The sister of the traitorous FETÖ member turned out to be the mastermind behind the 10-year escape: She had also determined the escape route.

12.08.2026 10:31

It has been revealed that the architect sister of FETÖ member dismissed captain Burkay Karatepe, who was part of the assassination team targeting President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Marmaris during the July 15 treacherous coup attempt by the terrorist organization FETÖ and was captured after a 10-year escape, Ayşe Alanur Karatepe, who harbored him, communicated with her brother via Word files in the "drafts" folder of their email account, stole the identities of workers at a construction site to prepare fake IDs and passports, and planned escape routes.

Burkay Karatepe, the expelled FETO lieutenant who was part of the assassination team targeting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Marmaris during the July 15 treacherous coup attempt by the armed terrorist organization FETO, was captured and arrested recently. His sister Ayse Alanur Karatepe (44), who aided and abetted Karatepe's hiding for 10 years, was also captured and arrested in the Menteşe district of Mugla.

SHE WAS THE MASTERMIND BEHIND THE 10-YEAR FUGITIVE

It was revealed that Sister Karatepe communicated with her brother Burkay Karatepe through Word files saved in the draft section of an email address they had determined as their secret communication system. The correspondence revealed that Sister Karatepe met with her FETO member brother on multiple occasions. It was determined that Sister Karatepe's guidance was behind Burkay Karatepe's inability to be caught for 10 years.

SHE SPENT 1 YEAR IN PRISON FOR HELPING HER TREACHEROUS BROTHER

According to Sabah's report, Sister Karatepe, an architect, said that after hearing about the coup attempt on July 18 and not hearing from her brother, she returned to Turkey from Cyprus where she was working. Karatepe stated that she remained in prison for 1 year due to her role and assistance in her brother's escape, and was released in 2017 with a ban on leaving the country. She noted that she received a sentence of 3 years and 9 months, and that this case is currently at the Court of Cassation stage. She stated that the travel ban was lifted in April 2026.

SHE USED THE ORGANIZATION'S METHOD AND SAID "I DON'T REMEMBER"

Stating that they later returned to Eskisehir with their father, Sister Karatepe said, "Then I returned to my job in Cyprus by plane. That was my last face-to-face meeting with Burkay."

Regarding the large amounts of money found in the house where her brother was captured, Karatepe said, "My father might have taken it," and claimed she did not remember messaging her brother via the drafts section on email. When reminded that this tactic is one of FETO's communication methods, Karatepe claimed she had just heard of this communication method.

When asked, "Did you have any face-to-face or other means of contact with Burkay Karatepe during his time as a fugitive?" Karatepe replied, "I do not want to answer this question."

"CONTINUE TO BE CAUTIOUS, JACKALS ARE WAITING IN AMBUSH"

It was determined that Karatepe contacted her brother by saving messages in the drafts section without sending emails. The preliminary review of the correspondence between her and her brother has also been completed.

Accordingly, in one Word file, messages such as, "It's good that you're moving on the scrap metal issue. But for your state of mind, don't take risks! You might run into the police, you can't afford to get into trouble for something not worth it. If it happens, it happens; when it doesn't, your mood gets bad. My lion, we'll grit our teeth and be patient, we'll act more rationally and decisively. You are more important to us than anything, you will be healthy, you will be fine!" were found.

It was also determined that Sister Karatepe used the expressions, "Let's arrange your friend's coming schedule. I thought March, but what's your plan..." and "The other matter is continue to be cautious, jackals are waiting in ambush to find an opening..." Karatepe refused to explain why she used these expressions.

"MY UNCLE IS A BIT TIMID BUT..."

In another conversation, expressions were also found such as, "Sln loves you very much, Aunt F and her husband love you very much. Aunt S and her husband are also afraid, they act cautiously so their son isn't fired from his job, but they have always been good to us, helpful to you. During Ramadan, they collect fitr and zakat and bring them all. My uncle is a bit timid, but everyone loves you and prays for you to overcome these days without falling into a trap. They visited Aunt C during the holiday, my aunt sent lots of greetings, she cried to my mother, she missed you too. In essence, everyone protects and embraces you, but they can't do it openly because they're afraid something will happen to our families and children."

