A dog that went missing with her retired banker owner has returned home almost three months after they both disappeared during a walk, his British wife has revealed.
Economist Korhan Berzeg, 83, vanished on 17th June while walking his dog Tina near the family home in Gonen, Balikesir Province, Turkey.
Now his wife Angela Berzeg had told how a tip-off led the family to Tina but her husband is still missing.
Korhan – former Asia Director at the World Bank – was feared to have been kidnapped.
But a TRY 1 million (GBP 29,000) reward has brought no clues or information about where he is or who could be holding him.
Angela says the dog was found after somebody who had read about her husband’s disappearance saw her wandering as a stray.
Amazingly the family found Tina and brought her home but there was no sign of Korhan.
Turkey’s Provincial Disaster and Emergency (AFAD) Directorate is coordinating a new search for the missing financial expert.
Wife Angela said: “We were always a happy family. We had no issues with anyone. It is very hard to deal with this uncertainty.”
Angela, an artist, met Korhan in America.
She told Turkish media: “It was love at first sight; we have been married for 52 years.
“It’s very hard to define him; we can’t put him into any mould.
“He was so honest that if there was any wrongdoing in his work or the environment he was in, he would immediately leave that place.”
Angela went on: “Since the first day I met him, he always had a desire to return to Turkey. He wanted to serve Turkey. We lived in Washington and Saudi Arabia.”
As to how her husband might have disappeared, she said: “He had no illnesses. He was fit and healthy. Sometimes he would experience forgetfulness, something that comes with age.”
Speaking about the high regard her husband was held in, Angela told local media: “When Korhan was working at the World Bank, the then-President Turgut Ozal offered him a ministerial position to manage the economy. However, Korhan declined.
“The Minister of Treasury and Finance, Mehmet Simsek, was also his student.”
Angela added: “I am British, and I love Turkey very much. I enjoy living here. I can cook almost all Turkish dishes.
“When Korhan returns, I’ll make his favourite dish, Imam bayildi (Turkish stuffed aubergines).”
Since Korhan was reported missing to police hundreds of search and rescue workers have been scouring an area of 250 square kilometres in a bid to find him.
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Story By: Michael Leidig, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash
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