13.04.2026 18:12
In a letter sent by the Istanbul Governorship to the relevant institutions, it was requested that high-resolution cameras be installed at all main cemetery entrances and exits, as well as at blind spots, operating 24/7, and that cameras without night vision capability or those that are malfunctioning be made operational within 60 days.
With the signature of Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, a letter was delivered to some public institutions, including the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Istanbul Provincial Police Department, Istanbul Provincial Gendarmerie Command, and Istanbul Provincial Mufti's Office, regarding the installation of cameras in the main cemeteries in the city.
The letter stated that it was necessary to take the necessary measures to protect the graves, prevent theft, vandalism, and other security incidents, and to allow citizens to visit in peace in the cemeteries located within the borders of Istanbul.
The letter reminded the 7th article under the title of the duties and responsibilities of metropolitan and district municipalities in the Law No. 5216 on Metropolitan Municipalities, stating that it is the responsibility of the Metropolitan Municipality in Istanbul to identify cemetery areas, establish, operate, and manage cemeteries, and carry out services related to burials.
The letter mentioned that in the article under the title "protection" of the Law No. 3998 on the Protection of Cemeteries, it is stated that "Cemeteries and martyrdoms, as well as graves, cannot be disturbed, destroyed, or polluted. These places cannot be separated as parks, gardens, squares, parking lots, children's parks, green areas, etc., by urban planning regulations or in any other way, and cannot be used for any purpose other than their original purpose."
24/7 CAMERA SYSTEM WILL BE INSTALLED
In this regard, it was requested in the letter that high-resolution cameras operating on a 24/7 basis be installed at all main cemetery entrances and exits, as well as blind spots in Istanbul and its districts, that cameras without night vision capability or those that are faulty be made operational within 60 days, that camera recordings be kept for 30 days, that necessary arrangements be made in areas where lighting is insufficient, and that law enforcement agencies carry out necessary patrol activities meticulously.
The letter requested that inspection activities be emphasized by authorized units, especially law enforcement and municipal police units, and that if those acting contrary are identified, judicial and administrative actions be taken in accordance with the relevant legal provisions, and that the administrative fine stipulated in Article 32 of the Law on Misdemeanors No. 5326 be applied as necessary.