Statement from IMM regarding allegations of damage to Şehzadebaşı Mosque

It was alleged that damage was caused to the Şehzadebaşı Mosque during the protests that began in Saraçhane following the detention of IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and his arrest on charges of "corruption."

Issuing a statement on the matter, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality reminded that security is the responsibility of the Police Department, stating, "Although the security responsibility for the mosque and its surroundings lies with the Police Department, IMM Municipal Police teams will also be on duty in the area to support the maintenance of security."

The statement made by the IMM is as follows:

"In recent days, allegations have appeared in some media outlets regarding damage to historical graves located in the courtyard of the Şehzadebaşı Mosque. Due to the sensitivity of the matter, a need has arisen to inform the public accurately.

As a result of on-site inspections conducted by the IMM Heritage teams, partial fractures and breakages were identified on only two tombstones, the timing of which will be determined separately as a result of the work.

Although the protocol between the IMM and relevant foundations regarding maintenance and restoration work for historical courtyards was canceled in 2021, the IMM Heritage teams have revitalized Istanbul's historical monuments, and the special sensitivity of IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, who was unjustly and unlawfully arrested, along with the scientific work of Deputy Secretary General of the IMM Mahir Polat and his team, have received great appreciation.

In this incident, the IMM Heritage teams have immediately begun work with a sense of public responsibility.

Although the area in question is not within the responsibility boundaries of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, the IMM Heritage teams took immediate action, and a comprehensive assessment and intervention process has been initiated in the area with expert teams. As initial information, it has been assessed that some tombstones in the courtyard had weakened over time to the point where they could topple on their own, and may have been displaced by simple contact during the recent activity.

Furthermore, although it is outside our jurisdiction, a comprehensive restoration project has been initiated for the walls of the Şehzadebaşı Courtyard and its surroundings, and the relevant area will be organized by the IMM Heritage teams as soon as possible.

Although the security responsibility for the mosque and its surroundings lies with the Police Department, IMM Municipal Police teams will also be on duty in the area to support the maintenance of security.

We respectfully announce to the public that we will continue to protect our historical and spiritual heritage, along with our cultural values, as well as the branded pioneers of this consciousness, IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu and Mahir Polat."

News Source: 12punto