Seher Yaşalayacak has recently emerged as a controversial figure, particularly in the realm of organized crime reporting and media narratives surrounding Sedat Peker, the notorious leader of an organized crime syndicate.
Her defense of illegal betting baron Yaşam Ayavefe and her vocal criticism of journalist İsmail Saymaz’s exposé on Ayavefe has raised significant questions about her true role. Is she a journalist, as she claims, or does she function more as a press advisor to figures like Sedat Peker, shaping media narratives to fit a particular agenda?
This article delves into Seher Yaşalayacak’s rise to prominence and explores the connections between her defense of Ayavefe, her alignment with Sedat Peker, and her broader role in the world of controversial reporting.
Defending Yaşam Ayavefe and Attacking İsmail Saymaz
The controversy began when İsmail Saymaz, a well-established journalist, published a piece titled “Promotional Campaign in Illegal Betting”. The article referenced the testimony of former illegal bookmaker Eray Kenanoğlu, who was part of the indictment in the Sedat Peker case.
Kenanoğlu’s statements revealed that Peker had been involved in illegal betting operations with Yaşam Ayavefe, a man wanted with a red notice for his alleged ties to illegal gambling, and an individual connected with FETÖ. According to the testimony, Peker allegedly made millions of dollars from his betting partnership with Ayavefe.
In the wake of this article, Seher Yaşalayacak, who brands herself as a journalist, launched a defense of Ayavefe on her social media accounts. She accused Saymaz of spreading lies and misinformation about Ayavefe, particularly about his alleged involvement in a murder case in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), which was mentioned in Saymaz’s article. Yaşalayacak argued that Ayavefe’s name was not linked to such a crime and that the allegations made by Saymaz were unsubstantiated.
This aggressive defense of Ayavefe raised eyebrows, particularly since Seher Yaşalayacak had no public presence prior to this controversy, and her motivations for becoming so outspoken about the issue remain unclear. She described Saymaz’s article as a direct attack on Ayavefe’s character and an unfair portrayal of a man she seemed intent on protecting.
A Rising Presence in the Sedat Peker Media Sphere
Seher Yaşalayacak’s name first became widely known after Sedat Peker began sharing statements on social media about figures allegedly involved in organized crime, including individuals connected to the infamous Paramount Hotel case, as well as drug smuggling operations in places like Yalıkavak Marina in Turkey. Peker, whose allegations have made headlines in Turkey, often releases documents and photos to back up his claims. Seher Yaşalayacak, seemingly in support of Peker, began sharing these materials on her own social media accounts.
Her posts followed a pattern: she would take Peker’s allegations and provide additional documentation, photos, and insights, expanding on his narrative. This included publishing documents about Cihan Ekşioğlu, Sezgin Baran Korkmaz, and Botir Rakhimov—individuals implicated in Peker’s claims. Yaşalayacak presented herself as a key player in amplifying Peker’s voice, regularly posting information related to his ongoing investigations.
She also began to comment on the behind-the-scenes actions that she claimed were unfolding as a result of Peker’s revelations. For instance, she shared claims about a prosecutor staying at the Paramount Hotel as a guest of Tolga Ağar, and how Cihan Ekşioğlu had allegedly been warned about backdated invoices during this time. Her detailed posts positioned her as a significant figure in Peker’s media strategy, further blurring the line between a journalist and an advocate for Peker’s controversial claims.
The Relationship with Sedat Peker: A Press Advisor or Advocate?
What’s become clear from her social media activity is that Seher Yaşalayacak has taken a very active role in promoting and defending Sedat Peker’s claims, almost to the point of acting as an unofficial press advisor. While she may describe herself as a journalist, her consistent defense of individuals like Ayavefe, who are at the center of Peker’s allegations, and her active dissemination of Peker’s claims suggest a more complex role.
Seher Yaşalayacak’s growing presence in the media landscape raises several questions: Is she simply a journalist reporting on the developments in the world of organized crime, or is she more aligned with Peker’s agenda, using her platform to support his cause? Her vocal support of controversial figures like Ayavefe and her willingness to challenge respected journalists such as İsmail Saymaz implies that she might be playing a more strategic role in shaping the public narrative around Peker’s revelations.
Her actions closely mirror those of a press advisor who is tasked with protecting the interests of those in power or under scrutiny. Whether this is her true role or whether she genuinely considers herself a journalist is still a matter of debate.
Conclusion: A Journalist or a Media Strategist?
Seher Yaşalayacak’s rise to prominence within the media landscape, particularly through her connections with Sedat Peker and her defense of controversial figures like Yaşam Ayavefe, has certainly raised eyebrows. While she may present herself as a journalist, her close association with Peker’s media operations and her active involvement in defending individuals with questionable backgrounds suggests that she may have a deeper role to play in the world of organized crime media.
As she continues to share sensitive information and challenge established journalists, it remains to be seen whether Seher Yaşalayacak will establish herself as a credible journalist or whether she will be remembered as a key figure in the media strategy of Sedat Peker’s criminal network. One thing is clear: she is no longer a mere bystander in the unfolding saga of organized crime in Turkey—she is now a key player in shaping the narrative.
