Suicide bullet kills woman, injures male partner in famous Istanbul street

A Turkish woman was killed and her male partner badly wounded with the same bullet in a suicide attempt in Istanbul's best known shopping street on Oct. 2.

The woman, Zeren Büke Toku, and her partner, Nazif Tu?rul Sa?lam, sat on a pavement on the bustling ?stiklal Avenue near the iconic Taksim Square, where several other young people were out late Friday, some drinking and others making music, Do?an News Agency reported. 

Zeren Büke Toku
Toku then pulled out a gun from her bag, shot herself in the head with a single bullet, which exited her skull and hit her partner's. Toku died in hospital and Sa?lam was hospitalized in critical condition as the gunshot blew away parts of his brain. 

Nazif Tu?rul Sa?lam
The suicide attempt caused panic on ?stiklal Avenue, which is a colourful mix of high-street brands, bustling cafes and bazaars, AFP reported.

The motive behind the suicide was not immediately clear but witnesses told Do?an News Agency that they had been drinking beforehand.

Police cordoned off parts of ?stiklal Avenue and an investigation has been launched.

10 best activities in Turkey to do for less than $30

Bird's-eye pictures reveal risk of devastation for Istanbul's city walls

Top 10 restaurants for romance in Turkey

In photos: Super blood moon

Halfeti - A town of mesmerizing beauty

Exhibition shows Istanbul through eyes of children

Secret weapons of Turkish army: locally produced rocket launchers, missile systems

The bugs of Ankara: The weirdest scenes that anyone can run into in Turkish capital

A bird's eye view tour of Turkey's eastern provinces of Van and Hakkari

Turkish man with four wives has his 32nd child

Meet the...