Turkish man kills wife with cleaver in public attack in Istanbul

Police arrest suspect after manhunt; jealousy cited as motive

Last updated: August 21, 2025 | 09:59

1 MIN READ

A man has been arrested after he fatally attacked his wife with a cleaver on a busy street in Istabul.

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Dubai: A shocking crime unfolded in Istanbul when a man fatally attacked his wife with a cleaver in the middle of a busy street, according to Turkish authorities.

The assault on Monday evening, which took place in the Umraniye district on the Asian side of the city, has left residents stunned. Witnesses said the 35-year-old man launched the attack after a heated argument with his 33-year-old Uzbek wife. Investigators believe jealousy fuelled the violence.

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Bystanders watched in horror as the man struck his wife with the cleaver, killing her instantly, police said. Officers rushed to the scene and sealed off the area, while search teams fanned out to track down the suspect, who had fled immediately after the attack.

In the early hours of Tuesday, police announced they had located and arrested the man. During questioning, he admitted to carrying out the killing, citing jealousy as his motive.

The killing has reignited conversations in Turkey about violence against women, an issue that has sparked widespread protests and calls for tougher protections in recent years.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.