A quiet day took a dark turn in Istanbul’s Sarıyer district when a passerby made a chilling discovery in a wooded area—sparking an investigation that’s now raising international concern.
The body of a young Russian man was found under mysterious and disturbing circumstances, and authorities are now scrambling for answers.
Russian Man Found Dead with Bag Over His Head and Taped Mouth
The victim has been identified as 20-year-old Russian citizen Usman A.
His body was found on Tuesday, July 29, with a black garbage bag over his head and tape sealing his mouth shut—immediately raising red flags for investigators.
He was discovered by someone walking through the forest, who quickly alerted the police.
Personal Belongings and a Cryptic Letter Found Nearby
When police arrived on the scene, they found not just the body, but a few scattered personal belongings that added to the puzzle—a shoulder bag, a phone, some cash, a public transit pass, and most notably, a printed letter in Russian.
The contents of that letter were emotional and haunting.
A Farewell Letter and a Quran Verse Deepen the Mystery
The letter appear
ed to be a final message from Usman. He wrote to someone named “Sakhomenan,” asking them not to believe any accusations made about him.
The tone was full of despair, with the young man expressing that his search for truth was in vain and that he wouldn’t be remembered in history.
The note ended on a spiritual note, quoting a verse from the Quran’s Al-Baqara surah.
Here’s a translated excerpt:
“Sakhomenan, I hope these words never reach you.
They will slander me, don’t believe them… I beg you, don’t let them bury me like an obedient man.”
Was It Suicide or Something More Sinister?
At this point, authorities haven’t confirmed whether Usman’s death was the result of suicide or if foul play was involved.
The physical condition of his body and the cryptic nature of the note have left Turkish police and prosecutors with more questions than answers.
His body was sent to the Forensic Medicine Institute for an autopsy.
International Cooperation Underway as Investigation Deepens
One of the more puzzling elements is the identity of “Sakhomenan,” who was addressed in the letter.
Investigators are working with Russian diplomatic officials to gather more context about Usman’s life, his recent activities, and any connections he may have had both in Turkey and back home.