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The theft of historic stone ornaments from Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul has raised alarms about the security of Türkiye’s most prominent imperial mosques, known as selatin mosques (mosques commissioned by Ottoman sultans). Despite the presence of security guards and surveillance cameras, thieves were able to remove and carry away valuable decorations, exposing serious vulnerabilities in the protection of sacred sites that also house cultural treasures.
Ownership of these mosques belongs to the General Directorate of Foundations, while security responsibilities fall under the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Experts warn that the latest incident reveals a significant gap in safeguarding priceless heritage.
These monumental mosques are not only places of worship but also among the city’s most visited cultural landmarks, drawing thousands of locals and international tourists each day. However, insiders claim that the number of guards is insufficient, and their duties are not always performed effectively. Some mosques reportedly have very few security cameras, with footage limited to entry and exit points. In several cases, clerics themselves are left to shoulder responsibility for protecting the buildings.
Such shortcomings leave these sites vulnerable even during daylight hours. Past cases of theft and vandalism confirm that the risks are not theoretical but recurring.
Art historian and guide Associate Professor Sedat Bornovali told Türkiye daily that the public has become so accustomed to the presence of extraordinary works inside mosques that they are often seen as part of everyday life.
“In another part of the world, these would be displayed behind glass in museum showcases, protected by alarms. Yet here we sometimes fail to realize their true value. While the public may fall into this mistake, administrators must rise above it,” he said.
Bornovali stressed the need for comprehensive risk assessments and specialized staff trained at the highest standards, “Security protocols must be developed for the specific nature of these multi-functional spaces. Trained personnel should be present in sufficient numbers and focused solely on their responsibilities. At the same time, advanced technologies such as facial recognition must be fully integrated into mosque security systems.”
Cultural historian Talha Ugurluel emphasized that historic mosques must always be staffed with dedicated, knowledgeable guards in adequate numbers. He pointed out that Suleymaniye’s current number of staff is far fewer than in the 16th century, which creates vulnerabilities during peak visitation hours.
“These are vast spaces, visited for many purposes beyond prayer. Every corner must be monitored with the help of technology,” he explained.
Ugurluel also recalled a long history of thefts targeting mosques: The Kiswah (a sacred covering of the Kaaba in Mecca) was stolen from the Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque in Istanbul, rare manuscripts once held in mosques disappeared years ago, the walking stick of Aksemseddin, a spiritual mentor of Sultan Mehmed II, is missing from the Fatih Mosque’s collection, bronze candlesticks belonging to Grand Vizier Sokollu Mehmed Pasha vanished from the Rum Mehmed Pasha Mosque in Tire.
“The list is endless,” Ugurluel added, warning that leaving the protection of entire mosques solely to clerics is neither fair nor effective.
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