30.01.2026 00:02
Heavy snowfall has affected the Yüksekova district of Hakkari. The roof of the mosque in Güllüce village collapsed under the weight of the accumulated snow while the congregation was praying. Villagers gathered together at the imam's announcement and began snow removal work on the mosque's roof.
In the Yüksekova district of Hakkari, the harshest winter conditions of the last 10 years are being experienced, and heavy snowfall continues to negatively affect life.
ROOF COLLAPSED WHILE CONGREGATION WAS PRAYING
In the district where the snow thickness has reached meters, the roof of the mosque located in the Bulgurlu neighborhood of Güllüce village could not withstand the snow load. The first damage to the mosque roof occurred in the morning hours. While the congregation was performing the evening prayer, a second collapse occurred on the roof. Citizens, who experienced great panic during the collapse, thought there was an earthquake due to the tremor.
VILLAGERS RUSHED TO HELP
After the incident, the mosque's imam, Bahtiyar Çalık, made an announcement over the loudspeaker, inviting the villagers to a "snow mobilization." Upon the call, villagers rushed to the mosque with shovels, ropes, and necessary equipment. Despite the freezing cold, citizens who climbed onto the roof evacuated the accumulated snow masses to prevent further collapse.
"WE ARE WAITING FOR HELP"
Describing the process, Imam Çalık said, "The first collapse occurred yesterday, and the second collapse happened this evening. I immediately made an announcement from the mosque to call our villagers. God bless them, those who took their shovels and ropes rushed to help. Despite the cold weather, they started to remove the snow. However, the situation of our mosque is currently risky. We are waiting for help from the authorities and philanthropists for the repair of our mosque."
Villagers, stating that the damage on the roof is significant, expressed their hesitation to enter the mosque due to safety concerns and called for support from the authorities.