"Squeak & Release": Neighbor Shoots Neighbor Dead Due to Squeaky Garden Gate, in Fethiye

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Hürriyet Newspaper, 20 June 2026)

                        Oh for an ounce of prevention...

Security camera footage has emerged showing the incident in the Fethiye 

district of Muğla, where Ramazan Çalışkan (42) was shot dead with a 

shotgun by his neighbor, Osman Küçükgüzel (62), following an argument 

over noise coming from a squeaky garden gate. The footage captures the 

moment of the attack and shows children fleeing in panic.

The incident took place yesterday around 18:00 in Eldirek neighborhood. 

Allegedly, an argument broke out between the neighbors due to noise 

caused by the squeaky iron garden gate of Çalışkan's home. The dispute 

quickly escalated into a physical altercation. Küçükgüzel went to the 

front of the house with a shotgun and fired at Ramazan Çalışkan, as well 

as his wife, Emine Çalışkan (40), and their children who were with him. 

Çalışkan and his wife were left lying on the ground, covered in blood.

Upon notification, medical and Gendarmerie teams were dispatched to 

the scene. Medical personnel confirmed that Ramazan Çalışkan had lost 

his life. Emine Çalışkan and her daughter E.Ç. (13), who were struck by 

pellets, were taken to the hospital by ambulance after receiving initial 

treatment. Küçükgüzel, who was found to have gone into hiding at his 

own home following the incident, surrendered to the Gendarmerie. 

After processing, he was referred to the courthouse and subsequently 

arrested by the court. It was reported that Emine Çalışkan remains in 

serious condition, while her daughter E.Ç. continues to undergo treatment.

"Jaws & Release": Very Large Shark Washes Up On Shore, in Kuşadası

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Hürriyet Newspaper, 20 June 2026)

                                       It takes a village...

As a 3.85-meter-long (12.5 feet) female bluntnose sixgill shark that 

washed ashore in the Kuşadası district of Aydın is being examined, 

Bahattin Sürücü, President of the Ecosystem  Conservation and 

Nature Lovers Association (EKODOSD), noted that  the species 

rarely encounters humans and is a significant creature for the marine 

ecosystem.  

Teams were dispatched to the area after Birol Özmen, who was 

kayaking off the coast of Kuşadası, reported seeing a large fish on 

the shore.  

Birol bey was scared sharkless!

An examination identified the creature as a bluntnose sixgill shark 

(*Hexanchus griseus*).  Following the species identification, tissue 

samples were collected and preserved for subsequent delivery to a 

university.

It is a shark species widely known in the Aegean and Mediterranean 

Seas but  rarely seen in the Black Sea. While many other shark species 

have five gill slits, the Bluntnose Sixgill Shark has six.

"Zoo & Release": Over 200 Wild Animals - Snakes, Lizards and Spiders - Found in Apartment in Kadıköy, Istanbul

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(ODA TV website, 15 June 2026)

         Too many cats in Istanbul anyway.

The discovery of exotic animals and prohibited species in an apartment 

building in Kadıköy-Erenköy—right in the heart of Istanbul—has 

caused astonishment. It was reported that a wide range of species were 

found, including a Savannah Monitor, a "Fire Skink" lizard, and snails. 

A statement regarding the matter was issued by the Directorate of 

Nature Conservation and National Parks.

A wide variety of animals—ranging from exotic lizards, tortoises, and 

iguanas to prohibited snakes and snails, as well as parrots suspected of 

being smuggled and creatures like tarantulas—were discovered in two 

separate apartments within a building in Kadıköy. Teams from the General 

Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks rescued numerous 

animals from these two apartments, which were occupied by a family.

Instead of a guard dog...

It was alleged that over 200 animals were found, including a yellow 

scorpion and a viper that were discovered dead. Furthermore, it was 

claimed that snails were being used as protein-based feed for the snakes. 

The allegations also include the presence of a wide variety of animals, 

ranging from reptiles such as the Savannah Monitor, Fire Skink, and 

iguana to exotic frog species, as well as creatures like the boa constrictor, 

emperor scorpion, tarantula, and snails.

