Diyanet takes action in Istanbul: Mosque minarets to be trimmed
It has been stated that the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) has launched a study in Istanbul due to the destruction or damage of many mosques during the February 6 earthquakes centered in Maraş. Accordingly, minarets over 25 meters will be trimmed.
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The February 6 earthquakes centered in Maraş affected 11 provinces, and 1,402 buildings were destroyed or sustained heavy, moderate, or light damage in these earthquakes.
According to a report by İsmail Arı from BirGün, it has been learned that the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) has launched a study for mosques in Istanbul. Earthquake resistance tests are being conducted for 4,500 mosques in Istanbul.
While it is alleged that some mosque minarets have already begun to be trimmed, it has been learned that many more will be trimmed as well. Diyanet officials reached by BirGün stated, "A study regarding earthquakes is currently being carried out in Istanbul. We are trimming the minarets of many mosques that are over 25 meters. In other words, we are shortening the height of the minarets. Minarets longer than 25 meters pose a risk in the event of an earthquake exceeding magnitude 6. For example, 90 percent of the mosques in the Pendik district have minarets over 25 meters. In other words, they were not built with foresight at the time."