An American mother of two,Sarai Sierra,33,has been missing in Istanbul,Turkey for more than 10 days now.The Staten Island,New York aspiring photographer was to fly home on January 21,but never made it.
Ms.Sierra had originally planned to make the expedition with a friend.When the friend bowed out,she resolved to go on alone.She meticulously researched how to safely visit Istanbul by herself:where to go and at what time of day.Photos and video show that she dressed in a nondescript way,wearing drab clothing and a hat.
Ms.Sierra also visited Amsterdam,Netherlands and Munich,Germany,then returned to Istanbul,where she stayed in a hostel.She had reportedly planned to meet a man named Taylan,an Internet friend,on a bridge she wanted to photograph.Police are looking for this individual as well.
The Turkish police have formed a special task force to work the case.They are reviewing thousands of hours of surveillance video from downtown Istanbul for clues as to Ms.Sierra's whereabouts.They also seek her cell phone records.
A group of Turkish citizens have joined the search.The Association For Families With Lost Relatives is distributing fliers with Ms.Sierra's photos along with fliers for their own relatives.Ms.Sierra's husband and brother have flown to Istanbul to help police.Her children are ages 9 and 11.
Turkey is a NATO ally of the US and aspires to join the European Union.
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