A mystery "boss" is handing out cash in Istanbul

A mystery "boss" has been handing out envelopes stuffed with cash in Istanbul. For almost a month, people living in Haskoy have been handed packets containing the lira equivalent of around $200. “I do not know who is doing this but thanks to him many households are filled with joy. The world needs more people like this,” a resident told a news agency.

The people of Haskoy have dubbed the man "Hizir", which means "godsend". One resident said at least 20 families had received donations, and that Hizir appeared to target the homes that were most in need. While some households received one envelope, more disadvantaged families received up to three envelopes, locals said.

“I was up for the morning prayers. As I got out of the house, I saw some people talking with my sister. They said that they have given the money for our grocery needs. I thought that the envelope had at most 200 liras (roughly $37). But when I took a look at it, I saw that the envelope included 1,000 liras,” said Pasa Ali Bilgin, another resident of Haskoy.

When Bilgin asked the person who delivered the envelope where the money came from, he was told that the name of the “boss” could not be revealed.

"I think that the benefactor is an old resident of the neighbourhood who did not forget about his roots as he got richer," resident Oguzhan Erzurumlu said. "Otherwise, it is not possible for an outsider to know the ones in need.”

The Golden Horn has long been one of Istanbul's most depressed areas. However, this is changing as old buildings are levelled and new Golden Horn property developments take their place. It's part of the government's urban transformation programme, and will enhance the look and fortunes of the city.