Istanbul, August 6, 2025
Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr
An arson attempt at the historic Hagia Sophia Cathedral in Constantinople was thwarted when a man tried to set fire to papers inside the monument that has served as a mosque since 2020.
The incident occurred on July 11, 2025, at 11:50 PM when a man wearing a red cap entered the Hagia Sophia and set fire to papers beside a marble column. A woman immediately alerted security officials, who extinguished the fire before it could spread to the carpet, reports the Orthodoxia News Agency, with reference to Turkish authorities and local outlets.
The perpetrator was identified through security cameras and arrested several hours later. Authorities confirmed that the man, Mezut Güçlü, has a history of mental health issues and had previously been hospitalized in a psychiatric clinic.
The suspect was taken to judicial authorities on July 13, following standard procedures.
Turkish media reported that the man concealed his face from security cameras. He carried no flammable materials or metal objects and passed through security checks without raising suspicion. Small papers hidden in his pockets were what he used to start the fire.
Following the incident, security measures at the Hagia Sophia have been strengthened. The number of police officers and official security personnel at the monument has been increased, and authorities have called on all citizens to remain vigilant against such actions.
Hagia Sophia was originally built as a Byzantine cathedral in the 6th century. It later served as a mosque under Ottoman rule, then functioned as a museum for nearly a century before being reconverted to a mosque in 2020. It attracts millions of visitors annually.
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