Istanbul teenager electrocuted in allegedly illegal parking lot

A 14-year-old boy, Mahmut Işıldak, died in Istanbul after being electrocuted during heavy rainfall on October 14. Işıldak was reportedly walking barefoot to avoid getting his shoes wet when the incident occurred.

Following the death, allegations have surfaced regarding the legality of the parking lot where the accident took place. Located in Çukurbostan Park within the Fatih district, the parking lot is reportedly operated through illegal occupation. Local residents and the neighborhood headman claim the facility is managed by the İsmailağa community.

Audit reports from the Court of Accounts (Sayıştay) regarding Fatih Municipality in 2021 and 2023 have previously highlighted similar issues. These reports noted that a commercial enterprise belonging to an association was operating a parking lot in a designated park and rest area. The reports indicated that the administration allowed the occupation to continue by regularly collecting occupation fees (ecrimisil), thereby legitimizing the unauthorized use of the land.