# Istanbul urban transformation arson investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/istanbul-urban-transformation-arson-investigation
> Updated: 2026-09-13T13:00:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

In Istanbul’s Avcılar district, an arson investigation has been launched following a fire at the home of 81-year-old Güner Saraç. The incident occurred amid a disputed urban transformation process.

Family members reported that building management and a contractor had pressured Saraç, who suffers from dementia, to vacate her apartment by a verbal deadline in June. The family stated that no official risk report had been finalized and no legal eviction process had commenced. They further alleged that the unit had been looted and the electricity panel removed prior to the fire. 

A fire department report identified the cause of the July 19 fire as arson, prompting a criminal investigation by the Küçükçekmece Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-13: Elazığ Governor investigates fatal shooting and arson

An elderly couple in Elazığ, Turkey, was shot and their home set on fire in a suspected robbery. One suspect has been arrested as authorities continue to investigate the brutal crime.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/elaz-governor-investigates-fatal-shooting-and-arson

### 2026-08-18: Istanbul arson investigation launched after elderly woman's home burned

An 81-year-old dementia patient's home in Istanbul's Avcılar district was allegedly looted and set on fire amid a disputed urban transformation process. An investigation is underway.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istanbul-arson-investigation-launched-after-elderly-womans-home-burned

---
Cite as: Istanbul urban transformation arson investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/istanbul-urban-transformation-arson-investigation