Russian tourists face one year in prison for a kiss at Istanbul’s Büyük Çamlıca Mosque

Russian tourists were detained in Istanbul after a video of their kiss in the courtyard of the Büyük Çamlıca Mosque appeared on social media. The incident took place on August 26. According to Turkish media, the couple was taking photos on the mosque grounds and then exchanged a kiss. A local resident filmed the scene and uploaded the video online, sparking outrage among city residents. Many considered the foreigners’ behavior an insult to religious feelings.

Video: https://t.me/northcyprusfaq/3747

Following the video’s publication, police detained the Russians. The prosecutor’s office opened a case under the article on public insult of religious values, which carries a penalty of up to one year in prison. During interrogation, the young man stated he did not know about the ban on displays of affection near mosques and emphasized he had no intention of offending anyone. He apologized for the incident.

The Russian consulate in Istanbul confirmed the detention. Diplomats reported that after giving testimony, the tourists were released, and they have not sought assistance since. According to available information, the couple has already left Turkey.

The Büyük Çamlıca Mosque, opened in 2019, is the largest in Turkey. According to Islamic tradition, any display of physical affection inside or around mosques is considered unacceptable.