This tragic event not only highlights the vulnerabilities faced by religious minorities in Turkey but also serves as a call to action for all communities to foster an environment of tolerance, understanding, and security. It reminds us of the value of every human life and the need for a united front against violence and intolerance.
Newsroom (01/02/2024 22:45, Gaudium Press) In a heart-wrenching incident that has gripped the hearts of many, Tuncer Murat Cihan, a 52-year-old Turkish citizen and a member of the Muslim Alevi community, tragically lost his life during an attack on St. Mary’s Church in Istanbul’s Sariyer district on January 28, 2024. The attack, which took place during a Sunday Mass, has sparked a wave of grief and calls for increased security for religious communities in Turkey.
Tuncer Murat Cihan: A Bridge Between Faiths
Tuncer Murat Cihan, a 52-year-old Turkish man, was killed by shots fired by two men who entered St. Mary’s Church, located in the Sariyer district of Istanbul, during Mass on January 28.
Cihan, known for his peaceful demeanor and mental disabilities, was attending the Catholic Mass, a practice he had taken up in the months preceding the attack, when he was fatally shot by two assailants. His presence at the Mass, despite being a Muslim, underscored a bridge of peace and understanding across religious divides.
His uncle, Kazım Aydemir, and nephew, Çağın Cihan, spoke to local media, sharing their sorrow and highlighting Tuncer’s innocence and simple nature. “He used to go to church with me,” Aydemir told Gazete Duvar. “He was very dear to the congregation and was killed in vain. We are very sad.”
Çağın Cihan, the deceased’s nephew, commented: “He was my uncle. … He was a simple and innocent person; undoubtedly an innocent victim. He was retired and had a slight mental disability. For the last two months, he had been going to church every Sunday.
The Alevi Community and Interfaith Relations
The family, along with the Alevi community to which Tuncer belonged, mourned his loss at a funeral held at a cemevi, a place of worship for Alevis, on January 29.
The Alevis, known for their distinct practices within Shiite Islam and constituting Turkey’s largest religious minority, often face challenges in expressing their faith openly. Despite this, the solidarity shown by Catholic Bishop Massimiliano Palinuro, who attended Tuncer’s funeral, was a poignant reminder of the shared humanity and mutual respect among different faith communities.
Based on Turkish government data, 99% of the population identifies as Muslim, including the Alevis. According to a 2022 report by the US State Department, there are approximately 25,000 Roman Catholics living in Turkey, including migrants from Africa and the Philippines.
Catholic Bishop Massimiliano Palinuro, vicar apostolic in Istanbul, attended Cihan’s funeral. “He was like a pure angel. He lost his life for the community there,” Palinuro stressed at the funeral, as reported by BirGün. “He used to go to church. We loved him as a friend,” said the bishop.
According to the local mayor of Istanbul’s Sariyer district, Sukru Genc, around 35 to 40 people were inside the church attending mass at the time of the attack, including Polish Consul General Witold Lesniak and his family.
When the first shot was fired, everyone threw themselves to the ground. After the second explosion, the gun jammed and they [the attackers] left. We don’t know what would happen next if the attack continued,'” Genc told BirGün.
The Aftermath: Calls for Security and Peace
In response to the tragedy, Archbishop Martin Kmetec of Izmir, president of the Bishops’ Conference, issued a statement urging for truth, justice, and enhanced protection for communities and churches. He emphasized the importance of rejecting the culture of hatred and religious discrimination, calling for prayers for Tuncer’s family and for peace among all faiths.
This tragic event not only highlights the vulnerabilities faced by religious minorities in Turkey but also serves as a call to action for all communities to foster an environment of tolerance, understanding, and security. It reminds us of the value of every human life and the need for a united front against violence and intolerance.
Moving Forward: The Path Towards Interfaith Solidarity
As the nation grapples with this tragedy, the broader international community watches closely, hoping for steps towards greater harmony and protection for all, regardless of faith. In honoring Tuncer Murat Cihan’s memory, we are reminded of the bridges of peace that can be built through mutual respect and understanding, even in the face of adversity.
Compiled by Dominic Joseph
Related Images:
