People start returning to Istanbul's Istiklal Avenue after deadly terror attack

ISTANBUL

People started returning to Istanbul's Istiklal Avenue on Monday, a day after the busy thoroughfare was cordoned off due to a deadly terror attack.

Residents and local officials of the Beyoglu distrcit, where the blast left six dead and 81 injured, left carnations in memory of the victims on the usually bustling pedestrian street.

District Governor Mustafa Demirelli told reporters that they left the flowers both in remembrance of the victims and to send a message that "Istiklal is back to its lively days."

"I believe strong solidarity will help us heal our wounds and overcome difficult times. This is an attack on our stability, unity and togetherness," Beyoglu Mayor Haydar Ali Yildiz told reporters at the site.

The explosion on Istiklal Avenue was carried out by the PKK/YPG terrorist organization.

According to officials, a female suspect, who has now been arrested, took orders from the group's headquarters in Kobani, Syria. The YPG is the Syrian offshoot of the PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Türkiye, the US and the European Union.

*Writing by Zehra Nur Duz