The 18-year-old Turkish ballerina Eylul Sila Ilgaz, a promising student at the Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University’s ballet department, was found dead in her room at her family’s home in Istanbul’s Kagithane district.
Her body was discovered on Tuesday morning and initial reports indicate her death is being treated as suspicious. The Istanbul Forensic Medicine Institute will conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause.
Ilgaz had reportedly joined her family for breakfast before retreating to her room. According to statements, she had a brief disagreement with her mother, Sibel Ilgaz, after which she went to her room.
Later, when her mother entered the room, she found her daughter hanging from the ceiling by a strap fashioned from her backpack’s shoulder strap. Sibel Ilgaz reportedly used a knife to cut her daughter down and immediately notified emergency services. Upon their arrival, paramedics confirmed Ilgaz’s death at the scene.
Following this tragic discovery, authorities launched a comprehensive investigation. Police took Ilgaz’s parents, Sibel and Baris Ilgaz, in for questioning to gather more information regarding the incident.
Statements from the family suggest that the recent argument between Eylul and her mother may have been one of their last exchanges before her death. Police have yet to release any details on what the mother and daughter discussed that morning, and the family has provided no further information.
The public prosecutor also inspected the scene, confirming that her death is currently categorized as suspicious, pending autopsy results.
Eylul Sila Ilgaz was known as a rising talent in the dance community. Since 2016, she had competed in several international ballet competitions, earning one gold and two silver medals.
These achievements reflected her potential in the ballet world, where she aimed to reach international acclaim. Her teachers and peers described her as a dedicated artist with a passion for ballet and a bright future.
