Constantinople’s Armenian community has been shaken by the news of the murder of 64-year-old Hagop Değirmencioğlu. According to reports, he was killed in his apartment by a neighbor. The alleged perpetrator himself alerted the police, reporting that an unpleasant odor was coming from the neighboring room. Upon entering, police officers discovered Hagop Değirmencioğlu’s lifeless body. According to the preliminary investigation, the cause of death was stabbing.

Değirmencioğlu was known within Constantinople’s Armenian community. He had previously worked as a doorman at the Holy Trinity Church, and more recently had been battling a serious illness and receiving financial assistance from community organizations.

The circumstances of the incident raise numerous questions. The alleged perpetrator claimed that a dispute had arisen over rent, after which, in a moment of anger, he killed Değirmencioğlu. However, available information concerning the victim’s apartment and rent raises contradictions that need to be clarified as part of the investigation.

Hagop Değirmencioğlu’s death is yet another painful loss for Constantinople’s Armenian community. A full and impartial investigation into all the circumstances of the case is essential to ensure justice and provide answers to the many unanswered questions.