Man Tries to Set Fire at Hagia Sophia in Turkey

Greek Reporter ^ | August 6, 2025 | Nisha Zahid

[nickcarraway]

Turkish authorities have released footage showing a man attempting to set fire to the interior of Hagia Sophia, the 1,500-year-old Byzantine landmark in Turkey. Security guards at the historic site quickly intervened and stopped the arson attempt, preventing any major damage. The incident took place on July 11 but the video was only made public now, drawing renewed attention to Hagia Sophia’s Byzantine heritage

The man tried to ignite the Bible behind the lectern

According to a police statement, the suspect wore a red cap and partially covered his face as he ignited a Bible near a column behind several lecterns. Flames briefly spread to the carpet before security personnel intervened and extinguished them.

Police officers stationed nearby detained the 42-year-old man, who was later arrested. Authorities said he has a criminal history, including previous charges of assault, threats, verbal abuse, and car theft. Local media reported he has also been admitted to psychiatric hospitals five times in the past. During a court hearing, the suspect requested placement in a mental health facility.

Some idiot tried to burn down the Hagia Sophia in a failed act of cultural terrorism!

What is wrong with people…what motivates such behaviors?pic.twitter.com/PBqcDVoOw3

— ShadowsOfConstantinople (@RomeInTheEast) August 5, 2025

The incident comes during major restoration work

The attempted arson occurred as Hagia Sophia undergoes major restoration work aimed at safeguarding its structure against earthquakes and preserving centuries-old mosaics and domes. Turkish officials announced earlier this year that the renovation, the most comprehensive in 150 years, would reinforce the building’s iconic dome and supporting buttresses while maintaining public access.

The dome of Hagia Sophia

A big restoration focusing on preserving the monument’s giant dome from the threat of earthquakes is about to begin. pic.twitter.com/KCfA0ynXpi

— The Hidden Face of Istanbul (@thehiddenfaceof) April 26, 2025

The project includes removing aged lead cladding, reinforcing structural joints identified through seismic simulations, and installing a steel canopy and platform to support restoration teams.

Byzantine cathedral turned Ottoman mosque

Hagia Sophia, built between 532 and 537 CE during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, served as the central cathedral of the Eastern Roman Empire for nearly a millennium. Renowned for its massive dome and pioneering use of pendentives, it became a symbol of Orthodox Christianity and a cornerstone of Byzantine architecture.

After the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, Sultan Mehmed II converted the structure into a mosque. It remained an Islamic place of worship until 1934, when the secular Turkish Republic designated it a museum.

In 2020, Turkey’s highest court overturned that decision, allowing it to reopen as a mosque. The move has been highly controversial, triggering widespread international criticism—from UNESCO, the World Council of Churches, and numerous national leaders—who decried the process as politically motivated, exclusionary to non-Muslims, and damaging to universal cultural heritage.

Symbol of shared heritage faces security challenges The fire attempt underscores ongoing challenges in protecting the site, which embodies a complex history. Hagia Sophia remains a UNESCO World Heritage site and a focal point of cultural identity in Istanbul.

Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the incident, but security around the building has been tightened. The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.

[SunkenCiv]

• Wait, Is That a Kaaba at Ground Zero? [08/05/2025]

[Terry L Smith]

Of course, the man was a Shriner with hat, right?

[MikelTackNailer]

His vehicle was blocked in so there was no chance he was getting away.

[higgmeister]

Now that was funny.   My Father-in-law was a Shriner.

But that's something that I never understood.   My Dad was a Mason too, and neither of them ever talked to me about becoming a Freemason.

[TheConservator]

I have been re-reading Ostrogorsky’s History of the Byzantine State. Its conquest by the Turks was one of the great tragedies of human history.

[cuz1961]

The man tried to ignite the Bible behind the lectern

/

A Bible in the world’s largest MOSQUE ?

Surrrrre there was.

How stupid and gullible do they think we are ?

[high info voter]

Return to real justice ...... FIRING SQUAD!

[lightman]

I am pleasantly shocked to learn that there is still a Bible in Hagia Sophia!

Since it is now a mosgue...might it have been a Koran?

[lightman]

Orthodox Ping!

Save Thy people, O Lord,
and bless Thine inheritance.
Grant victory to Thy Church over her enemies,
and protect Thy people by Thy Holy Cross!

[wrcase]

I’m surprised the media didn’t focus on the red hat and apply Zapruder-like analysis to see if they could blame Trump.

[Jolla]

One of the most beautiful buildings I have ever scene. Look forward to visiting Istanbul again, one of my favorite cities, don’t miss the Turkish bath which is nearby or the Grand Bazaar.

