Istanbul's Avcılar Horses Escape Farm, Roam Streets Causing Traffic Hazards

A group of horses escaped from a farm near Küçükçekmece Lake in Istanbul's Avcılar district, specifically the Firuzköy neighbourhood. The farm is owned by Ali Rıza Akyol, who says the 10‑year‑old English stallion named “Akyol” was imported from Russia and is able to open the farm's latch with its mouth, allowing itself and other horses to flee.

The escaped horses wander the streets, feeding on discarded vegetables and fruit while posing a danger to motorists and local residents. Akyol’s owner noted that such incidents happen frequently, and the animals are tracked using camera footage before being recaptured.

Akyol is described as unusually alert: “We brought him from Russia, but he is very restless. If I don’t lock the latch, he opens it with his mouth,” Akyol told reporters. The ongoing searches aim to prevent further traffic hazards and restore safety to the neighbourhood.