Thousands of items left behind on Istanbul's public transportation network found new owners this week after being auctioned off by the city's public transit authority, generating more than TL 1.3 million ($28,100) in sales.
The auction, held at the General Directorate of Istanbul's public transportation operator IETT in the Karaköy district on Tuesday, featured 7,566 items forgotten on buses, metrobus vehicles and other public transport services.
The items had been stored for one year and remained unclaimed by their owners. According to IETT regulations, items that are not collected within that period and are unsuitable for donation can be sold through public auction if they remain in usable condition.
Organized by the Lost Property Office, the sale included a wide variety of goods ranging from electronics and household appliances to musical instruments and personal accessories.
Among the most sought-after lots were 404 Android smartphones, which sold for TL 375,000, and 1,193 pairs of glasses, which fetched TL 235,000. A collection of 4,388 headphones sold for TL 171,000, while 15 laptops were purchased for TL 95,000.
