Jellyfish, sea life spotted in historic Istanbul mosque after flood

ISTANBUL

Jellyfish and other sea life were spotted inside a historic mosque in Istanbul after recent heavy rain caused flash flooding, Doğan News Agency reported on March 7. 

The incident occurred on Feb. 28 after heavy rainfall at the 15th century Ahi Çelebi Mosque in Istanbul’s Fatih district.

Jellyfish overflew the garden and entrance of the mosque complex, which is located close to the coast.

Mosque-goers have complained about the situation, with one worshiper saying he could not perform his prayers there for a week.

“We want to perform our prayers in the mosque but we can’t. To enter the mosque we have to take off our shoes. But if we take off our shoes, we have to step in dirty water. Neither the municipality nor the monuments board nor the foundations are taking any interest. It’s a big shame,” Celil Afgan said.

Afgan also noted that fish have entered the flooded garden of the mosque from vent pipes, prompting him to protest the situation by casting a fishing line into the water in the garden.

Officials have reportedly finally intervened and have started to conduct water evacuation efforts.