A Tragic Incident at Santa Maria Catholic Church in Istanbul

The Victim

The recent ISIS-claimed shooting at the Santa Maria Catholic Church in Istanbul has left a community devastated and in mourning. The victim of this tragic incident was a Muslim man who, according to the local official Sukru Genc, was present at the entrance of the church during the attack. The mayor of the Sariyer district, where the church is located, expressed that the victim, Tuncer Murat Cihan, was a familiar face to the church community, recognized as a 'good person' by the priest.

A funeral ceremony for Tuncer Murat Cihan, the victim of the shooting, is held on Monday.

The funeral ceremony for Tuncer Murat Cihan, the victim of the shooting, was held on Monday, marking a somber occasion for all those affected by this senseless act of violence. The loss of a life under such circumstances has deeply impacted the community and highlighted the indiscriminate nature of such attacks.

The Attack

The attack, which took place during the Sunday service, involved two masked gunmen opening fire within the church premises. The mayor, Sukru Genc, recounted the harrowing moments during the attack, stating that one of the attackers' guns had jammed after the first shot, prompting chaos and fear among the approximately 35 to 40 people present inside the church.

Police respond to an attack by two armed gunmen on a church in Istanbul, Turkey, January 28, 2024.

The Polish Consul General in Istanbul, Witold Lesniak, and his children were also present during the service, further emphasizing the indiscriminate and devastating impact of the attack. While no further injuries were reported, the psychological toll on those present, including the Consul General's family, was significant. The attack, claimed by ISIS, has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for justice.

Aftermath and Response

In the aftermath of the attack, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences to the community and engaged in a call with the Polish Consul General, expressing solidarity and empathy for the victims and their families. The swift response by the authorities led to the arrest of 47 suspects, with two individuals believed to be affiliated with ISIS.

The attack, marking the first ISIS-related incident in Turkey since 2017, has raised concerns about the resurgence of such extremist activities and the need for heightened security measures to protect vulnerable communities. The tragic loss of life and the trauma inflicted on the churchgoers have underscored the urgent need for collective efforts to combat terrorism and uphold peace and harmony within society.