They claimed 'historical gravestones were damaged' at Şehzadebaşı Mosque! Police and IBDA-C members played soccer

Following the controversy that began with claims that historical gravestones were damaged at the Şehzadebaşı Mosque during the protests for İmamoğlu in Saraçhane, footage of police and members of the IBDA-C youth wing playing soccer in the mosque courtyard has circulated on social media. The incident, which drew backlash, has brought the issue of disrespect toward mosques and sacred spaces to the forefront.

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They claimed 'historical gravestones were damaged' at Şehzadebaşı Mosque! Police and IBDA-C members played soccer

During the protests that began in Istanbul following the arrest of IMM Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu, the events that took place in the Saraçhane area sparked a major controversy regarding the historical Şehzadebaşı Mosque. During the protests, allegations were raised that some gravestones in the mosque's courtyard had been damaged. Subsequently, a group belonging to the IBDA-C's youth wing gathered in front of the mosque and began chanting slogans such as "Our sacred values have been harmed."

President and AKP Chairman Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also criticized the situation in a statement regarding the events at Şehzadebaşı Mosque, saying, "They saw no problem in turning the courtyards of our historical mosques into taverns."

POLICE AND IBDA-C SYMPATHIZERS PLAYED SOCCER IN THE MOSQUE

However, footage later circulated on social media showed police and individuals alleged to be IBDA-C sympathizers playing soccer together in the mosque courtyard. These images drew significant backlash regarding the lack of respect shown toward mosques and sacred spaces.