Honored Martyr's Story
Iklima was a young woman trying to survive in Samsun. She ran away from her hometown of Tokat fleeing her life with her family who wanted a traditional life for her. She worked odd jobs and stayed with different people to survive. She began working as a tattoo artist and at cafes to save money to have her own house. Her body was found on the beach in Samsun, having been shot in the head. Police also found a note, read her text and social media communication, and declared her death a suicide. In the note, she calls out three people of sexual assault. Two of the accused assailants were people she lived with and another was the real estate agent she was working with to find a home. Two of the men were apprehended on other crimes and questioned, but released. Women’s groups are calling foul and believe she was either killed, or if it was suicide, it was because of the oppressive environment for women.