Turkish televangelist Adnan Oktar’s ‘kitten den’ partially demolished
ISTANBUL
Turkish officials have begun demolishing parts of the Istanbul mansion owned by Adnan Oktar, the controversial televangelist who was arrested in August with 168 of his followers.
Oktar, who is also known abroad by his pen name Harun Yahya, hosted talk show programs on his television channel, A9, on which he has discussed Islamic values and sometimes danced with young women he calls “kittens” and sang with young men, who he calls his “lions.”
After mass arrests on over 30 charges including forming a criminal organization, child sexual abuse and kidnapping, Turkish authorities also focused on Oktar’s luxurious mansion in Kandilli district overlooking the Bosphorus.
Early on Oct. 4, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality teams began demolishing 23 structures in the complex, which had been built without a permit.
The mansion was also used as a television set for Oktar’s unusual shows, mixing religious sermons with dancing.
Turkish televangelist’s ‘most senior kitten’ agrees to cooperate with prosecution
