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A Testament to Byzantine Splendor

Situated on Kûfiik Ayasofya Avenue in Sultanahmet, the Church of the Saints Sergius and Bacchus, also known as the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque, stands as a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Commissioned by Emperor Justinian I between 527 and 536, the church was dedicated to Saint Sergius and Saint Bacchus. Converted into a mosque during the reign of Beyazit II in 1497, it underwent several renovations over the centuries, with significant refurbishments carried out in 1946 and 2000.

Architectural Significance

As the oldest surviving Byzantine-era religious structure in Istanbul, the Church of the Saints Sergius and Bacchus holds historical and architectural significance. It is recognized as the oldest known basilica with a dome in architectural history. Despite its conversion into a mosque, it remains open for prayer and visitation, attracting visitors with its stunning architectural features and rich history Read more

Silivrikapı Panagia Pege Church and the Ecumenical Patriarchate

Testament to Byzantine Faith

Silivrikapı Panagia Pege Church, erected between 457 and 474 under the reign of Emperor Leo I, stands as a symbol of Byzantine religious devotion. Its name, derived from the adjacent holy well (Hagiasma), is steeped in legend, with tales of miraculous healings attributed to its waters. Emperor Justinian I further embellished and expanded the church during his rule, enhancing its significance within the Byzantine Empire.

Historical Significance

The church’s inscriptions reveal a history of reconstruction and renovation, with notable interventions during the Patriarchy of Constantius I in 1834 and a decree by Mahmud II in 1835. Last renovated in 1933, the church remains a revered site, serving as the final resting place for 20 of the 268 Patriarchs since the conquest of Istanbul Exploring Christia

A Testament to Byzantine Splendor

Situated on Kûfiik Ayasofya Avenue in Sultanahmet, the Church of the Saints Sergius and Bacchus, also known as the Little Hagia Sophia Mosque, stands as a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. Commissioned by Emperor Justinian I between 527 and 536, the church was dedicated to Saint Sergius and Saint Bacchus. Converted into a mosque during the reign of Beyazit II in 1497, it underwent several renovations over the centuries, with significant refurbishments carried out in 1946 and 2000.

Architectural Significance

As the oldest surviving Byzantine-era religious structure in Istanbul, the Church of the Saints Sergius and Bacchus holds historical and architectural significance. It is recognized as the oldest known basilica with a dome in architectural history. Despite its conversion into a mosque, it remains open for prayer and visitation, attracting visitors with its stunning architectural features and rich history Read more

Christianity played a significant role in the history of Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople during the Byzantine Empire. As the official religion of the empire, Christianity left an indelible mark on the city’s culture, architecture, and religious institutions. Let’s delve into the rich legacy of Christianity in Istanbul.

Byzantine Influence

During the Byzantine era, Christianity flourished as the dominant faith in Istanbul. The Byzantines, after enduring the repercussions of the Holy Crusades, embraced Eastern Christianity, also known as Orthodoxy. This divergence from the Papal Church in Rome solidified Istanbul’s role as the epicenter of Eastern Christianity, with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople serving as the spiritual leader of all Eastern Churches Church of the Saints Sergius and Bacchus and the Armenian Patriarchate.

Distinctive A

Silivrikapı Panagia Pege Church and the Ecumenical Patriarchate

Testament to Byzantine Faith

Silivrikapı Panagia Pege Church, erected between 457 and 474 under the reign of Emperor Leo I, stands as a symbol of Byzantine religious devotion. Its name, derived from the adjacent holy well (Hagiasma), is steeped in legend, with tales of miraculous healings attributed to its waters. Emperor Justinian I further embellished and expanded the church during his rule, enhancing its significance within the Byzantine Empire.

Historical Significance

The church’s inscriptions reveal a history of reconstruction and renovation, with notable interventions during the Patriarchy of Constantius I in 1834 and a decree by Mahmud II in 1835. Last renovated in 1933, the church remains a revered site, serving as the final resting place for 20 of the 268 Patriarchs since the conquest of Istanbul Exploring Christia

Christianity played a significant role in the history of Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople during the Byzantine Empire. As the official religion of the empire, Christianity left an indelible mark on the city’s culture, architecture, and religious institutions. Let’s delve into the rich legacy of Christianity in Istanbul.

Byzantine Influence

During the Byzantine era, Christianity flourished as the dominant faith in Istanbul. The Byzantines, after enduring the repercussions of the Holy Crusades, embraced Eastern Christianity, also known as Orthodoxy. This divergence from the Papal Church in Rome solidified Istanbul’s role as the epicenter of Eastern Christianity, with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople serving as the spiritual leader of all Eastern Churches Church of the Saints Sergius and Bacchus and the Armenian Patriarchate.

Distinctive A