Politics

Six arrested in connection with 44 Turkish forest fires

Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced that 29 suspects have been identified in relation to incidents spanning 16 provinces.

Talivio News · Global 2 August 2026, 11:48 1 min read

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A scarred hillside with new green sprouts emerging under a cloudy sky.

Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced that 29 suspects have been identified in connection with 44 forest fires that have occurred in 16 provinces since June 1, 2026.

Of those identified, 6 suspects have been arrested regarding the fires, while 9 suspects have been subject to judicial control measures, according to Gürlek.

Gürlek stated that the 44 forest fires began on June 1, 2026, and have affected 16 provinces.

Investigations into each incident are being conducted through crime scene findings, camera footage, communication records, witness statements, expert reports, and technical data, according to the Justice Minister.

No forest fire with suspicion of crime will be allowed to remain unsolved.

— Akın Gürlek

The 6 suspects currently in custody are undergoing ongoing judicial proceedings, according to Gürlek.

Updates

Update — 2 August, 12:23

Regarding specific incidents, one suspect remains in detention following an arrest in Aydınloluk village on July 27, two suspects are being held after an arrest in Kumgedik Mahallesi on July 29, and one suspect continues to be detained after an arrest in Atakent Mahallesi on July 24. Additionally, two suspects previously arrested by the Torbalı Criminal Court of Peace for a June 3 fire in Ayrancılar Mahallesi were later released during the prosecution stage.

Update — 2 August, 12:58

Following the investigations, four specific arrest cases have emerged: two suspects involved in the June 3 Ayrancılar fire were released after being previously arrested, while three other suspects remain in detention following arrests related to fires in Aydınloluk village (July 27), Kumgedik Mahallesi (July 29), and Atakent Mahallesi (July 24). Additionally, the Ministry of Justice confirmed that the Department of Natural Disasters and Accidents is monitoring judicial processes, while prosecutors work with public institutions to evaluate evidence across 16 provinces including Adana, Antalya, and Muğla.

Callum Fitzwilliam

Politics Correspondent · Talivio News

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