Little Aya Sofia - Küçük Ayasofya Camii

Aya Sofia is a famous monument visited by many tourists. It receives far less attention from tourists than the bigger and later Aya Sofia. Actually the Aya Sofia is modeled after the little Aya Sofia when its construction started a few years after the construction of the Little Aya Sofia had started, but even before its completion.
The Construction of this Byzantine church took place from th years 527 to the year 536 and it was transformed into a mosque as late as the beginning of the 16th century. Today it is on the UNESCO list of monuments. An extensive restauration was completed in 2006.

The Hippodrome

In front of the Blue Mosque you will find a square with the Hippodrome. The Hippodrome has long been the polical centre of Istanbul. Apart from the impressive buildings that surroundv the square, there are some souvenirs exhibited. Here you will find the Egyptian Obelisk and the beautiful decorated Kaiser Wilhelm fountain.