A chilling scream pierced the evening air. It echoed from within the Demirgül Camii. This wasn’t the usual call to prayer. This was something far more urgent.
The Demirgül Camii in Antalya’s Kepez district is usually a place of peace. A sanctuary for prayer and reflection. But tonight something was wrong. Very wrong. A man a drug addict burst into the mosque. He had a knife. He wanted to force the muezzin the one who calls the faithful to prayer outside.
The muezzin refused. A struggle ensued. The attacker in a fit of rage smashed a window. Shards of glass injured the muezzin’s foot.
The muezzin fled the mosque. The congregation trapped inside called for help. The police were summoned. The attacker decided to escape. He tried to flee.
But the congregation wasn’t having it. They gave chase. The chase stretched for almost two kilometers. They threw rocks and stones. Some used sticks and makeshift weapons to stop him.
The attacker tried to hide in an apartment building. The residents were warned not to open their doors. Exhausted and cornered the attacker saw a police car. He surrendered. He threw his knife away.
One angry citizen kicked the man. But the police swiftly intervened. They took him to the police station. The Demirgül Camii was left shaken. This is a story of fear and bravery. A story that unfolded within the walls of the Demirgül Camii. A reminder that even places of worship are not always immune to violence. Yet the congregation’s quick response demonstrated their unity and courage. The Demirgül Camii stands as a testament to faith even in the face of adversity.