An attempted arson incident occurred on Monday evening, 4 August 2025, at the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople, shortly after a prayer service. According to protothema.gr, an unidentified man wearing a red cap and shorts approached the area behind the lectern and set fire to some papers, which then ignited part of a carpet inside the former cathedral and mosque.
The suspect left the scene undisturbed, walking out through the security gate without triggering an alarm, as he was not carrying any metal objects. A woman present during the prayer noticed smoke and quickly alerted the building’s security team, who responded swiftly and contained the fire before it could spread further.
The perpetrator was later identified via surveillance footage and arrested a few hours after the incident. Authorities confirmed that the man, identified as Mezut Güçlü, has a history of mental health issues and has previously been hospitalised in a psychiatric clinic.
Foreigner attempts to set fire to Hagia Sophia Mosque, Istanbul. pic.twitter.com/Y8HeLeIIov
— Eagle Eye (@zarrar_11PK) August 5, 2025