Russian Couple Detained for Reading Bible in Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia
Law enforcement officers in Turkey have apprehended a pair of holidaymakers from Moscow. The travellers are currently awaiting possible expulsion from the country following an incident where the husband brought out a Christian scripture at one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, «Ostorozhno, novosti» reports.
Igor F., 32, and his wife Victoria, 35, landed in the city on July 13 for a getaway. While touring the upper floors of the Hagia Sophia, an area specifically designated as a museum space for international visitors, the man pulled out a personal copy of the Bible. Guards swiftly converged on the duo and marched them off the premises.
The travellers were initially taken to a local police station situated within the Fatih neighbourhood. Detectives are investigating the couple under Article 216 of the national penal code. This specific legislation targets individuals who provoke public animosity or hatred. A subsection of this rule dictates that anyone publicly disparaging religious beliefs in a way that disrupts societal peace could spend up to 12 months behind bars.
Navigating strict detention protocols
Official records show the wife insisted she had no idea that studying Christian literature was prohibited within the sightseeing zone. She claimed she only occasionally looked over at the pages her partner was perusing. Once in custody, station staff seized the couple’s personal items, recorded their biometric prints and stripped them of their footwear laces.
Officials later moved the detained pair to a specialised holding facility for overseas nationals located in Arnavutkoy. Upon arrival, the husband and wife were placed in separate areas. Igor informed journalists back home that they suffered from prolonged hunger and deteriorating health. Domestic regulations permit the state to keep non-citizens locked up administratively for six months. That timeframe can double if the removal process faces bureaucratic hurdles.
A monument marked by shifting identities
The architectural marvel at the centre of this dispute has a complex past. Originally erected during the sixth century as an orthodox church, it transitioned into an Islamic place of worship when Ottoman forces captured Constantinople in 1453. Modern secularisation efforts in 1934 turned the massive structure into a public exhibition hall. That changed again four years ago when the current national leadership reinstated its religious designation, leaving only the top tier exclusively for sightseers.
Diplomats representing the Russian Federation are actively tracking the ordeal. Consular staff in the Turkish city remain in direct communication with the legal counsel hired to defend the holidaymakers. Meanwhile, embassy representatives in Ankara told the TASS news agency they are still piecing together the facts but lack formal updates from local ministries. While regional law enforcement contacts verified the arrest took place, they refused to share additional details. Regional administrators and immigration departments have similarly maintained their silence.
