16.07.2026 13:10
Legal proceedings have been initiated against two foreign tourists accused of reading the Bible loudly in the visiting section of the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque on charges of 'inciting the public to hatred and hostility'. The suspects have been handed over to the Provincial Migration Administration.
Two foreign tourists, who allegedly provoked by reading the Bible aloud in the visitor section of Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, one of Istanbul's iconic landmarks, were caught. The suspects were taken into custody, legal proceedings were initiated, and they were referred to the Provincial Migration Administration.
The incident occurred on July 14 at the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque on the historic peninsula. It was determined that two individuals were reading the Bible loudly in a disturbing manner on the upper gallery (visitor) section of the mosque, which is visited by tourists. Upon noticing the situation, Istanbul Police Department teams intervened immediately against this act aimed at disrupting the peace of worship and visitation. Police officers who went to the visitor area of the mosque caught the perpetrators red-handed and detained them.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS INITIATED AGAINST THEM
During identity checks, the suspects identified as I.F. (32) and V.F. (36), foreign nationals determined to have entered Turkey for touristic purposes, were taken to the police station. Legal proceedings were initiated against the suspects for the crime of "inciting public hatred and hostility or humiliation" under the relevant article of the Turkish Penal Code.
THEY WERE DEPORTED
The two tourists, whose procedures at the police station were completed, were handed over to the Provincial Migration Administration for deportation. The investigation into the incident continues.