Second victim identified in brutal Istanbul Uzbek murder case

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

ISTANBUL, TURKEY —   Turkish authorities have identified a second victim, Ergashalieva Sayyora, who was murdered in the same Ümraniye residence where Uzbek national Durdona Khokimova was killed before her dismembered remains were discovered in a Şişli waste container.

The dual homicide, which has shocked the city’s migrant community, came to light after the initial discovery of Khokimova’s body by a paper collector on January 24, leading to a deeper investigation into the whereabouts of her roommate. Both women were reportedly living with the suspects in a shared apartment for approximately one month prior to the killings.

Double homicide in Ümraniye

Security footage and forensic evidence confirmed that 32-year-old Ergashalieva Sayyora was present in the Ümraniye home on January 23, the same day Khokimova was killed. Sayyora, who had arrived in Turkey from Uzbekistan on December 28, had been out of contact with her family since the day of the incident.

The investigation revealed that the suspects, identified as D.A.U.T. (31) and G.A.K. (29), allegedly disposed of Sayyora’s remains in various waste containers across different districts of Istanbul. CCTV images captured the men leaving the residence multiple times on January 24 carrying black trash bags and a white suitcase. D.A.U.T. reportedly admitted to the killing of Khokimova following a domestic dispute, claiming G.A.K. assisted him in transporting the remains via taxi.

Suspects apprehended at Istanbul Airport

Following a rapid pursuit by the Homicide Bureau of the Public Security Branch, the two primary suspects were apprehended at Istanbul Airport while attempting to flee to Georgia. A third individual, 58-year-old Turkish national E.K., was also detained as part of the ongoing investigation.

The victims were well-known within certain local circles; 37-year-old Khokimova reportedly operated a hunting equipment shop in Istanbul. Neighbors in Ümraniye reported hearing sounds of a violent struggle two days before the bodies were discovered, though a male resident reportedly turned them away at the door, claiming the situation was a domestic matter.

Public outcry and national protests

The gruesome nature of the murders triggered widespread protests in Istanbul and Ankara, led by the We Will Stop Femicide Platform and other women’s rights organizations. Protesters gathering at the Şişli Pangaltı Metro station drew parallels to the 2009 murder of Münevver Karabulut, whose body was also found in a waste container.

“This incident is the result of ignoring femicides and the lack of state policy to prevent these deaths,” the platform stated in a press release. “The deterrent power of the justice system has vanished, leading perpetrators to believe they can escape with reduced sentences.”

Advocates also highlighted the specific vulnerabilities of migrant women, who often fear reporting violence to the police due to potential deportation. According to platform data, 294 femicides were recorded in 2025 alone.

Official response from Uzbekistan

The murders have caused significant diplomatic ripples, with the Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming their active involvement in the case. Spokesperson Ahror Burkhanov stated that the ministry is cooperating closely with Turkish law enforcement, forensic centers, and prosecutors to ensure the identification of the victims and the progress of the legal proceedings.

The ministry expressed "deep sorrow" over the deaths and confirmed that they are maintaining direct communication with the families of the deceased. As the investigation continues, the suspects face charges of "premeditated murder," while the community waits for further updates from the ongoing judicial process.

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