The **Istanbul nightclub shooting**, also widely referred to in Turkey as the **Reina massacre**, was a horrific act of terror that cast a somber shadow over New Year's Day celebrations in 2017. This devastating mass shooting incident occurred on January 1, 2017, at approximately 01:15 am local time, targeting the exclusive Reina nightclub located in the bustling Ortaköy neighbourhood of Istanbul, Turkey.

Hundreds of revelers, both locals and international tourists, had gathered at the iconic venue to usher in the new year. The attacker, later identified as Uzbekistan-born Abdulkadir Masharipov, unleashed a brutal assault, claiming the lives of 39 individuals and leaving 79 others wounded. The attack sent shockwaves globally, highlighting the vulnerability of public spaces even during times of festivity.

Reina was a high-profile, upscale nightclub situated directly on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, a natural waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and dividing Istanbul's European and Asian sides. Its prominent location and popularity among celebrities and international visitors made it a symbolic target.

The Attack and Its Aftermath

The assailant arrived at the nightclub in a taxi, initially attempting to enter from the main entrance before returning to the street and opening fire on a police officer and a security guard. He then stormed the club, firing indiscriminately with an automatic weapon, causing panic and chaos among the unsuspecting crowd. Many victims either died from direct gunfire or drowned after jumping into the cold waters of the Bosphorus to escape the massacre. The incident was quickly classified as a terrorist attack, prompting an immediate and extensive manhunt across Turkey.

Identification and Capture of the Perpetrator

An intensive two-week nationwide search operation, involving thousands of police officers and intelligence agents, culminated in the successful apprehension of the primary suspect, Abdulkadir Masharipov. He was apprehended in Istanbul's Esenyurt district on January 17, 2017, following a tip-off. At the time of his arrest, he was found with his four-year-old son, along with an Iraqi man and three women from various countries. Masharipov, reportedly trained in Afghanistan, had entered Turkey illegally before the attack.

Claim of Responsibility by ISIS

The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as ISIS, swiftly claimed responsibility for the Reina nightclub attack. In a statement released shortly after the incident, ISIS asserted that the attack was in retaliation for Turkey's military involvement in Syria, specifically referencing Operation Euphrates Shield, an ongoing Turkish cross-border military intervention against ISIS and Kurdish forces. This marked a significant shift in ISIS tactics, as it was the first time the group had directly claimed such a large-scale, direct attack on Turkish soil, distinct from previous terror acts attributed to them or their sympathizers within the country.

Legal Proceedings and Verdict

The legal process following the Reina massacre was extensive, involving a large number of accused individuals. The first hearing in the trial of Abdulkadir Masharipov and 51 accused accomplices, believed to be involved in planning, aiding, or abetting the attack, commenced on December 11, 2017. Subsequent hearings continued, with the next notable session held on March 26, 2018.

Ultimately, in September 2020, Abdulkadir Masharipov was convicted of 39 counts of murder and one count of attempting to overthrow the constitutional order. He received 40 life sentences without the possibility of parole—one for each victim and an additional one for the primary terror charge. Furthermore, he was sentenced to an additional 1,368 years in prison for various other charges, including attempted murder and being a member of a terrorist organization. Many of his co-defendants also received lengthy prison sentences for their roles in the conspiracy.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Reina Massacre

What was the Istanbul nightclub shooting?

The Istanbul nightclub shooting, also known as the Reina massacre, was a terrorist attack on January 1, 2017, at the Reina nightclub in Istanbul, Turkey, where a gunman opened fire on New Year's Day celebrants.

When and where did the Reina massacre occur?

It occurred on January 1, 2017, around 01:15 am local time, at the Reina nightclub in the Ortaköy neighbourhood of Istanbul, Turkey.

Who was responsible for the attack?

The attack was carried out by Abdulkadir Masharipov, an Uzbekistan-born terrorist, and was claimed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/ISIS).

How many people were killed and wounded in the attack?

The attack resulted in the deaths of 39 people and left 79 others wounded.

What happened to Abdulkadir Masharipov after the attack?

Abdulkadir Masharipov was arrested in Istanbul on January 17, 2017, after a two-week manhunt. He was later convicted and sentenced in September 2020 to 40 life sentences without parole, plus an additional 1,368 years in prison for his crimes.