A peaceful Sunday morning service at the Santa Maria Church in Istanbul turned fatal when two armed men entered and opened fire, killing one attendee.
The attack, which took place on January 28, 2024, at around 11:40 a.m., has been claimed by the Islamic State group, according to a statement they released on Telegram, saying it was in response to a request by the group’s leaders to target Jews and Christians.
The victim, 52-year-old Tuncer Cihan, was fatally wounded during the service. According to his nephew, the man was mentally disabled and had no political or criminal affiliations.
The attack was recorded on social media, showing the masked assailants targeting the victim. They promptly left the scene after the shooting.
In response to this incident, Turkish authorities conducted extensive raids across Istanbul, resulting in the detention of 47 people. Two main suspects, foreign nationals from Tajikistan and Russia, were apprehended.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya indicated that these individuals are being investigated for potential connections to the Islamic State.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan personally contacted the church’s priest to offer condolences and support. This gesture was part of a wider outpouring of sympathy, including from Pope Francis, who mentioned the incident during his weekly Angelus prayer at the Vatican.
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni also expressed condemnation, noting that Italy’s foreign ministry is closely monitoring the situation. The church is managed by an Italian order of Franciscan friars.
Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu reaffirmed the city’s commitment to the safety and unity of all its citizens, regardless of religious belief.
The Islamic State’s claim of responsibility is being thoroughly investigated by Turkish authorities.