Cemetery Destruction in Şanlıurfa Sparks Citizen Outcry
Graves in Şanlıurfa Cemetery Destroyed by Drug Addicts, Citizens Demand Action
The Harran Kapı Cemetery in the Eyyübiye Neighborhood of Şanlıurfa has recently become a target for destructive acts by drug addicts. The lack of proper security measures in the cemetery has resulted in the complete destruction of grave stones, leading to outrage among the local residents.
Adem Horoz, who traveled from İzmir to Şanlıurfa for the Eid al-Adha, expressed his anger over the desecration of the family cemetery where 33 of his relatives are buried. He said, “Every year, we come to Şanlıurfa to visit our family’s final resting place, but now we are forced to witness their graves being vandalized once again.”
“The tombstones are broken, and we can even see the bones of our loved ones. The municipal authorities and security forces have failed to take appropriate precautions. There are no surveillance cameras in the area, leaving the lives of the staff members at risk. Drug addicts and individuals using banned substances are constantly seen in the cemetery. They even stole the iron railings we installed for protection. It’s not enough that they took those, they further damaged all the tombstones. We demand security measures to be implemented here before any more harm is done,” Horoz added.
The destruction of the cemetery has caused significant distress among the citizens. The images captured on-site clearly illustrate the extent of the damage, with broken tombstones and stolen railings scattered across the area.
Local residents are calling for immediate action from the municipal authorities to address this issue and ensure the safety and sanctity of the Harran Kapı Cemetery. They emphasize the importance of installing surveillance cameras and increasing security patrols to deter further acts of vandalism.
The citizens of Şanlıurfa are united in their plea to protect their loved ones’ final resting place from the hands of drug addicts and criminals. They urge the authorities to take the necessary measures to preserve the dignity and peace of the cemetery, assuring the families that their departed relatives rest in tranquility.
