically, the site contained fragmented inscriptions and female statues, constructed using both stone and brick. The mihrab (prayer niche) is a modern addition made from cement. If you have any questions or would like more information about the Little Hagia Sophia Church, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or simply message us on Whatsapp, and we will reply promptly.