In southern Turkey, police officers stopped a 33-year-old man from taking his own life by offering him a shawarma sandwich and speaking to him calmly for hours. According to local media reports, the man climbed to the rooftop of a five-story building and threatened to end his life.
Witnesses said he was standing near the edge of the building and appeared deeply distressed. People passing by noticed the situation and quickly informed authorities. Within minutes, police officers, firefighters, and medical teams arrived at the scene.
The man was reportedly carrying a knife, a rope tied like a noose, and a plastic bottle filled with gasoline. His actions caused panic among residents and shopkeepers nearby. Many feared that he might harm himself or start a fire. Emergency responders quickly blocked off the area to protect the public and focused on preventing the situation from getting worse.
Instead of using force or rushing toward him, police officers chose a calm and patient approach. They began speaking with him from a safe distance. Officers tried to build trust and understand what he was feeling. According to Turkish media, the man is known by the nickname “Suicide Traveler” because he has reportedly attempted to take his life many times in different cities across the country.
During negotiations, Officers continued speaking to him gently. At one point, he reportedly said he was hungry, which changed the direction of the conversation. One of the officers decided to order him a shawarma sandwich, also known as döner kebab.
Witnesses said that when the sandwich arrived, officers offered it to him as a simple human gesture. After receiving the food, the man began to calm down. The tense atmosphere slowly changed. Police continued talking to him while he ate.
Earlier in the situation, he had reportedly shouted that he wanted to set himself on fire. However, after eating and continuing the conversation, his emotions appeared less intense. Officers kept encouraging him to step away from the edge.
After a long discussion, the man agreed to come down safely from the rooftop. Emergency teams quickly secured him and made sure he was not injured. Authorities later confirmed that he was taken into protective care and connected with medical and psychological support services.
Turkish media reported that despite repeated rescue attempts and psychological help in the past, the man continues to struggle with serious emotional and mental health challenges. Officials did not release his full identity to protect his privacy.
Professionals explain that during moments of extreme stress, basic human needs such as hunger, comfort, and attention can strongly affect emotions. A small act of kindness can sometimes lower tension enough to prevent a tragic outcome. In this case, offering food created a simple connection that helped open the door for dialogue.
However, experts also stress that long-term support is necessary. Repeated suicide attempts often show deep emotional pain and ongoing mental health disorders. Therapy, medical care, and community support play an important role in preventing future crises.
Local authorities in Antalya have not shared detailed medical information, but they confirmed that medical staff transferred the man to receive professional care. The focus, they said, was on saving a life and ensuring everyone’s safety.
