Writing on historical monuments – rocks, stones, castle walls, tombs, and madrasahs – and their exposure to vandalism has become a serious problem in Turkey.
Modern.az reports that in January 2016, historical monuments in the Süleymaniye complex were subjected to vandalism.
Historical monuments in the Süleymaniye complex damaged
The 467-year-old Süleymaniye Mosque, one of Istanbul's most famous temples and among the most important works of Mimar Sinan, has been subjected to vandalism multiple times. It was determined that mosaic stones inside the historical mosque were stolen by visitors, and the entrance to the right minaret was illegally drilled. In 2016, writings with spray paint were also recorded on the descent stairs of the Süleymaniye Bath, which is part of the historical complex built by Mimar Sinan in 1557.
2,200-year-old tomb painted with spray paint
In December 2019, the Aynalı Kaya tomb in Amasya, with a history of 2,200 years, was severely damaged due to the intervention of treasure hunters and writings made with spray paint.
Later, restoration work on the tomb was started by the Design Vocational School of Amasya University. The goal of the restoration work was to preserve the historical texture of the tomb and adapt it to its original appearance.
Cappadocia's famous Fairy Chimneys also subjected to vandalism
In June 2021, writings with spray paint were made on the Fairy Chimneys and other natural rock formations in the Cappadocia region, known for its natural and cultural riches. Formed over thousands of years by the effects of wind and water erosion, the Fairy Chimneys are one of Cappadocia's most important natural symbols. The writing on these unique rock formations, which are an integral part of the region's historical and natural landscape, is considered an example of vandalism that threatens both the appearance of the environment and the cultural heritage of the region. The writings were cleaned as a result of appropriate measures taken by the Turkish government.
Writings on Direkli Kaya
In September of the same year, the historical Direkli Kaya, which gave its name to the Amasra district of Bartın and is known as the place where Queen Amastris entered the sea, was damaged by writings made with spray paint. An investigation was launched regarding the disrespect committed against the historical monument, built by the Genoese and dating back to the 13th-15th centuries, and the writings were later erased as a result of measures taken.
2,750-year-old tomb targeted by vandals
In June 2023, a 2,750-year-old tomb located in the Gölova (Müğren) neighborhood of Elmalı district, Antalya, fell victim to vandals.
The historical monument was first partially destroyed by treasure hunters, and then local residents wrote various inscriptions with paint on the walls of the tomb.
Both the interior walls and the facade of the monument, considered one of the symbols of the Lycian kingdom period and incorporating classical paintings and decorations from the Byzantine period, were damaged.
Walls of Kozan Castle written on
In September of the same year, the writing of inscriptions and drawings with spray paint on the historical walls of Kozan Castle, located in the Kozan district of Adana and home to many civilizations, caused protests from visitors. Kozan Castle, visited by thousands of people every year with its magnificent castle walls and historical appearance, has preserved the traces of many civilizations over centuries. The 400-meter-long castle walls, which carry the traces of the Hittite and Assyrian periods to the present day, attract attention with their historical significance.
Walls of the Double Minaret Madrasah also damaged
In December 2023, writings with spray paint were made on the side walls of the Double Minaret Madrasah in Sivas, built in 1271 by the Ilkhanid (Hulaguid state) vizier Sahib Shams al-Din Muhammad Juwayni and one of the city's symbolic monuments.
In this regard, work was started by the Regional Directorate of Foundations of Turkey in 2023, and the writings were erased using a special paint removal technique.
Due to all these, state institutions in Turkey are increasing control in this area and prioritizing awareness-raising activities.
