HOW CAN I FIND A MISSING PERSON IN TURKEY?

Finding a missing person in Turkey can be challenging, but there are specific steps and resources you can use to increase your chances of locating them. Here's a guide:

1. Contact the Police

• Report to the Nearest Police Station: Visit the local police station and file a missing person report (Kayıp Kişi İhbarı). Bring:

  • A recent photo of the person.

  • Any identifying details (name, age, clothing, distinguishing marks).

  • Contact information and details about where they were last seen.

• Follow-Up: Get a case number and stay in touch with the officers handling the case.

2. Notify the Gendarmerie (Jandarma)

If the person is missing in a rural area or near a border, report to the local Gendarmerie Command. The gendarmerie handles security in non-urban regions and can assist with searches in those areas.

3. Use the e-Devlet Portal

If you have access to the Turkish e-Devlet (government services) platform, you can check for records related to missing persons or communicate with relevant authorities.

4. Reach Out to Hospitals and Morgues

Contact nearby hospitals and healthcare facilities to check if the missing person has been admitted. Provide their name and description. Also, inquire at local morgues if necessary.

5. Check Immigration and Border Records

If the missing person is a foreign national or may have crossed borders, contact:

• Turkey's Immigration Office (Göç İdaresi).

• Local embassies or consulates for assistance.

6. Leverage Social Media and Community Networks

• Share the missing person's photo and details on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.

• Use hashtags like #KayıpKişi or location-specific tags.

• Join local community groups, expat forums, or neighborhood watch groups where you can spread the word.

7. Contact Missing Persons NGOs

Several organizations in Turkey work to locate missing persons. For example:

• Kayıp Alarmı: An NGO specializing in raising awareness for missing persons.

• Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay): Assists with family reunification, especially for refugees or individuals displaced by crises.

8. Search Public Places

Visit places the missing person frequently visited, such as:

• Parks, cafes, or workplaces.

• Transportation hubs (bus terminals, train stations, airports).

9. Consult Local Media

• Newspapers and TV Stations: Many local news outlets accept requests to feature missing persons.

• Radio Stations: Announcements can be made on community or national radio.

10. Hire a Private Investigator

If the police investigation is not progressing, you might consider hiring a licensed private investigator who specializes in missing person cases.

11. Legal Steps

• If you suspect foul play, consult a lawyer and file a complaint with the public prosecutor's office (Savcılık).

• The prosecutor can issue an official search warrant or open an investigation. We can help you.