Thwarted fire-setting attempt at Istanbul's Hagia Sophia
Breaking News: Arson Attempt at Istanbul's Hagia Sophia Mosque Thwarted
A dramatic incident occurred at Istanbul's Hagia Sophia Mosque on the evening of July 11, 2025, as a suspect, later identified as Mesut Güçlü, attempted an arson attack. The quick thinking of an alert visitor and the mosque imam, along with the swift response of security personnel, managed to prevent the fire from spreading significantly[1][2][4].
The suspect, a 42-year-old man with a prior criminal record and a history of mental health issues, was captured on CCTV footage and arrested by Turkish authorities within hours of the incident[1][2][4]. Güçlü was dressed in a red cap, black shirt, and shorts, and he carried multiple pieces of paper but no flammable liquids, allowing him to pass through metal detectors unnoticed[1][2][3][4].
Inside the mosque, Güçlü set fire to some papers near an important library section, causing minor damage to a carpet. He then calmly walked away before the smoke was noticed by the woman visitor, who raised the alarm[1][2][3][4]. The fire was quickly extinguished by the mosque's security and the imam.
Following the investigation, a judicial arrest warrant was issued on July 13, 2025, and security has since been increased at the site to prevent further incidents[4]. The Hagia Sophia Mosque, a historically and culturally significant UNESCO World Heritage Site, continues to be a heavily visited landmark and important place of worship in Istanbul[4].
During his court hearing, Güçlü expressed a desire to be treated at a mental health facility, but the specific details of his motive for the arson attempt remain unclear[3]. Güçlü has been admitted to psychiatric hospitals on five separate occasions, according to local media, although no information is provided about his current mental health status[3].
His prior criminal record includes charges of assault, threats, verbal abuse, and car theft[3]. Güçlü tried to conceal his face with a red hat during the incident[1]. The book used to ignite the fire was later identified as a Bible, and the book caused the carpet beneath it to catch fire[1]. The suspect ignited the book near a column behind some lecterns inside the mosque[1].
On August 5, local authorities announced that a man had attempted to set fire to a carpet inside Istanbul's Hagia Sophia Mosque, and his actions were stopped before the flames could spread[4]. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and quick response in protecting historical and cultural landmarks.
[1] The Guardian
[2] The New York Times
[3] BBC News
[4] Daily Sabah
- The suspect's past criminal record and history of mental health issues hail from general news and mental health discussions.
- The attempt on Istanbul's Hagia Sophia Mosque escalated from crime-and-justice to health-and-wellness matters, as the suspect's mental health became a relevant factor after the event.
