Court confirms Turkish tycoon Haci Sabanci fathered child from extramarital affair

A legal battle involving Turkish businessperson Haci Sabanci has concluded with a court ruling confirming him as the biological father of a child born from an extramarital affair. The Istanbul Family Court ruled in favor of Fatma D., who had filed a paternity suit claiming that Sabanci was the father of her 4-year-old son, Uzay.

Following a court-ordered DNA test at the Forensic Medicine Institute, results showed with 99.99% certainty that Haci Sabanci is the child’s father. Despite objections from Sabanci’s legal team, the court upheld the forensic findings and ordered that Uzay be legally recognized as his son.

A year-long legal battle

The case was initiated by Fatma D. in 2021, shortly after the birth of her son. In her petition to the court, she requested DNA testing and the legal registration of Haci Sabanci as the father. The lawsuit has been ongoing for nearly a year, with both sides presenting arguments regarding the validity of the forensic report.

During the final hearing, Fatma D.’s lawyer urged the court to accept the case based on scientific evidence. Meanwhile, Sabanci’s attorneys argued that the forensic report lacked sufficient transparency and requested further review by a higher forensic board. However, the court dismissed their objections and ruled in favor of the mother.

Who is Haci Sabanci?

Haci Sabanci is a prominent figure in Türkiye’s business world, serving as vice chairman of the Board of Directors at Densa Holding. He is a fourth-generation member of the influential Sabanci family, known as the son of Arzu Sabanci and Omer Sabanci.

The Sabanci family is regarded as one of the wealthiest in Türkiye, second only to the Koc family.

Sabanci’s personal life in spotlight

Haci Sabanci has been married to Nazli Sabanci since 2021, and the couple has a daughter named Arzu Alara. The paternity lawsuit has drawn significant media attention, particularly after Sabanci initially denied the claims.

Following the DNA confirmation, he has refrained from making any further public statements, maintaining that the legal process should take its course.

Legal implications and public reaction

The court’s decision means that Uzay will now be legally recognized as Haci Sabanci’s son, with all associated parental rights and responsibilities enforced.

Public reaction to the case has been mixed, with some sympathizing with Sabanci’s family, while others emphasize the importance of taking responsibility for one’s children.

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