Russian media report two Russian tourists were detained after reading the Bible in Hagia Sophia, as Turkish authorities review deportation.
Newsroom (16/07/2026 Gaudium Press ) Two Russian citizens have reportedly been detained in Istanbul after allegedly reading the Bible inside Hagia Sophia, according to Russian state media. The incident, which has not been independently verified by Turkish authorities, has prompted an investigation by Russia’s Consulate General in Istanbul and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the detention.
According to reports published by the Russian state news agency TASS, the two individuals are currently being held at a repatriation center while Turkey’s migration authorities review whether they should be deported. The reports emerged days after the alleged incident, which Russian media say occurred on 13 July inside the historic Hagia Sophia.
Consulate Launches Inquiry
The Russian Consulate General in Istanbul said it began looking into the matter after learning of the reports. In an initial statement carried by TASS, consular officials indicated they had not received any formal notification from Turkish authorities regarding the detention but were investigating the claims.
A subsequent TASS report stated that relatives of the two detainees informed the consulate about the situation on 14 July. Consular officials then reportedly contacted the Fatih Police Station, where the individuals were allegedly taken following the incident.
The Russian diplomatic mission has since maintained contact with the detainees’ legal representatives, their sworn interpreter, and relevant Turkish authorities, according to the agency.
Alleged Incident Inside Hagia Sophia
Russian media identified the two individuals only as Viktoria and Igor. They reportedly traveled to Turkey as tourists and were visiting Hagia Sophia when the incident occurred.
According to the reports, the pair were carrying a copy of the Bible and began reading from it while inside the site. Security personnel allegedly confronted them, after which they were taken to the Fatih Police Station. Russian outlets further claimed that an official report was filed against them following the encounter.
The exact circumstances of the incident remain unclear, and Turkish authorities have not publicly confirmed the details reported by Russian media.
Hagia Sophia’s Sensitive Status
The reports come against the backdrop of Hagia Sophia’s transformation from museum to mosque in 2020. The landmark, one of Istanbul’s most significant historical and religious sites, was reopened for Muslim worship on 10 July 2020 after a decree signed by then-President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
The decision marked a major shift in the status of the monument, which had operated as a museum for decades before being reconverted into a mosque. Since then, the site has continued to attract millions of visitors, including tourists from around the world.
Reported Legal Proceedings
Russian news outlets have alleged that the two citizens were processed under Article 216 of the Turkish Penal Code. The provision criminalizes acts related to “incitement to hatred and hostility or insulting the public.”
However, no official documentation related to the case has been made public, and Turkish authorities have not confirmed whether Article 216 is being applied in the matter.
TASS reported that sources within the Istanbul Police Department acknowledged that an incident had taken place but declined to provide further details. Attempts by the agency to obtain comment from the Istanbul Governor’s Office and the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management were reportedly unsuccessful.
The hotel where the pair were said to be staying also declined to comment on their status or whereabouts, citing privacy regulations.
No Official Turkish Confirmation
As of publication, Turkish authorities have not issued an official statement confirming the alleged detention, the reported legal proceedings, or the possibility of deportation. The Provincial Directorate of Migration Management has likewise not publicly commented on the matter.
Consequently, key aspects of the case remain based solely on reports from Russian media outlets and statements attributed to Russian consular officials. Without confirmation from Turkish authorities or access to official legal documents, the claims surrounding the detention and potential deportation of the two Russian citizens remain unverified.
For now, the case continues to draw attention as Russian diplomats monitor developments and Turkish migration authorities reportedly assess the next steps regarding the two tourists.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from SyriacPress.com
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