23.05.2026 14:50
Author Yusuf Kaplan called on Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi for a Uighur Turkish woman with two children who was taken to the Kumkapı Repatriation Center after her residence extension application was rejected in Istanbul. Following Kaplan's call, made with the words "Let this insensitivity end," the woman was released.
A Uyghur Turkish woman, a mother of two living in Istanbul, was sent to the Kumkapı Repatriation Center after her residence extension application was rejected. Following growing reactions on social media, Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi intervened. Minister Çiftçi announced that the East Turkestan mother has been released and the issue will be resolved through an international protection application.
"LET THIS INSENSITIVITY END"
Writer Yusuf Kaplan brought the issue to the agenda through a post on his X account, sharing that Mıhrıgül Tayurak, a Uyghur Turkish mother of two, was taken to the Repatriation Center. Kaplan announced the incident that took place on May 21, 2026, with these words:
"A Uyghur Turkish mother of two children was sent to the Kumkapı Repatriation Center in Istanbul without any explanation after her humanitarian residence extension application was rejected on May 21, 2026. There is no stated accusation. But there are two children at risk of being separated from their mother. This uncertainty and pressure against Uyghur Turks should no longer be ignored."
INTERIOR MINISTER ÇİFTÇİ'S SWIFT INTERVENTION
Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi responded to Kaplan's post within minutes. Initially sharing the message "I will look into it, Hocam," Minister Çiftçi soon gave the good news, announcing the release of the East Turkestan mother with these words:
"Dear Hocam, We will accept the individual's international protection application, thus the problem will be resolved. Additionally, the Uyghur Turkish lady has been released from our repatriation center."