MIT releases 'top secret' documents on Khomeini

The National Intelligence Organization (MIT) has shed light on a historical turning point with new documents published on its official website. The "top secret" documents, released in the "Special Collection" section of the MIT website, reveal in detail the process of the mandatory residence of Ayatollah Khomeini, the leader of the Iranian Revolution, in Turkey during the 1960s.

KHOMEINI'S SECRET SURVEILLANCE IN TURKEY

The published documents reveal that Khomeini's presence in Turkey was managed with great secrecy. In an order dated November 11, 1964, signed by the then-head of the National Security Service (MEH), Ziya Selışık, it is stated that Khomeini was defined as an "Iranian guest" and that the alias "Belli" (Certain) should be used for him. With this special instruction, Khomeini's name was replaced by this codename in all correspondence and encrypted messages for security purposes.

The documents also reveal that the house where Khomeini would reside in Bursa and his daily routines were strictly monitored by the Bursa Security Directorate. The report includes the statement, "The Iranian guest has arrived in Turkey and his residence in Bursa has been decided. The house where the guest will stay and other matters related to the guest will be personally arranged by the Bursa Security Directorate." In other words, Khomeini's 11-month period in Turkey was a process monitored with the utmost attention by local security units.

A HISTORICAL VIEW FROM THE MIT ARCHIVE

The published documents also provide a clear timeframe for Ayatollah Khomeini's mandatory residence in Turkey between November 4, 1964, and October 5, 1965. Exiled to Turkey due to his opposition to the Shah's regime in Iran, Khomeini lived in Bursa under the close surveillance of MIT (known as MEH at the time) for approximately 11 months. During this period, every move of Khomeini was carefully monitored by MIT.