[Tom Tetroxide]

2B1ASK1

[SunkenCiv]

Selections from the mosaic/mosaics keywords, sorted:

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• Mosaic With Cross, Star of David and Ancient Greek Inscription Unearthed in Turkey [08/03/2025]
• Newly Discovered Mosaics Reflect Early Christian History of Olympos [06/27/2025]
• Exquisite Byzantine Mosaic Unveiled in Israel [06/10/2025]
• Earliest 'Jesus is God' inscription found -- deemed 'greatest discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls' [11/20/2024]
• 'Unique' Gold Artifact Discovered at Roman Fort Hints at Lost Temple [11/02/2024]
• Archaeologists Discovered a Luxury Roman Village in Southeastern Sicily [10/21/2024]
• Mosaic Floor Featuring Satyrs Uncovered on Greek Island [08/09/2024]
• Opulent Roman Floor Uncovered in the Gulf of Naples [07/30/2024]
• This 2,300-year-old mosaic made of shells and coral has just been found buried under Rome [12/21/2023]
• Ancient Roman Mosaic Reveals Women Wore Bikini [09/09/2023]
• Ancient Christian Mosaic May Be Loaned to Museum of the Bible, Causing Concern for Archaeologists [08/17/2023]
• Detailed mosaic floor -- with Medusa's face -- unearthed in ancient Roman villa [07/30/2023]
• Archaeologists Uncover Early Christian Church With Ornate Mosaic in Jericho [01/16/2023]
• New Inscriptions in Roman City in Israel Shed Personal Light on Early Christians [11/27/2022]
• Archaeologists Discover New Ancient Mosaics on the Shore of the Sea of Galilee [Khirbat al-Minya] [10/23/2022]
• Roman mosaic at Folkestone, Kent [09/25/2022]
• Farmer finds rare ancient treasure in Gaza while planting an olive tree -- but discovery may be in "immediate danger" [09/18/2022]
• Floors in ancient Greek luxury villa were laid with recycled glass [08/02/2022]
• Man in Rutland, UK, Stumbles on 1,700-Year-Old Roman Mosaic of Achilles and Ancient Villa in Farmer's Field [01/03/2022]
• 1,500-year-old Roman mosaic depicting battle from Homer's Iliad that was found by chance in a farmer's field is revealed to be the FIRST of its kind in UK [11/24/2021]
• High Desert Man Charged with Unlawfully Importing Ancient Mosaic [07/24/2020]
• Hagia Sophia mosaics will be covered with curtains during prayers: Turkish presidential spokesman [07/19/2020]
• The American Who Restored the Priceless Mosaics of Hagia Sophia [07/18/2020]
• Villa Romana del Casale, Sicily, Italy in 4K (UHD) HDR [07/05/2020]
• Archaeologists unearth Galilee Christian town sacked by Persians in 7th century [Pi Mazuva] [06/22/2020]
• Historically Responsible Decision of the Day: the Antakya Museum-Hotel [03/09/2020]
• Incredibly rare Roman mosaic depicting a mythical chariot race for a Greek princess [09/02/2019]
• US returns ancient Roman "gypsy girl" Zeugma mosaic to Turkey [11/26/2018]
• Rare Noah's Ark Mosaic Uncovered in Ancient Synagogue in Israel [07/11/2016]
• Italians Restore 900-Year-Old Mosaics at Bethlehem Church [07/10/2016]
• Roman Mosaic Conserved [09/04/2015]
• Tunis museum attack: 19 people killed after hostage drama at tourist site [03/18/2015]
• Predators and Prey: A Roman Mosaic from Lod, Israel [04/16/2014]
• Mozilla clarifies, defends Firefox ad position [02/17/2014]
• Stunning Byzantine Mosaic Uncovered in Israel [05/13/2013]
• Italian bishops launch TV program on stunning cathedral [04/19/2013]
• Vandals cause 'irreparable damage' to 1,600-year-old mosaics in Tiberias synagogue [06/05/2012]
• HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIKINI: 65 Years In The Life Of The Two-Piece [07/07/2011]
• Under the Influence: Hellenism in ancient Jewish life [02/07/2010]
• Ancient Artisans' Footprints Discovered Beneath Lod Mosaic [10/14/2009]
• Footprints found under ancient mosaic [10/14/2009]
• 1,700 year old Footprints of the Builders of the Lod Mosaic Exposed [10/14/2009]
• Roman mosaics found on Quantocks [10/05/2006]
• Ancient Synagogue Discovered in Ramallah Area [02/07/2006]
• Rescuing a Roman Mosaic [01/22/2006]
• Unearthing the Treasures of the Mediterranean [07/09/2005]
• `Impressive' villa mosaic unearthed near Caesarea [04/18/2005]
• Tiberias Dig Unearths Very Rare Marble Floor [04/08/2005]
• Potholers Discover Ancient Roman Mosaic [01/18/2005]

[mfish13]

He wore a red hat. Did it say MAGA on it?

[fidelis]

I am pleasantly shocked to learn that there is still a Bible in Hagia Sophia! Since it is now a mosgue...might it have been a Koran?

Since the article doesn't make it perfectly clear where the Bible came from, maybe he brought his own.

[Mastador1]

They should do to him the same thing as to someone who broke into a mosque and lit a Koran on fire, but they won’t this guy will be celebrated instead.

[NorthMountain]

Hagia Sophia is neither a mosque nor a cathedral. It is a museum maintained by the Turkish government; its displays highlight prior use by both Christians and mohammedans.

[MikelTackNailer]

In 2020 the Turkish government (Erdogan) officially made it a mosque again despite several preservation groups’ objections.

He needs dethroning like Assad but, unlike Syria, Turk-eye-ay is about 99.5% Muslim. It is the enemy camp amidst NATO.

[Honorary Serb]

Lord have Mercy!

May the Hagia Sophia become a Church again!