An 81-year-old woman who cared for stray animals died in a house fire in Ankara, hours after she was allegedly targeted online for protesting the removal of street dogs by the Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) Altındağ Municipality officials, activists claim arson.
The fire broke out at approximately 19:50 local time on 18 February in Ankara’s Altındağ district’s Gültepe neighbourhood. Residents spotted flames rising from the woman’s home and alerted emergency services. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze, but the woman, identified as Ülker Güleryüz, widely known in her neighbourhood as “Necla Teyze” (Aunt Necla), was found lifeless inside. Her body was taken to the forensic institute for autopsy.
The incident followed a confrontation earlier that day between Güleryüz and municipal workers. She had protested against Altındağ Municipality officers who came to remove a dog she had been caring for. Video footage of the altercation circulated on social media, and Güleryüz was subsequently targeted by users accusing her of obstructing the authorities. Some of the posts contained threats, including urging, “Is there no one to shut her up?”
Haydar Özkan, deputy head of the Animal Rights Confederation, alleged that the fire was not a coincidence. “In the morning, municipal officers took away her microchipped dog. By the evening, social media accounts hostile to animals had shared her address, inciting violence. Hours later, she was dead in a fire,” he said.
Activist group Yaşam İçin Yaşa (Live for Life) condemned the incident, claiming Güleryüz was “burned alive along with her animal companions” after being “systematically targeted”. They demanded that those responsible for inciting violence be prosecuted.
Authorities have launched a broad investigation, considering both the possibility of arson and an accidental cause. Initial reports suggest the fire may have started from an electric heater inside the house. However, some neighbours suspect foul play. “She didn’t use gas or a stove,” said Yasemin Ünal, a neighbour. “I saw the fire and rushed in, but I couldn’t reach her.”
There have been vocal critic of recent municipal crackdowns on street dogs for months. Several Turkish municipalities, particularly those aligned with the ruling AKP, have stepped up efforts to collect stray animals, a move that has drawn backlash from animal rights groups.
Her death has triggered an outpouring of grief and anger among animal welfare activists, who gathered at the scene calling for justice. “Every life taken is the responsibility of those who incited hate,” Yaşam İçin Yaşa stated, demanding legal action against those who had targeted her online.
As investigations continue, her supporters are calling for increased protections for animal activists, fearing further attacks in an increasingly polarised climate over street animal policies in Turkey.
