Turkish authorities discovered a woman’s body on March 2 in a forested area of Balıkesir Province.

Due to prolonged exposure to the natural environment, identification at the scene was impossible. Preliminary investigations suggest the victim may be 46-year-old Dilafruz Chulieva, a native of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, who had been reported missing on January 21. Fragments of clothing found at the scene matched descriptions of what she was last seen wearing, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

In connection with Chulieva’s disappearance, Turkish authorities have detained another Uzbek citizen. Officials said technical data indicated the missing woman’s last mobile phone signal was detected near the man’s residence.

Chulieva had been living legally in Türkiye and working in the Burhaniye district of Balıkesir Province. Since her disappearance, investigators explored several scenarios, but after the March 2 discovery, authorities are focusing on a possible violent death.

Uzbek diplomatic missions in Türkiye are coordinating with local police to verify her identity and protect the rights of Uzbek nationals. Her family has been informed and is awaiting DNA results.

The case comes amid heightened attention following the January killings of two Uzbek women in Istanbul, prompting Turkish authorities to increase safety measures for foreign residents.