Karatepe did not share the identities of the individuals in this correspondence with the investigation units.

"WE NEED TO SELL THE HOUSE AT LEAST 1 YEAR IN ADVANCE, THEY WILL TRACK THE MONEY"

Regarding her brother's escape, in another conversation, expressions were detected such as, "Arabic is a must. You need to learn it. Because the most suitable for your appearance is the Arab race. As I said, the house was worth 400-450 this summer. We need to sell it at least 6 months to 1 year in advance because they will track where the money is spent, because these aren't things that happen overnight, to avoid drawing attention, passport, ID, documents, vehicles, etc., take time, and my father is getting old, I can't do these alone, I need him."

Karatepe claimed she did not remember these correspondences either.

"THEY PINNED THEIR HOPES ON THE ELECTION... WE WILL WAIT"

The document numbered "Word Document-5" was one of the most striking correspondences. It was determined that Sister Karatepe used the expressions to her brother, "Plane Tree... Adjust your budget financially, I don't think there will be work until the summer for a while. Let's postpone the tablet replacement to 2021. Anyway, the next meeting will probably be in January or February. As much as possible, no phone calls or face-to-face meetings... There might be an election around June 2021, the situation is stable for us for 2-3 years. I spoke with the lawyer, we will get through this process like this, we will wait." However, Karatepe also claimed she did not remember these correspondences.

"DRAFT" APPOINTMENT FOR MEETING

It was determined that Sister Karatepe left a message in the draft named "Word Document 6" saying, "Let's meet next Tuesday, March 9, at 14:00. I miss you so much. Please leave a note that you've read this." As with the other messages, Karatepe claimed she did not remember this note either.

SHE PLANNED THE ESCAPE ROUTE LIKE THIS

It was revealed that in another correspondence, "Word Document-11", Ayse Alanur Karatepe determined a route for her brother's future exit abroad.

In the correspondence, "Hello, the plan changed, we will go to Hatay. We'll be there for 1 week. They are very good there, we ate, drank, and toured. They are very warm-hearted, sincere people. If a situation arises in the future and you have to go that way, we will definitely trust people; keep in mind their mother and father. They are reliable and won't abandon you halfway. If we have business via Syria to Beirut or something, they know the region well. That's why I'm in favor of keeping relations warm. If it's via Van over Iran, I have a reliable acquaintance to establish contact from there too. I don't know how the situation will shape up, but I will do whatever is necessary, don't doubt that. The West is a bit risky; I'm not sure if my brother-in-law would agree to help on that matter, he's reliable but might not want to take risks. Time will tell, we'll see."

SHE RESPONDED TO HER SISTER

In "Word Document 12", a message written by Burkay Karatepe was found. The FETÖ member former beret-wearing commando was found to have said, "If I had the car I mentioned, both my job would be easier and I could have more income. But since the money isn't mine, I couldn't buy it without asking you, sweetheart. Keep in mind, there's money in this scrap business..."

"A GARBAGE COLLECTOR APPEARED AT MY DOOR, CLEARLY HE'S UNDERCOVER"

In "Word Document 13", it was revealed that sister Karatepe said, "Actually, yesterday I didn't want to take a risk. I'm being followed again because before, I also saw a foal in my dream at night. The poor thing was struggling to survive in a tough place. I live in a separate house in the market area. The company covers my rent. For 15 days, I noticed every morning exactly when I came down, a garbage collector appeared at my door on the street. He wasn't there before, and he's young, fit, doesn't look like a garbage collector at all—clearly he's undercover. I figured it out and started saying hello, looking him straight in the eye. He came every day this week, then he realized I was mocking him and now he's gone. Then after about 3 days, I found the real garbage collector for my street and talked to him. He's been the garbage collector for this neighborhood for 5 years. The other one is fake. He's clearly keeping a report on me—whether anyone enters or leaves the house, who comes and goes, they're observing to see if you'll come. I'm not neglecting it; I'm home 2 days a week anyway."

