A Street in Izmir Named After Murdered Trans Sex Worker

Azra Has, a trans sex worker who had been murdered by a serial killer in 2010, is commemorated in the western city of Izmir. Her name was given to then Bornova Street where many trans sex workers live.

 

LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex) activists met in Alsancak yesterday, the hub of Izmir, in order to keep Azra’s memory alive. Izmir Association of Musicians joined the activists with their live music for a celebration of life.

 

Azra Has was killed by serial killer Hamdi Ayri along with two other women, Esra Yasar and Ayse Selen Ayla. Both women’s names were given to streets by Balcova Municipality of Izmir whereas Azra’s name was declined as “she did not reside in Balcova.”

 

In 2012, The Ministry of Family and Social Affairs referred to Azra’s name of choice as a “nickname”, insisting on using her official name. The murderer got the maximum penalty for the killings, facing aggravated life imprisonment, 48 years of jailing and a fine of 2000 TL (about 670 Euros).

 

Azra was one of the founding members of Black Pink Triangle, the only LGBTI association in Izmir.