Sarıyer Church Attack: Details of the January 2024 Shooting
On the morning of January 28, 2024, a violent incident disrupted a Sunday Mass in the Sarıyer district of Istanbul. Two masked gunmen entered the church, opening fire on the congregation and causing immediate chaos before fleeing the scene. The attack, which occurred at approximately 11:40 am TRT (8:40 GMT), resulted in one fatality and left the community in shock.
Key Facts
- Date and Time: January 28, 2024, at approximately 11:40 am TRT.
- Location: A church in Sarıyer, Istanbul.
- Casualties: One Turkish national killed; one person initially reported injured.
- Perpetrators: Amirjon Kholiqov (Tajikistani citizen) and David Tanduev (Russian citizen).
- Affiliation: The Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility.
- Mastermind: Viskhan Soltamatov, a Russian national arrested in September 2024.
The Events of the Attack
According to Şükrü Genç, the mayor of Sarıyer, there were between 35 and 40 people attending the service at the time of the shooting. The gunmen entered the building wearing black ski masks, with one individual also wearing sunglasses. Security footage revealed the attackers had their hands concealed in their pockets prior to the assault.
The attackers fired two rounds before their weapons jammed, forcing them to flee the premises instantly. Among the attendees was the Polish consul-general, Witold Lesniak, and his family, all of whom remained unharmed during the incident.
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Investigation and Perpetrators
Following the attack, police arrested the suspects during their attempt to flee. Ministry of the Interior Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the identities of the gunmen as Amirjon Kholiqov, a citizen of Tajikistan, and David Tanduev, a citizen of Russia. Both men were identified as members of the Islamic State.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the shooting via Telegram, stating the act followed their leader's directive to target Jews and Christians globally. Investigators discovered that the attackers used a vehicle brought from Poland the previous year, which had remained unused until the day of the attack. Further investigations led to the arrest of Viskhan Soltamatov, another Russian national, on September 17, 2024, who is suspected of being the mastermind behind the operation.
The Victim
The governor of Istanbul, Davut Gül, confirmed that the sole fatality was a Turkish national. The victim was identified as 52-year-old Tuncer Cihan. Accounts regarding Cihan's presence at the church varied among his associates and family members.
His nephew described Cihan as a mentally disabled individual with no ties to political or organized groups, suggesting he had visited the church upon an invitation. Conversely, another relative stated that Cihan was seeking to convert to Christianity, though he had not yet been baptized. Additionally, a lawyer representing the church noted that Cihan belonged to the Alevi community (a mystical branch of Shia Islam).
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | January 28, 2024 |
| Location | Sarıyer, Istanbul, Turkey |
| Fatalities | 1 (Tuncer Cihan) |
| Attackers | Amirjon Kholiqov & David Tanduev |
| Organization | Islamic State |
| Mastermind | Viskhan Soltamatov |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was responsible for the attack?
The attack was carried out by Amirjon Kholiqov and David Tanduev, members of the Islamic State. The group claimed responsibility on Telegram, and Viskhan Soltamatov is suspected of masterminding the plot.
How many people were in the church during the shooting?
The mayor of Sarıyer reported that there were between 35 and 40 people inside the church at the time of the incident.
Why did the attackers flee the scene so quickly?
The attackers fled after firing two rounds because their weapons jammed.
Who was the victim of the shooting?
The victim was Tuncer Cihan, a 52-year-old Turkish national. Reports indicate he was a member of the Alevi community and may have been seeking conversion to Christianity.
Were any diplomats harmed in the attack?
No. The Polish consul-general, Witold Lesniak, and his family were present at the service but were unharmed.