SHE FEARED HER FATHER'S COMPLACENCY

In the continuation of the conversation, it was seen that sister Karatepe, who advised that the sent and delivered money belonged to her and that he should be at ease, complained to her brother about her father's complacency with these words: 

"They tied the recycling collection business to permits and uniforms because everyone was doing it, to bring it under control. That's why inspections by municipal police will increase, so only those with paperwork do it. They also want to collect taxes for detecting illegal situations. So don't rush; watch the market for a while, it'll settle in about 6 months anyway. And be careful when doing this job. Never take risks, never. Stay home but don't take risks—security is definitely the most important issue, along with health. He's very careless about security; he tells me I'm exaggerating, that he's not a cop but an ordinary garbage collector. I found the real garbage collector, registered with the municipality. That guy is so laid-back and careless. My instincts and observations are spot-on; I'm terrified of this idiot's complacency. He says, 'There's a distant relative, let me put it in his name.' I've told him a million times it has to be someone who doesn't know us at all. But if our contact is cut off, we'll activate that. There's no point in taking unnecessary risks now. One more year of patience, patience."

THE FATHER'S CODE NAME: FRIEND

In "Word Document 14", messages were found: "I'll send the friend around October; do you have a needs list... This job is due by the end of October, I need to finish it; maybe after that I can take 3-5 days off and accompany the friend when he comes. I don't know what the situation will show, but that's my intention... Buy the motorcycle if you come across one, don't worry about the money, it'll be useful to you anyway; I'll bring money if I come or send it with the friend, don't worry, we have savings." 

The investigation units asked who this "Friend" was and whether Burkay Karatepe had gone to him. Karatepe answered this question with, "I have no information about that."

GET A BIOMETRIC PHOTO TAKEN, HAVE IT READY

In document number 15, it was determined that suspect Ayşe Karatepe guided her brother with the words, "I'm crying with joy, are you crazy, how could I forget. Because you're here right now... He's waiting for good news from you; he'll probably cry with joy when he hears it too. Determine your needs, get a biometric photo taken, no lenses, you need to get a new type of chipped ID; their validity expires in 2023, the last 3 months."

HE BLAMED HIS FATHER 

Sister Karatepe was also asked about these statements. Karatepe claimed she had no involvement in this act, saying she guessed that her father had obtained the fake ID found on her brother when he was caught and given it to Burkay.

HE TOOK THE IDENTITIES OF WORKERS AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE

In document number 17, a message was found: "The friend hasn't gone to Istanbul yet; he'll go this month. I arranged secure identity information—the IDs of workers at a construction site all come to me; I pick from among them, they could work. You get a new biometric photo taken and keep it ready at home; you'll give it when I come. Have a chipped ID, one..." He also claimed to have no knowledge of this.

"DON'T SEARCH US ON THE INTERNET; THEY'LL FIND THE IP ADDRESS"

One of sister Karatepe's most striking messages appeared in the "Word Document 22" file. Giving her brother hints about the nicknames he used online, sister Karatepe said, "Don't use nicknames related to historical figures. Stay away from history, nationalist, or similar things. Use silly, Gen Z-style stuff. Give those up; stay away from things associated with you. Don't search online for things about us, your brother, or me, or family matters. From there, they'll find IP numbers, clues, and expose you."

"ARE THEY AS STUPID AS YOU? YOU ALL SET OUT WITH ONLY PLAN A"

One of the most striking points in the draft messages was sister Karatepe's complaint about the failure of the FETÖ assassination attempt plan against President Erdoğan. Sister Karatepe used the words, "We'll both leave from here; the creator will shape the rest anyway. All plans from A to Z are made. Are they as stupid as you? You all set out with only Plan A and fell into the trap. Everything has already gone abroad. All the assets and money for years. Now we're ready for everything."

