Turkey‘s MİT Declassifies 1964 File on Khomeini’s Exile: Code Name “Belli”
Reflecto News | History & Intelligence | Middle East
ANKARA — In a move that casts new light on a pivotal chapter of Middle Eastern history, Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization (MİT) has declassified a “top secret” document detailing the 1964 exile of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in the city of Bursa .
The document, dated November 11, 1964—just days after Khomeini’s arrival in Turkey—was published on MİT’s official website under the “Private Collection” section. It reveals the strict surveillance measures, codenames, and logistical arrangements implemented by Turkish authorities during the future Iranian leader’s 11-month stay .
🕵️♂️ Codenames and Operational Security
To maintain operational secrecy, Turkish intelligence assigned Khomeini specific markers. In all coded correspondence, Khomeini was referred to solely as “the Iranian guest” . Furthermore, the document designates “Belli” as his official code name for encrypted communications .
Directives issued by Ziya Selışık, then Head of the National Security Service, instructed intelligence units that all communications regarding Khomeini’s housing, security, and movements must strictly use this alias . This “need to know” approach ensured that the true identity of the high-profile political refugee remained hidden from unauthorized personnel and potential assassins loyal to the Shah.
📜 Life Under Surveillance in Bursa
The document outlines the operational jurisdiction for Khomeini’s exile. It explicitly states that the Bursa Provincial Gendarmerie Command was tasked with personally arranging accommodation and overseeing all related affairs concerning the guest .
Exiled by the Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi following his vocal opposition to the “White Revolution,” Khomeini arrived in Turkey on November 4, 1964, and remained in Bursa until October 5, 1965 .
Khomeini was housed in a modest home in the Çekirge district. While he was provided with residency, MİT historical records indicate that his activities were restricted. Turkish intelligence kept his movements under close watch, his correspondence was monitored for seditious content, and he was instructed to refrain from engaging in political activities against the Shah while on Turkish soil .
After his stay in Turkey, Khomeini was transferred to Najaf, Iraq, where he continued his opposition, eventually leading to the 1979 Iranian Islamic Revolution .
🕰️ Context: Why Declassify Now?
The declassification of this 60-year-old document by MİT serves multiple contemporary purposes. The agency has recently been active in digitizing and releasing historical intelligence records, often highlighting Turkey’s strategic importance as a hub for international diplomacy and asylum.
By revealing the “Belli” files, MİT underscores the historical depth of Turkish-Iranian intelligence relations and Turkey’s role as a neutral ground for political refugees during the Cold War. The move also provides a rare, official glimpse into the strict counterintelligence protocols of the 1960s, demonstrating how physical surveillance and coded communication were prioritized over electronic monitoring .
📋 Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Document Date | November 11, 1964 (declassified April 2026) |
| Key Figure | Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (future leader of Iran) |
| Location of Exile | Bursa, Turkey (Çekirge district) |
| Duration | November 4, 1964 – October 5, 1965 |
| Code Name | “Belli” (Turkish for “distinct” or “known”) |
| Described as | “The Iranian guest” |
| Supervising Body | Bursa Provincial Gendarmerie Command (in coordination with MİT) |
| Official Reason for Exile | Opposition to the Shah’s “White Revolution” |
| Modern Relevance | Highlights Turkey’s historical role in Cold War asylum and intelligence |
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