Hundreds of dead fish surfaced in a stream in Istanbul's Zeytinburnu district after maintenance work by the Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (ISKI) cut off the water flow for several days, leaving behind a foul odor and prompting an official investigation.
The fish were found floating in the Çırpıcı Stream, which flows into the Sea of Marmara from the Kazlıçeşme neighborhood. Municipal teams removed the dead fish trapped behind a barrier after the stream's connection to the sea was temporarily blocked during ongoing infrastructure works.
The reduced water level, caused by the maintenance operations, has also led to a strong smell in the surrounding area, while seagulls were seen feeding on the remaining fish.
ISKI crews continue wastewater, stormwater, cleaning, and repair works at the site.
The incident has drawn complaints from residents and visitors spending the weekend at the nearby Aytekin Kotil Park.
