Bitter End to 35-Day Search; Hamza Duras's Body Found in Karabük Forests

Details of Disappearance and Extensive Search Operation

Hamza Duras, a third-year computer engineering student at Yeditepe University, was last seen on May 31, 2026. He told his family he was heading to Istanbul for final exams, but later investigations showed he never reached his destination [1]. His family reported him missing on June 9 after days of no contact and his mobile phone being turned off [4].

Technical investigations and CCTV reviews showed that Hamza got off the bus on the day of his departure and stayed in the city of Safranbolu. During this period, he stayed in two different hotels and shopped at a local market [2]. Following these clues, a large-scale search operation involving AFAD, Gendarmerie, police, and volunteers began in the surrounding forested areas [3].

Discovery of the Body Deep in Safranbolu Forests

After 35 days since his disappearance, and while search operations in some areas had been halted due to the vastness of the terrain, a local shepherd grazing his livestock near the village of Aşağıdana noticed a strong odor [5]. Upon investigating the area, the shepherd encountered a lifeless body hanging from a tree and immediately notified security forces [1].

Crime scene investigation teams and the public prosecutor arrived at the scene immediately. After initial identification, it was confirmed that the body belonged to Hamza Duras. His body was transferred to the Karabük Training and Research Hospital forensic medicine department and then to the Ankara Forensic Medicine Center for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death [3][4].

Police Investigation and Social Reactions

The death of the young student has sparked a wave of grief on social media and within the Turkish academic community. Local authorities and the Governor of Karabük, who personally supervised the search process, announced that all aspects of the incident would be thoroughly investigated [4]. While initial evidence suggests a possible suicide, police have not ruled out foul play or external involvement and are awaiting the final forensic report [5].

The Duras family, who held onto hope for 35 days, now faces this tragic reality. Hamza's father previously stated that in his last calls, his son mentioned an interest in exploring forests, but showed no signs of depression or acute problems [2]. Investigations into his recent activities at the hotels and his phone records continue [1].