In Turkey, a rising number of women are recorded as having ended their lives by “throwing themselves from a high place,” prompting urgent questions about the circumstances surrounding these deaths. Families like that of Şebnem Köker and Aysun Yıldırım are left grappling with the pain of loss and the nagging suspicion that these tragedies may not be what they seem. As investigations often label these incidents as suicides, many grieving families argue that critical details are overlooked, and the true nature of these deaths remains obscured.
The Fearless Yet Fragile Spirit of Şebnem Köker
At just 29, Şebnem Köker was a vibrant nurse with a zest for life that drew her friends in. With her striking red hair and adventurous spirit, she was known for spontaneous outings and bold decisions. However, beneath this exterior lay a deep-seated fear of heights, as her father, Abdullah Köker, recounts. He vividly remembers how his daughter wouldn’t even venture onto their balcony, a testament to her anxiety.
So, when Abdullah was told that Şebnem had allegedly jumped from a hotel window, disbelief washed over him. “There’s no way my daughter would have jumped,” he firmly states. He recalls her fondness for life and how she would have chosen less drastic means if she had truly wanted to end it all. The police had suggested suicide, yet Abdullah felt they were steering him towards an uncomfortable conclusion without presenting any concrete evidence.
Unraveling the Circumstances of Tragedy
Şebnem was in Istanbul for a weekend getaway, ostensibly to visit friends. However, she was with Timuçin Bayhan, a married man with whom she had been involved for some time. Abdullah recalls the last conversation he had with her, where she seemed off-kilter, raising concerns about her well-being. Within hours, he would learn that his daughter had died, plunging him into a whirlwind of grief and confusion.
At the morgue, Abdullah was presented with a stark report stating that she had fallen approximately 30 feet. Shocked and devastated, he learned from the police that Şebnem had not been alone that night—a crucial detail they had withheld. Timuçin Bayhan, who had been in the room with her, was treated as a witness rather than a suspect, despite his conflicting accounts of events.
As the investigation unfolded, Abdullah faced an uphill battle against a system that seemed disinterested in pursuing the truth. Turkish authorities, he found, often concluded such deaths as suicides without thorough examinations, leaving families like his searching for answers.
The Broader Implications of Gendered Violence
Şebnem’s story is far from unique in Turkey, where every year hundreds of women are reported as committing suicide in similar circumstances. Campaigners and grieving families argue that these statistics often mask femicides—murders committed against women simply because of their gender. The numbers have surged, with government data indicating that nearly one in four female suicides is now categorised this way.
Dr. Gülsüm Kav, a prominent women’s rights advocate, emphasises the need for rigorous investigations into these deaths. “Autopsies start at the crime scene,” she insists, advocating for a shift in how authorities approach such cases. Without proper investigation, important evidence can be lost, and the true nature of these tragedies remains hidden.
The Ongoing Fight for Justice
The painful saga of Aysun Yıldırım mirrors that of Şebnem Köker. Aysun fell from her office building under suspicious circumstances, and her family has faced similar challenges in seeking justice. Despite their pleas, the authorities hastily labelled her death a suicide, disregarding compelling evidence that suggests otherwise.
Both families share a common thread of despair, frustration, and determination. They refuse to accept the narratives imposed upon them by a system that often marginalises women’s experiences. As Abdullah and Aysun’s parents continue their fight for justice, they represent countless others who have faced similar fates.
Why it Matters
The stories of Şebnem Köker and Aysun Yıldırım highlight the urgent need to address how women’s deaths are investigated in Turkey. Their families’ struggles reflect a broader societal issue: the systemic neglect of women’s safety and the urgent need for reform. By shedding light on these tragedies, we can advocate for change and ensure that the voices of the victims and their families are heard. Each statistic represents a life cut short, and it is our collective responsibility to demand accountability and justice for all women.
