German Media Reports Tragedy in Istanbul; Focus Shifts to Hotel Chemicals

WISE NEWS PRESS / ISTANBUL, TURKEY — NOVEMBER 19, 2025

The poisoning tragedy that led to the deaths of three German citizens from the Böcek family during their holiday in Istanbul has received extensive coverage in the German press, raising questions about the safety image of Turkey’s most popular tourism hub.

German newspapers reported that initial suspicions of food poisoning have faded, with the investigation now focusing on the potential use of illegal chemicals and pesticides within the family’s hotel in the historic Sultanahmet district. The father remains in critical condition.

Safety Image Questioned by German Press

German papers like the Süddeutsche Zeitung focused on the severity of the incident occurring in Sultanahmet, one of Istanbul's busiest tourist areas. The newspaper noted that Istanbul's image as a safe destination, which hosted nearly 19 million visitors last year, is paramount.

The paper acknowledged that Turkish authorities moved quickly in the investigation, though the definitive cause of death is pending an autopsy.

Focus Shifts to Illegal Pesticides

The German newspaper Express reported that the focus of the investigation shifted away from food poisoning toward possible chemicals used in the hotel. The hotel was evacuated and sealed after two other tourists reported similar complaints requiring hospitalization.

Express and Bild detailed reports suggesting that some hotels work with unlicensed pest control companies that source forbidden or illegal pesticides on the black market. Bild specifically claimed that forbidden pesticide traces were found in two hotel rooms.

The incident resulted in the tragic deaths of the mother, Çiğdem Böcek (27), and her two children, Kadir Muhammet (6) and Masal (3), who died after initial treatment failed to fully alleviate their symptoms. The father, Servet Böcek (36), remains in critical condition.

Bild also referenced similar tragedies in countries like Egypt, Oman, and Bulgaria, where tourists have previously fallen victim to illegally used chemicals in hotel rooms. .

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