Scattering of ashes by British tourists at Uzunyalı beach in Marmaris triggers panic among beachgoers, prompting a health investigation in Turkey. The incident sheds light on the challenges travellers face due to stringent cremation laws and cultural differences, as seen in past incidents involving burial practices in the country.
A recent incident involving British tourists in Marmaris, Turkey, has led to a health alert following the scattering of a deceased relative’s ashes into the sea. The ceremony took place on Monday at Uzunyalı beach, a known favourite spot of the deceased family member who had lost his life at sea. This event caused ‘panic’ among beachgoers and prompted an immediate health investigation and water sampling by local health authorities concerned about potential health hazards.
Cremation is not legal in Turkey, and there are stringent restrictions on bringing and scattering ashes in the country. This has often posed challenges for travellers, as highlighted by British forum users who have documented the extensive bureaucratic processes involved in obtaining the necessary permissions for such ceremonies.
The British government advises that when a British person dies in Turkey, the bereaved should contact local funeral directors to arrange a burial, aligning with local practices since cremation is not permitted under Islamic law. Alternatively, arrangements can be made for repatriating the body.
Separately, a notable incident in 2022 involved the accidental cremation of a Turkish man, Abdülkadir Sargın, in Hannover, Germany. This mistake was uncovered during funeral preparations when Sargın’s family discovered the wrong body in the coffin. An intern at the hospital admitted to mistakenly mixing up the bodies, leading to a police investigation.
These incidents underscore the sensitive cultural and legal landscapes surrounding burial practices in Turkey and the complications that can arise for those wishing to honor relatives’ final wishes in a country where cremation is not an option.