The trustees of a Greek Orthodox cemetery in Istanbul have condemned the recent attack by vandals, stating it as an assault on cultural heritage and religion.

The Aghios Eleftherios Cemetery, serving the Tatavla community in Istanbul, was vandalized with damaged headstones, cut barbed wire, dug holes, and sedated guard dogs.

Police have been informed, and the community is devastated by the incident, seeing it as an affront to their religious beliefs.

Established in 1865, the cemetery is a significant part of the Greek Orthodox community in Istanbul.

This act of vandalism coincided with an event at the former Orthodox Christian Sumela Monastery, sparking tension with Turkish nationalists.