Cankurtaran - Kucukayasofya - Kumkapi

Cankurtaran - Kucukayasofya - Kumkapi

Küçükayasofya (Little Hagia Sophia)  Mosque in Cankurtaran was an Orthodox church built during the reign of Justinianus I.

The district consists of narrow streets surrounded by Topkapı Palace Sultanahmet and Kadırga and It still sustains its historical patterns. Cankurtaran provides an authentic background for many movies.

Cankurtaran

This is the name given to the district that starts where Sur-i Sultani (part of the surrounding walls ) that surrounds Topkapi Palace ends. This name is rumored to have come from one of the stations (tahlisiye) built to help boats that had accidents in the currents at the entrance to the Bosphorus.

Ahırkapı

Ahırkapı is another one of the historical districts of Istanbul. It was named Ahırkapı ( the stable Gate) due to the fact that the stables of Topkapi Palace and the Bukoleon Palace, as well as the outer courtyards and summer palaces of Topkapi Palace were also located here. This district is the most important archaeological site of Istanbul with the most important remains in the Maganai Palace

AhırkapıLighthouse

This lighthouse was commissioned by Osman III in 1755. It is the western side of the section of Bosphorus that faces the Marmara Sea. The lighthouse built in the form of a white tower was situated on one of the towers of the city walls surrounding Istanbul. It is 40 meters distant from the sea. It helps ships navigate by flashing every six seconds. It was built following a serious sea accident. 

Dedeefendi House

The red Ottoman house on Ahırkapı Avenue was the house of the great master of classical Turkish music Hammamizade Dede Efendi. The two - floor house was given to Dede Efendi by Mahmut II in return for a composition. Dede Efendi lived between the years 1778 and 1846. His 250 compositions can be found in archives today. He settled in this humble house on Ahırkapı Avenue after making music in the Ottoman palace for a long time. The house, now a museum is one of the favorite sites visited by those who appreciate classical Turkish Music.

Erol Taş Culture Center

This is one of the oldest cafe houses of the district of Cankurtaran. It has been offering service since 1945. The founder of the cafe house is the late actor Erol Taş. The cafe that opens when the sun rises in the morning remains open till midnight. Visitors to the districts of Sultanahmet, Cankurtaran and Küçükayasofya can take a break in this cafe.

Akbıyık Mosque

This little mosque lhocated outside the city walls near Ahırkapı in Eminönü, was built in the name of the Sufi poet Akbıyık in the 15th century. It is known as the closest mosque in the direction of Mecca in Istanbul.

The Old French Jail

The old French Jail is located just near the Küçükayasofya Mosque. It was restored by the municipalities of Istanbul and Eminönü and turned into the Ali Müfit Gürtuna Culture Center.

Küçükayasofya Tekkesi 

Little Hagia Sophia Dervish Lodge

There are handicraft workshops, souvenir sellers and booksellers in the building that was turned into a center of traditional handicrafts. There are also training courses to teach the arts of gilding, marbling and calligraphy. The garden that is surrounded with flowers also offers service as a cafeteria. Reed flute tunes can be heard through the streets. 

Küçükayasofya Mosque 

Little Hagia Sophia Mosque

This mosque is an small district between the districts of Cankurtaran and Kadırga. Sultanahmet is just in the vicinity. The streets in this district open to the shores of Marmara through the passes under the railroad. 

Küçükayasofya Mosque was turned into a mosque during the reign of Bayazıd II (1481 - 1512)  by Darüssaade Ağası Hüseyin Ağa. It was originally an orthodox church built after the Justinianus I ascended to the throne. The construction of the church, which is also known as Sergios and Bakhos Church lasted 38 years. Rumor has it that Justinianus I. was going to be punished as he participated in a rebelion against his uncle Justinos I. and that he was acquitted because the saints Sergios and Bakhos appeared in Justinos dream and they testified for him. After he became emperor, he built this church in the name of these saints. The Minaret of the mosque that rises with four corners constructed from bricks has one mninaret symbol. Its dome, which is 19 meters high is situated one arches of eight feet sexteen of the 34 marble pillars in green and red are located on the main floor and the other 18 are above the main hall has five domes and six pillars which were built later.