Mezdeke murder solved after 10 years: 3 arrested, suspect confesses 'I killed her because she was a belly dancer'

A decade-long investigation into the 2016 murder of Mezdeke dancer Aynur Kanbur has culminated in the arrest and confession of Bülent Gündüz. Gündüz admitted to shooting Kanbur outside her home in Istanbul's Şişli district, stating his motive was shame over her profession as a belly dancer, which he claimed led to his family being mocked.

The murder occurred on March 24, 2016. Initially, ballistic evidence from the scene did not match any other cases. A special team was formed to investigate, meticulously reviewing 4,000 hours of security camera footage. This painstaking effort, involving a six-person team dedicated solely to this case, eventually led investigators to identify a suspect captured on camera near the Mecidiyeköy metrobus station.

Police traced the suspect's journey from the Avcılar metrobus station to Mecidiyeköy, then meticulously examined the travel records of approximately 1,700 men aged 16-50 who used the station. This process led them to Bülent Gündüz, identified as a relative of Aynur Kanbur. His behavior was found to be consistent with that of the killer.

During his interrogation, Gündüz confessed to the crime. He reportedly told authorities, "She was our relative. For years, people mocked us because she was a belly dancer. I couldn't stand it anymore and decided to kill her." He later participated in a reconstruction of the crime scene, detailing the events of that night, though he claimed to have forgotten some specifics, stating he drew his weapon when Kanbur became aggressive after he announced a package delivery.