A statement posted on the social media account of the General Directorate 

of Nature Conservation and National Parks read as follows: "Exotic 

Species Seized in Istanbul. Acting on a tip-off, our teams conducted an 

inspection at a location in Istanbul in coordination with law enforcement 

agencies. Checks revealed the presence of numerous exotic species lacking 

the required permits. The animals—including tarantulas, snakes, scorpions, 

iguanas, savannah monitors, parrots, aquatic turtles, and giant African land 

snails—were seized. While the animals were taken into protective custody, 

an administrative fine was imposed on the individual involved under the 

Land Hunting Law No. 4915. We will resolutely continue our inspections 

regarding the unauthorized possession of wild animals."

"Scald & Release": Mechanic Poured Hot Tea on Custormer Who Accused Him of Overcharging, in Samsun

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Hürriyet Newspaper, 17 June 2026)

       Tea pots don't scald people. People scald people.

A mechanic in the Tekkeköy district of Samsun was arrested after 

pouring a teapot full of hot tea onto a customer, causing burns, during a 

dispute over payment for vehicle repairs at a kiosk on Kutlukent 

Boulevard in the Şabanoğlu Neighborhood.

According to reports, Kazım K. (65) took his vehicle to an auto repair 

shop owned by İ.K. (49) in April. Kazım K. paid 13,000 liras when 

he picked up his vehicle.

However (!), upon discovering through subsequent research that he had 

been charged 4,500 liras more than required, Kazım K. contacted the 

business owner, İ.K., to request a refund of the excess amount. When 

this proved unsuccessful, he applied to the Consumer Arbitration 

Committee.

A dispute over money broke out yesterday between the parties who 

encountered each other at the kiosk opposite the repair shop. As the 

argument escalated, İ.K. poured a teapot containing hot tea over 

Kazım K. and subsequently assaulted him.

Charged with using hot tea as a weapon.

The injured Kazım K. was taken to the Burn Center at Samsun City 

Hospital by medical teams arriving at the scene and placed under 

treatment. I.K., who was detained by the police, was referred to the 

Samsun Courthouse today. Brought before the duty court, the suspect 

was arrested and sent to Samsun T-Type Closed Prison.

"Spook & Release": Giant "Art Work" (!), Sparks Unease, in Seydikemer

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Hürriyet Newspaper, 17 June 2026)

 Entitled "Tensio", which means "Call home." in alienese.

A massive structure found in an olive grove in the Çaykenarı neighborhood 

of Muğla's Seydikemer district had sparked curiosity and unease among 

local residents. According to officials, the structure was built entirely for 

artistic purposes. (yeah, sure.)

Reports indicate that the artwork, named "Tensio" and designed by Swedish-

Turkish philosopher, artist, and writer Engo Fikret Engin Kazancı, began 

construction in 2025. Standing approximately 7 meters tall and weighing 

12 tons, the piece was installed on land belonging to the artist's friend, 

Ramazan Armağan Uysal.

The giant structure—whose original purpose was initially unknown—had 

drawn the attention of locals and given rise to various speculations. 

According to officials, the structure was built entirely for artistic purposes.

Artist  Kazancı being escorted back to his ship by Gendarmerie troops.

Engo Fikret Engin Kazancı—the architect and designer of "Tensio," a work 

of art in its own right—will unveil the piece to the public at a press 

conference to be held in August 2026. He installed his work "Tensio" in 

Seydikemer lies in the region's historical and geographical location. In the 

promotional texts prepared by Kazancı, it is emphasized that the Fethiye-

Seydikemer basin has historically been viewed as a crossroads of Asia, 

Europe, and Africa, and has ranked among the significant centers of science, 

philosophy, and cultural exchange since ancient times.

It is stated that the artist chose to situate the work in Seydikemer—a place 

deeply connected with nature—rather than in major cities, viewing the 

region as a future hub of note for culture, art, and thought.

Seydikemer, as seen from outer space...

"Fleece & Release": Nigerian Would-be American Businessman, Scams Hong Kong Dentist Out of $2.5 Million, in Istanbul

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(NTV website, 12 June 2026)

  Prince Richard-Kingsley: "Just send me $2.5 million and 

we'll get married too!"