"LET'S NOT ALWAYS DO SUNDAY; LET'S MIX IT UP SOMETIMES"

In a message showing sister Karatepe didn't let her guard down, it was seen that she planned meetings on a different specific day of the week, saying, "Let's also mix up the day sometimes. Let's not always do Sunday."

HE STUBBORNLY DENIED THE MESSAGES

In the draft titled "Word Document 25", it was found: "For the ID and such, I have someone I trust; I'll handle it with him. They also issue passports, but the passport and ID photos shouldn't be the same; they should be taken at different times, to avoid detection. Also, since there's no stamp, entry and exit to other countries will be new. So should I hold off on that or get it done? I have money, I've arranged it. I work from home, occasionally I go to Istanbul.I saved 10 thousand dollars for an ID and passport," he was seen saying.

Sister Karatepe, regarding these messages, claimed that she last met with Burkay after July 15, when she left him in the rugged terrain with his father. Despite all these messages, saying, "I have had no contact with Burkay until today," Sister Karatepe said, "I have made no effort to smuggle or get Burkay out of the country. This correspondence has nothing to do with me."

"NOT VIA THE MAIN ROAD, BUT THROUGH THE FIELDS"

In "Word Document 26," it was revealed that the sister was almost a 'mastermind' ensuring Burkay Karatepe's survival without being caught.

Sister Karatepe advised her brother, "There are cameras at the entrances and exits of all villages. Be aware that in our village, in the marketplace, and in Gözeli village. You need to stay hidden in the car. When walking, go through the fields, not the main road. Anyway, don't even think about saying 'I'll come soon.' Let some time pass, be calm. God will arrange a time. Don't rush. Let at least 5 years pass. … Don't worry about the money. When I come, I'll bring you 15 thousand dollars; we've saved it. Just, so it doesn't draw attention, so they don't say 'how does this man make a living,' do some work occasionally without taking risks…"

"I STARTED SPORTS TO BE ABLE TO RUN"

In another message, it was seen that the sister was making plans with Burkay Karatepe to flee the country illegally.

In the message, Sister Karatepe was seen saying, "Hopefully, we'll spend another winter not there but in a beautiful country together. I spoke with some friends. There was 50 thousand dollars. I bought a 1+1 apartment to rent out. I'll put the office up for sale after New Year. I'll get a bonus from work, and another 50 thousand dollars will come from there. So I'm preparing, you prepare too. That's why I started sports, to be able to run, eat healthy… we'll go together, be strong, don't spare the money."

"THE EARTHQUAKE TIME WAS EXACTLY A CHAOS PERIOD, WE COULDN'T THINK OF IT."

In this correspondence made by Sister Karatepe in 2025, statements indicating regret for not fleeing abroad during the earthquake period of February 6, 2023, were found.

Accordingly, Sister Karatepe was found to have used the expressions: "For now, we are waiting for the right conditions. Actually, 2 years ago, the earthquake time was exactly a chaos period; we couldn't think of it. We couldn't take advantage of it… I'll also sell the car at a suitable time; it will total around 8 million. That's more than enough for us…"

"IT WAS NOT ME, BUT MY SISTER"

In Burkay Karatepe's statement, he had said, "After my father, my sister was also arrested for helping me. My mother came to see me once with my sister, before going for Umrah." Sister Karatepe stated that it was her sister who went to Umrah with their mother, not her, but she did not answer whether she had met Burkay Karatepe face-to-face during the interrogation.

"I HAVE A FIRST-DEGREE BLOOD TIE"

Regarding her actions, Sister Karatepe defended herself, saying, "There is no way I can be in a situation of helping a terrorist organization. Everything I did was for my first-degree blood relative, my brother Burkay Karatepe."