Thwarted arson attempt at Hagia Sophia mosque in Istanbul by vigilant passerby
News Article: Arson Attempt at Istanbul's Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque Thwarted
In an unexpected turn of events, an arson attempt was made at Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque on the night of July 11, 2025, around 11:50 pm [1][4]. A 42-year-old man, identified later as Mesut Güçlü, entered the mosque wearing a red cap and black clothing, concealing his face [1][2][3][4].
Güçlü carried numerous small pieces of paper in his pockets and placed them near marble columns behind the lecterns inside the mosque [1][2][3]. He tore the papers into pieces and set them on fire, causing a small blaze on the carpet [1].
Fortunately, the fire was quickly extinguished by mosque security personnel before it could spread further [1][3][4]. A nearby woman, wearing a green headscarf, noticed the smoke and alerted the mosque's imam, who helped prevent the fire from spreading [1].
Güçlü fled the scene by vehicle but was apprehended shortly afterward by police officers stationed near Hagia Sophia [2][3][4]. The suspect has a criminal record including assault, threats, and theft, and a history of psychiatric treatment [2][3][4]. During his court appearance, he requested transfer to a mental health facility [2][3][4].
On July 13, Güçlü was formally arrested on charges related to damaging places of worship and the risk of flight [4]. CCTV footage released by authorities documented the suspect's entrance, the lighting of the fire, and his departure from the mosque [1][4][5].
The incident was confirmed by Turkish authorities in early August 2025 and received widespread media coverage due to Hagia Sophia's importance as a historic and religious landmark [1][2]. Following the incident, security measures at the Hagia Sophia have been elevated [6].
The Hagia Sophia, originally built as a Byzantine cathedral in 537 A.D., was converted to a mosque in 2020 [7]. It remains one of Istanbul's most visited landmarks and holds deep significance for both Turkey's cultural heritage and Islamic community. Despite the arson attempt, the monument avoided major damage due to the rapid response [1][2][3][4][5].
Sources:
- CNN
- BBC News
- The Guardian
- Al Jazeera
- Reuters
- Anadolu Agency
- Hagia Sophia Museum and Exhibition Hall
- The recent arson attempt on Turkey's Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, a significant general-news topic, was thwarted in Istanbul on July 11, 2025, and the suspect, Mesut Güçlü, has a history of criminal and psychiatric issues in politics and crime-and-justice sectors.
- Following the arson attempt at Hagia Sophia, a key historical and religious landmark in Turkise, security measures have been reinforced, as reported by various news outlets including CNN, BBC News, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.
