Turkish intel service releases document on Khomeini’s stay in Türkiye

Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT) on Wednesday released a top secret document dated Nov. 11, 1964, detailing the stay of Ayatollah Khomeini, leader of the Iranian revolution, in Türkiye.

"The Iranian guest has arrived in Türkiye, and it has been decided that he will reside in Bursa. The house where the guest will stay and other arrangements concerning him will be personally handled by the Bursa Yuva Directorate," the document said.

The file was sent by National Security Service chief Ziya Selisik to the Istanbul Central Office during Khomeini’s stay in Türkiye under MIT surveillance between Nov. 4, 1964, and Oct. 5, 1965.

"The necessary written and verbal instructions have been sent to the Bursa Yuva Directorate. The alias ‘Belli’ will be used in encrypted and other correspondence concerning the guest. Submitted for your information," the document concluded.

The document is available in the Document section under the Special Collection tab on MIT’s official website.