WARNING - DISTRESSING CONTENT: The body was found wrapped in a sheet.

12:34, Mon, Jan 26, 2026 Updated: 13:59, Mon, Jan 26, 2026

Aerial view of Istanbul

The body of a woman was found in a bin in Istanbul (Image: Getty)

The body of a woman with her head and legs severed was found in a bin in Istanbul, Turkish media reports. The harrowing discovery was reportedly made between Saturday and Sunday night in the Sisli district. 

The body was found wrapped in a sheet by a paper collector who was looking for items to recycle, the Turkish DHA news agency reports. The legs and head of the victim, who is believed to be a 37-year-old Uzbek national, were not immediately located. 

Following the distressing discovery, police reviewed CCTV footage, and reportedly spotted two men dumping a suitcase at a different bin. 

The same news agency said two suspects were apprehended at Istanbul Airport, and taken into custody after an eight-hour operation before they could leave the country. Other body parts were found in different garbage containers in the same area. The number of people in custody during the investigation has risen to three, DHA also said.

Get top stories from The Express sent straight to your phone Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Women’s rights organizations and residents called for a protest to condemn the rising tide of femicide, local media reported.

The latest news from around the world Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Demonstrators were scheduled to gather on Jan. 25 at the Osmanbey–Pangaltı exit and march to Kuyulubağ Street, where the body was found, the English-speaking Hurriyet Daily News said.

According to data from the Turkish Women’s Associations Federation (TKDF), 420 women were killed last year, while 508 women died under suspicious circumstances, bringing the total number of femicide-related cases to 928, the media outlet also reported.