Küçük Ayasofya and the foundation of Babüssaade Ağası Hüseyin Ağa

Abstract

This thesis examines a patron, Hüseyin Ağa (d. 1508), who was serving as the kapu ağa (the gatekeeper eunuch of the palace) during the reign of Bayezid II, and the foundation he established at the Byzantine church of Sts. Sergius and Bacchus. By considering the connections between these two phenomena, the thesis tries to contextualize them from several perspectives. The power, space and the donor constitute the central focus of this thesis and these are reflected in three parts. First, the pious foundations that were established by Hüseyin Ağa, his transactions in the Balkans, the Eyâlet of Rûm, and the lands granted by the Sultan are considered. His position and wealth suggest a close relationship to Bayezid II. Secondly, to have a deep understanding about his last foundation, the history of the church is analyzed. In this context, the conversion of churches conducted by other contemporary statesmen is discussed, in order to see if Küçük Ayasofya has a unique place among the converted churches of the period. Finally, the place is examined as a zaviye (dervish lodge). It is an attempt to see the importance of the place in the eyes of the palace, statesmen and religious figures.