Armenian graves desecrated in overnight attack in Istanbul

(Horizon Media / ISTANBUL) — Six graves and a fountain at the historic Surp Garabet Armenian Cemetery in Istanbul’s Usküdar district were vandalized during the night of July 8, the Armenian Patriarchate of Turkey has announced.

The unidentified attacker reportedly climbed over the cemetery wall before damaging the graves and fountain. The Üsküdar Surp Garabet Church Foundation Board immediately alerted law enforcement authorities, who launched an investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.

“The Patriarchal Seat strongly condemns this heinous attack against the sacred values and eternal resting places of our community,” the Patriarchate said, describing the incident as one that has deeply saddened Istanbul’s Armenian community.

The attack has caused particular distress among families whose loved ones are buried at the cemetery. It has also renewed concerns over the vulnerability of Armenian religious and community sites in Turkey and whether such acts of vandalism are being adequately investigated as possible hate crimes.

The Patriarchate thanked security officials for their prompt response and said the investigation was proceeding with care and sensitivity.

It added that it is closely monitoring developments and expressed hope that the attacker would be identified, apprehended and brought to justice.