27.08.2026 11:31
Andrei Chertkov, a 76-year-old Russian citizen reported to have been living on the streets for about a week in Istanbul's Esenler district, was found by Su Kulaçatan, who carries out aid activities, and taken to the hospital. Chertkov, who was diagnosed with a lung infection and developed serious wounds on his legs due to being unable to care for himself for a long time, began to be hosted at Kulaçatan's home after his treatment. For Chertkov, who says he wants to return to his country, the Provincial Directorate of Migration Management has initiated procedures.
The situation of 76-year-old Russian citizen Andrei Chertkov, who lives on the streets in Istanbul, came to light thanks to the attention of nearby citizens. Photographs of Chertkov, seen in Esenler's Nene Hatun Neighborhood, were delivered to Su Kulaçatan, who helps the destitute and homeless.
Chertkov, who was learned to have been staying on different streets between Esenler and Bağcılar for about a week, was found as a result of searches.
IT WAS UNDERSTOOD THAT HE DID NOT KNOW TURKISH
Kulaçatan, who tried to communicate with Chertkov, noticed that the 76-year-old man did not know Turkish. Upon this, help was sought from people who knew Russian.
It was determined that the person, from whom no ID or passport was found, was named Andrei Chertkov and was a Russian citizen. Chertkov agreed to go to the hospital after being asked questions.
LUNG INFECTION WAS DETECTED
After authorities were notified, Chertkov was taken to the hospital. In the analyses and examinations conducted there, it was determined that he had a lung infection.
While it was stated that his blood tests came out clean, it was found that he had serious wounds on his legs due to not being able to take care of himself for a long time. After doctors stated that he could be treated at home, Chertkov, whose medications were prescribed, was discharged.
TOOK HIM HOME AND HOSTED HIM
After his procedures at the hospital, Su Kulaçatan took Chertkov to his home. Kulaçatan and those with him changed the 76-year-old man's dirty clothes, gave him a bath, shaved him, and cut his nails.
Clothed in clean clothes, Chertkov then began to be hosted at Kulaçatan's home.
ENTERED TURKEY IN 2025
According to the information in the documents found with Chertkov, it was determined that he entered Turkey on April 16, 2025, and did not have legal residence permission.
It was found that a deportation order was issued against him on October 16, 2025, due to a visa violation, and he was subjected to a reporting obligation. It was learned that Chertkov was caught on August 17, 2026, and taken to Arnavutköy, but since his reporting obligation was still active, it was determined that he was not within the scope of foreigners to be deported, and he was released.