"Meow & Release": Neglected Cats Led to Bizarre and Gruesome Discovery, in Cat-stantinople

türkçe links to original Turkish article

(DHA News Agency, 31 October 2026)

              That look says "I know but you never will."

Concerned after noticing that the cats on his balcony were 

being neglected, a neighbor in Kağıthane alerted authorities; 

the resident was later found dead inside his home. (!)

In Kağıthane, Elmas Ö. (54) grew suspicious after noticing that 

her neighbor, Nihat Aydınlar (53), was not tending to the cats 

left on his balcony. Worried for Aydınlar’s ​​well-being, Elmas Ö. 

contacted the police. Upon entering the residence with the 

assistance of fire department personnel, they discovered 

Aydınlar’s ​​body on a sofa. An investigation into his death has 

been initiated.

The incident took place on Wednesday, August 12, around 19:00,

in the Nurtepe neighborhood. According to the information 

obtained, Elmas Ö. noticed that her neighbor Nihat Aydınlar’s 

​​cats had been left on the balcony for several days. Not seeing 

Aydınlar—who usually takes good care of his cats—Elmas Ö. 

grew suspicious and, fearing for his well-being, reported the 

situation. 

Odd time for a yard sale...or maybe the landlord was

eager for a new tenant. 

It was observed that belongings and clothing from Aydınlar’s 

​​apartment had been removed and placed in front of the building. 

Footage captured via mobile phone shows these items and 

garments belonging to Aydınlar situated outside the building. (!)

  

Upon finding the apartment door locked, police—assisted by 

fire department personnel— gained entry and discovered the 

lifeless body of an individual on a sofa; the body was 

unrecognizable (!). Identification confirmed the deceased to be 

Nihat Aydınlar, who resided in the apartment. 

A preliminary examination by a municipal physician deemed 

the death suspicious, though no visible signs of physical 

trauma were observed on the body. Following an investigation 

of the scene by forensic teams, Aydınlar’s ​​body was taken

to the Forensic Medicine Institute morgue to determine the 

exact cause of death. An investigation into the incident has 

been initiated.