Who is Özlem Şanver? How old is she, and what does she do?

Özlem Şanver is being investigated for her roughly ten‑year relationship with former CHP Deputy Chairman Berhan Şimşek and for violent incidents that have recently come to public attention. Her name, her relationship with Şimşek, and the scandalous violence footage that has surfaced recently have reached a wider audience.

How Old Is She? What Does She Do?

Public biographical information about Şanver is quite limited. As of 2026, Şanver is 44 years old. In a broadcast she participated in, Özlem Şanver said she had worked as staff at Ataşehir Municipality in the past, that she kept her private life away from the public during the early stages of her relationship with (68‑year‑old) Berhan Şimşek as of 2026, and that she held a position at the municipality during that period.

After the relationship became more visible in the public sphere, Şanver said that various rumors about the age gap between her and Şimşek surfaced. She later stated that she had left her position at the municipality.

Opened a Trendyol Store, but Şimşek Had It Shut Down

After leaving the municipality, Şanver started her own business, saying she opened a Trendyol store called “Berluna,” that she had named it inspired by Berhan Şimşek’s name and had obtained a patent for it. Şanver explained that she also closed the store at Şimşek’s request. She reported that Şimşek told her, “Forget it Özlem, you’re exhausted. Take care of us, take care of the house,” and she emphasized that this process was also economic violence.

How long have they been together with Berhan Şimşek?

Özlem Şanver recorded that her relationship with Berhan Şimşek began on 4 November 2017 and that they have lived together since that date.

Reports indicated that Şanver filed a criminal complaint in April 2026 alleging physical and psychological abuse by Şimşek and sought protection under Law No. 6284. The Istanbul Anatolian 1 Family Court also ordered a two‑month removal and protection measure against Şimşek, which was later extended for another two months.

Scandalous Footage Appearing in the Press

Şanver's name came to the forefront after security‑camera footage of the domestic violence incident in their shared home appeared in the press. The footage showed Şimşek kicking Şanver's foot and attempting to forcefully push her out of the camera's view.

Following the public release of the footage, Şimşek announced that he would resign from his positions on the CHP Central Executive Board and as general deputy chairman until the lawsuits against him concluded.

Claims About Şanver's 2021

Şanver's latest statements also included remarks about incidents he claimed had occurred earlier. Şanver said he had been subjected to physical violence in 2021, received an injury report afterward, and filed a complaint.

Şanver also said he had gone through a process to end the relationship after the events, but later continued living together again.

He Wanted His Driver Fired, Ties Were Cut

In statements to the public following the latest violent incident, Şanver said the disputes stemmed from tensions with Berhan Şimşek's driver. Şanver alleged that the married driver had brought another woman, besides his wife, into the couple's shared home.

Şanver's public recognition is largely shaped by his relationship with Berhan Şimşek, but recent statements and the legal proceedings that have come to light have prompted further investigation into the question, 'Who is Özlem Şanver?'