Siu P.Y.F., a dentist who resides in Hong Kong, met the individual, 

presenting himself as an American businessman, on an online dating 

site in 2020.  The two struck up a friendship and communicated solely 

by phone for years, eventually deciding to get married (!). Later, 

the suspect contacted Siu P.Y.F., claiming he had come to Istanbul 

and made an investment, and therefore needed money.

Believing this lie, Siu P.Y.F. transferred a total of $2.5 million (!!) 

to the bank accounts provided between 2020 and 2022. However, 

after being unable to reach the person she expected to marry, 

Siu P.Y.F. reported the fraud to the Hong Kong police.

But although the Hong Kong police launched an investigation into 

the incident, they were unable to make any headway despite 

extensive efforts. Having lost hope in the Hong Kong police, 

Siu P.Y.F. retained a lawyer and filed a complaint with the Istanbul 

Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

Following the Hong Kong dentist's complaint, the Fraud Bureau 

launched an investigation. Police tracked the bank accounts to which 

the woman had sent money and detained five suspects who held 

these accounts. While four of the individuals claimed not to recall 

the incident (!), it was revealed that one suspect had handed over 

the funds received in their account to a Nigerian national known to 

them as "Richard." Acting on this information, police teams quickly 

apprehended the Nigerian national, Kingsley O., who had identified 

himself as Richard.

Kingsley O., who gave a statement at the Public Order Branch 

Directorate, denied the allegations regarding the incident. While the 

investigation into the matter continues on multiple fronts, six suspects 

were referred to the courthouse following the completion of 

procedural formalities.

Now she has a toothache...

"TIR & Release": Turkish Woman Left Desk Job in Antalya for Truckers' Life in Europe

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(Hürriyet Newspaper, 12 June 2026)

                          Little lady, big truck. No problem.

Begüm Önder (31), who resigned after working as a civil servant in 

Antalya for 9 years and became a TIR (Transports Internationaux 

Routiers) truck driver, has been transporting freight in Europe for the 

last 2.5 years. Stating that women can easily do this profession, 

Begüm hanım said, "I did not want to work for years in a job that I 

was unhappy with. I would have regretted it if I had not tried."

Begüm hanım said that the most difficult part of the job is being away 

from home and loved ones. Stating that desk work was not for her, 

Begüm Önder explained that she wanted to do a job where she could 

both travel and earn money, so she resigned from the civil service and 

started working as a TIR driver.

She noted that she first worked domestically and then went on trips 

abroad. Stating that she has been working in Europe for about 2.5 years, 

Begüm hanım  said, "I usually travel between Luxembourg, Belgium, 

the Netherlands, Germany and France. Sometimes I go to three countries 

during the day. Waking up in a different place every day, seeing different 

cultures and meeting new people is one of the best parts of the job." 

Begüm hanım admitted, thought, that the job is tiring at times: "There are 

times when I miss home mentally. There are times when I get tired physically, 

but driving a large vehicle gives me pleasure. My last trip, I stayed abroad for 

7 months. Then I came to Turkey by plane."

                          Getting her fingernails dirty.

Explaining that she works on a tarpaulin trailer and that he has physical 

difficulties at times, Begüm hanım said, "I can do the job that a male driver 

takes half an hour in half an hour, but in the end I do it. The easiest part of 

this job is driving the vehicle. The hardest part is staying away from home 

and family psychologically." Önder said that women can also be truck drivers 

and said, "I recommend it to everyone who wants to do this job. Anyone 

can do it. Technically, there is nothing insurmountable. We also receive 

support from other drivers."

She has received criticism but said, "My mother and brother always supported 

me. However, many people were surprised that I left the civil service. Leaving 

a secure job was of course a risk, but I did not want to work for years in a 

place where I was unhappy. I would have regretted it if I had not tried. I 

preferred to try instead of saying 'I wish'." Explaining that they sometimes 

encounter security problems in Europe, Önder said that diesel theft is common, 

especially in some regions of France and Spain, so they take various precautions

by choosing safe parking areas.