Newsletters
One of Türkiye’s most prominent businessmen, Inan Kirac, was reportedly abducted late Thursday while undergoing a medical check-up at a hospital in Istanbul’s Zeytinburnu district, according to multiple Turkish media outlets.
Kirac, 88, was allegedly taken by unidentified individuals from the custody of his legal guardians during his stay at Koc Hospital. However, conflicting reports suggest Kirac may have left the hospital voluntarily with his own driver.
CNN Turk 's Nihat Uludag reported: “Kirac may have left with his driver, possibly at his own request, but this has not been verified. His family relations have been turbulent recently. He married not long ago, and the 2nd Family Court had issued a restraining order concerning his spouse. At the moment, teams are searching for Inan Kirac everywhere.”
Local media reported that the legal guardianship board tried to intervene during the incident, but suspects allegedly drove toward the guardians and fled the scene. Turkish police are conducting a thorough investigation, reviewing security footage and eyewitness accounts. Kirac’s whereabouts remain unknown as law enforcement continues its search.
Koc Hospital issued a statement denying the abduction reports: “Mr. Inan Kirac was admitted on May 21, 2025, for a general check-up at the request of his legal guardians."
"On May 22, after completing all tests, Mr. Kirac left the hospital accompanied by his assistant and driver without guardians’ permission and before discharge procedures were finalized. Claims that he was abducted by unidentified individuals are baseless," it added.
Born on Feb. 4, 1937, in Eskisehir, Inan Kirac graduated from Galatasaray High School and studied business at City College in London. He began his career as a translator on the Kemer Dam project. In 1961, at age 24, Kirac joined Koc Group’s Ormak A.S. as a sales clerk. He became general manager of Otoyol, a manufacturer of Fiat trucks and midibuses, in 1966, and in 1970 was appointed general manager of Tofas Oto Ticaret, responsible for marketing and distributing Fiat vehicles produced in Türkiye.
Kirac married Suna Kirac in 1969. On their 15th wedding anniversary, they adopted a daughter, Ipek Kirac, who was four months old. Kirac served as CEO of Koc Holding until his retirement in 1998, playing a key role in the development of Türkiye’s automotive industry. That year, he co-founded the Kiraca Group with Claude Nahum.
In 2000, Kirac and his wife established the Suna and Inan Kirac Mediterranean Civilizations Research Institute in Antalya. The Suna and Inan Kirac Foundation, founded in 2003, supports culture, education, and the arts. It opened the Pera Museum in 2005 and the Istanbul Research Institute in 2007.
Due to advanced dementia, Kirac was placed under legal guardianship by court order. Recently, his daughter Ipek sought to remove his current legal guardians, citing her authority granted in relation to an annulment lawsuit involving his marriage. The court approved her request. Reports also allege that Kirac’s wife, Emine Alangoya, tried to prevent his hospitalization.
As the situation develops, concerns about Kirac’s health and safety remain high, with official updates yet to be issued.
1 min read
4 min read
